LowKick.com UFC 123: Rampage vs Machida Predictions

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson vs. Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida
Top Prediction: Lyoto Machida via Decision

Anton Gurevich: I doubt Rampage is focused enough on MMA to defeat someone of Lyoto Machida's caliber. I hope he proves me wrong, but until then, My pick is Lyoto Machida via TKO in Round 2.

Daniel Cassidy: This is an easy call. Machida. All day. Im a huge Rampage fan, but he doesnt have the speed to catch Machida even once. It took him 3 rounds to hit Rashad, who isnt half as fast. Expect Rampage to get tired early and get very frustrated as Machida picks him apart. That said, Rampage's chin will at least stop him being knocked out. Machida via decision

Joey Santosus: Machida knows exactly what he needs to do to throw Rampage off of his game and after being knocked out in his last bout, we can expect him to be as elusive as ever. Unless Rampage finds a way to land that one big punch, Machida will easily out-point him. Lyoto Machida via Decision.

Jamie Kennedy: Stylistically, this is a bad match up for my boy Rampage. Machida's elusive style should cause problems for him, but I expect Rampage to press the action and hunt "The Dragon" down, forcing him to make a mistake. Quinton will eventually land one of his trademark hooks and KO Machida with some follow up Ground and Pound. Rampage via TKO 2nd Round.



Matt Hughes vs. BJ Penn
Top Prediction: BJ Penn via Submission in Round 3

Anton Gurevich: Welterweight division is Matt Hughes's home turf, and BJ Penn is an unwanted guest. Matt Hughes via TKO in Round 3.

Daniel Cassidy: Hmmm, tricky call. If Penn shows up 100 percent, he should have no problems getting past Hughes. But thats the problem with BJ, how often does he show up in his best condition? Hughes is a total work horse, and if Penn's cardio is even 1 percent short, Hughes will totally exploit it. I don't think Penn will have taken this fight as serious as he should, and it will cost him. Hughes via r3 TKO

Joey Santosus: BJ comes in with way to many question marks here.  While I expect a valiant effort on behalf of "The Prodigy," fatigue will set in as he tries to defend the relentless takedown attempts of Matt Hughes, leaving him vulnerable to the barrage of hammerfists and elbows that will force a late stoppage. Matt Hughes via 3rd Rnd TKO.

Jamie Kennedy: It's a very intriguing fight with both fighters. I see BJ's excellent takedown defense and superior boxing being the difference in the early rounds, but Hughes will get it to the floor at some stage and look to punish BJ from inside the guard. Penn's BJJ will be his saving grace though and he'll catch a limb ending it decisively. BJ Penn via Submission in the 3rd.



George Sotiropoulos vs. Joe Lauzon
Top Prediction: George Sotiropoulos via Decision

Anton Gurevich: Both are good on the feet and on the ground. Personally, I find Sotiropoulos's style more aggressive. So, my pick is that Sotiropoulus will break a plate after this fight, walking away with a decision victory.

Daniel Cassidy: Excellent way to start the card. The very well rounded Australian has all the tools to take the fight, but as Lauzon proved in his last bout, he has what it takes to truly dominate. Sotiropoulos has the potential to take it to the matt and dominate, but Lauzon arguably has the better stand up. I expect a heated stand up war, but the Australian to come out on top when the fight hits the floor. Sotiropoulos via decision

Joey Santosus: With his ever improving stand-up and aggressive ground game, "J-Lau" is a threat to anyone in the division.  However, Sotiropoulos appears  polished in areas that Lauzon is still a bit rough around the edges. An amateur boxer and BJJ black belt, the Aussie should out-last and out-point Lauzon in what promises to be an entertaining three round affair. George Sotiropoulos via Decision.

Jamie Kennedy: Both fighters coming off impressive wins, so this should be a good all round MMA scrap. I think Sotiropoulos is better in every aspect of the game, as the only thing I'd give to J-Lau is maybe wrestling. George Sotiropoulos will outbox Lauzon in the early stages, and when the fight hits the mat I see George's BJJ putting Lauzon's hopes to bed. Sotiropoulos via 3rd round Submission.



Phil Davis vs. Tim Boetsch
Top Prediction: Phil Davis via TKO in Round 3

Anton Gurevich: It will be interesting to see how Phil Davis matches-up against such an experienced fighter. Somehow, I feel like Tim Boetsch will finish Mr. Wonderful in the third. This way or another, it's a very tough fight for both fighters.
Daniel Cassidy: Phil Davis vs Tim Boetsch
Mr. Wonderful, currently undefeated, shouldnt have too much difficulty in overcoming Boetsch. expect Davis to pin his opponent to the matt, while delivering some of his big elbows, and leave the cage still undefeated. Phil Davis via decision

Joey Santosus: "Mr. Wonderful" will prove to quick, to versatile, and much to athletic for Boetsch. Davis is easily as promising of a prospect as  fellow light heavyweight Jon Jones and though he hasn't received the  same level of hype, that's noting a couple spinning elbows and a  crescent kick can't fix. Phil Davis via Decision.

Jamie Kennedy: Davis is on a good run, with a 3-0 UFC and 7-0 overall MMA record. And I don't see how Boetsch poses any real threat to him. Davis will outwork him with his wrestling, deliver some damage via ground and pound and get the W. Mr. Wonderful via Decision.

Gerald Harris vs. Maiquel Falcão
Top Prediction: Harris via TKO in Round 2

Anton Gurevich: Who will win? Whoever lands the first clean punch. These two fighters are a knockout machines, so there's not so much to talk about here. Expect fireworks, ladies and gentlemen.

Daniel Cassidy: Gerald Harris is a guy people really should look out for. Overall 17-2, Davis is a very impressive 4-0 since joining the UFC. I dont expect Falcao to be the man to snap his winning streak. Keep an eye out for another one of Harris's deadly slams, as he will look to take his opponent down however necessary. Harris via r2 TKO

Joey Santosus: "Big Rig" comes into this bout with 25 wins, 21 of which have come by knockout. As impressive as the heavy-handed Brazilian's resume may appear though, he faces a true contender here in his UFC debut. Harris is a powerful wrestler and should have little trouble controlling the Chute Box product en-route to securing what will be the sixth consecutive knockout victory of his own (9 total). Gerald Harris via 2nd Rnd TKO.

Jamie Kennedy: I don't know much about Falcao in all fairness, but the fact that he's coming from the Chute Boxe Team speaks for itself. This fight should be a barnburner with two very aggressive styles clashing, Harris will have a strong wrestling advantage and I see that being the deciding factor in the outcome of this fight. Harris will rudely welcome the Brazilian to the Octagon, so I don't see this one going the distance. Hurricane Harris via KO in the 2nd.

Pictures courtesy of UFC.com (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)