UFC 125 Predictions

Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard - Frankie Edgar has turned the corner towards becoming an elite fighter in MMA, he has conquered the gold standard of the lightweight division in the UFC, and will be hungry to avenge the only defeat of his career. Edgar by UD.

Chris Leben vs. Brian Stann - Stann is tough as nails but Leben's performance against Akiyama showed his refusal to lose. I don't think that Stann has the skillset to break Leben's will. Expect fireworks as Leben comes out with a TKO victory in the 1st.

Brandon Vera vs. Thiago Silva - Vera will look to bounce back after a crushing loss to Jon Jones. The biggest question for me is the possibility of Vera having some ring rust. I think Vera's ground game may mark the difference. Vera by a close UD.

Nate Diaz vs. Dong Hyun Kim - There's no question where this fight will end up, the question is who will dictate the pace. While not particularly flashy, Kim's top game is absolutely smothering but Diaz won't mind being on his back. Kim's lack of finishing will cost him as Diaz catches him in a submission in the 3rd.

Clay Guida vs. Takanori Gomi - The Carpenter vs. The Fireball Kid, give these guys the fight of the night bonus already. Gomi's standup vs. Guida's energy. The beginning of the fight should go Gomi's way with Guida finishing the 3rd round stronger. Gomi by razor-thin split decision. Expect controversy.

Marcus Davis vs. Jeremy Stephens - If Leben vs. Stann doesn't provide the KO if the Night, then this fight will. Stephens standup is a tad more effective and will prove to be the difference. Stephens by TKO in the 3rd.

Josh Grispi vs. Dustin Poirier - I was crushed when Jose Aldo had to bow out from what would be his UFC debut, but Poirier should make this a very interesting fight. The WEC brand may have gone away, but the quality of fights that it's fighters give will not. Upset of the night here with Poirier dishing out a KO in the 1st.

Phil Baroni vs. Brad Tavares - I had to give this fight the most thought. A veteran that's seen it all in the NYBA against a young gun with tons of potential. I think Tavares' willingness to trade will cost him against Baroni. Crazy as it may seem, Baroni by KO in the 1st.

Mike Brown vs. Diego Nunes - Nunes put together an impressive string of finishes to start off his career but hasn't had the same level of success since joining the WEC. Mike Brown can seal the deal when the opportunity is available. Brown will pound out Nunes in the 2nd.

Daniel Roberts vs. Greg Soto - This fight should display some pretty nice grappling, but Roberts will come out on top with a UD.

Jacob Volkmann vs. Antonio McKee - McKee is notorious for controlling fights with his ground game en route to decisions but I don't think he'll be able to mug Volkmann that way. Volkmann by UD.