March 19, 2011, Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, United States
Matchups:UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
Mauricio Rua (No. 1 LHW,)vs. Jon Jones (No. 7 LHW) - Everyone seems to be overlooking the champ and already crowning Jones the new king of 205 lbs. Shogun has a very underrated Jiu Jitsu game and he hits very hard. We haven't seen what Jones' chin looks like if he does take a big clean shot. We haven't seen Jones fight off his back against a solid grappler. I think Jones will takedown Shogun repeatedly, Shogun will be able to sweep and get back up but eventually he'll get tired and start to slow down. Shogun is not to be overlooked and he will not go out without a fight. Jones by decision. This is definitely a more exciting than the Shogun vs Rashad fight.
Urijah Faber vs. Eddie Wineland - Wineland is a solid fight but Faber is a class above. I see Faber striking with Eddie, hurting him and grabbing a submission from a scramble. Faber by rear naked choke, rd. 2. 
Mirko Filipovic vs. Brendan Schaub - I love Cro Cop but he doesn't have much left. I don't see any motivation from Mirko, he's fighting for a paycheck and nothing else. Schaub is young, hungry and looking to to add names to his resume. I think he puts him away early. Schaub by TKO, rd. 1.
Jim Miller vs. Kamal Shalorus - We got a battle between two very tough fighters here. While Shalorus is technically deficient in striking he seems to prefer it over using his wrestling to get takedowns and do damage from top position. Miller should win this one. He could pull out a submission but I'm thinking we're gonna see a stand up battle and the judges siding with the New Jersey boy. Miller by decision. 
Nate Marquardt vs. Dan Miller - While I'm always rooting for the other Miller brother I don't think he has what it takes win this one. Marquardt is too well rounded and where he is weak, his wrestling, Miller doesn't have anything for him. Nate has better striking and more power. Not sure what happens when it hits the mat since both guys are excellent grapplers, but I'll take Marquardt by decision. 
Anthony Njokuani vs. Edson Barboza Jr. - This one has 'Fight of the Night' written all over it. Both fighters are very good strikers with a variety of punches and kicks. I'm going with the newcomer, Barboza, to stop the Nigerian in his tracks with some vicious Muay Thai. Barboza Jr. by TKO, rd. 3.
Luis Artur Cane Jr. vs. Eliot Marshall - I don't see a blowout in this one but I think it stays mostly on the feet with Cane getting the advantage. Marshall hasn't really impressed since his stint on the Ultimate Fighter and hasn't beat great competition in getting back to the Octagon. Cane by decision.
Raphael Assuncao vs. Erik Koch - This is a great matchup. Both guys are very skilled and very tough. I was leaning Koch at first since he's got the height and reach advantage, but i can't pick against the caveman looking guy. Assuncao by decision.
Joseph Benavidez vs. Ian Loveland - I don't know how much of a battle Loveland is gonna put up against one of the best bantamweights in the world. Loveland is tough but he has a submission liability & Benavidez has a mean guillotine. Benavidez by submission, rd. 1.
Ricardo Almeida vs. Mike Pyle - Pyle is a tough up and coming fighter who is gonna bring the fight. I think the BJJ ace can neutralize and control Pyle. Almeida by decision.
Kurt Pellegrino vs. Gleison Tibau - Tibau should be able to repeatedly get takedowns, stay out of submission trouble, and ground-and-pound to a tough decision victory over Pellegrino. Tibau by decision.
Costantinos Philippou vs. Nick Catone - Catone by decision
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