LowKick.com UFC on Versus 5 Staff Predictions

Amir Sadollah vs. Duane Ludwig
Top Prediction: Sadollah via TKO in Round 3

Trent Reinsmith: Ludwig is the much more experienced of the two, but in this bout that experience will not mean a whole lot. Many will view this fight as the UFC giving Sadollah, the winner of season seven of “TUF” a semi-recognizable name as he gains experience within the promotion. Of Ludwig’s 11 losses, five have come via submission and my take is that Sadollah, a black belt in Sambo will make it six. Sadollah via Submission in Round 2.

Joey Santosus: Amir Sadollah has shown steady improvement since winning The Ultimate Fighter a few years back and looked good in his most recent victory over DaMarques Johnson. Ludwig, on the other hand, is a tough veteran who, after many wars, is undoubtedly on the downside of his career. Though "Bang" certainly has a puncher's chance here, Sadollah's slick stand-up and superior ground game should allow him to pick up the win quite handily. Amir Sadollah via 3rd Rnd Submission.

Ryan Ventura: This is an exciting fight to start off the card, two men who like to strike it out. Personally I think Sadollah’s best chance would be to take the fight to the ground, but if he can’t Ludwig’s experienced and superior striking will pick apart the TUF alumni. Duane Ludwig via 3rd Round TKO.

Anton Gurevich: Amir Sadollah will look to extend his two-fight winning streak in expense of Duane Ludwig. Sadollah impressed in his victories over Johnson and Sobotta, and I expect the same against Ludwig. My pick is Sadollah via TKO in Round 1.

Charles Oliveira vs. Donald Cerrone
Top Prediction: Cerrone via Decision

Trent Reinsmith: This one is intriguing. Will the youth and speed of Oliveira be able to overcome the age and experience of Cerrone? This one’s a tough call to make, but in the end I see the judges being swayed by Oliveira’s perpetual motion style. Oliveira by Decision.

Joey Santosus: I've looked forward to this one since it was announced, and even as I write this, I'm admittedly torn. Cerrone is battle-tested and can take it as well as he can dish it out, while his opponent, at 21, is as talented as he is young. If "do Bronx" can match the relentless pace displayed against Nik Lentz, I like him to edge out a decision, but if he makes a mistake, expect Cerrone to make him pay for it. Charles Oliveira via Decision.

Ryan Ventura: Both Oliveira and Cerrone aren’t afraid to stand and trade shots, but if taken to the ground both also have very respectable submission skills. I can see “The Cowboy” submitting “Do Bronx” in the 2nd Round.

Anton Gurevich: Donald Cerrone is a great fighter, but he failed to impress in his last fight, against Vagner Rocha. However, I believe Charles Oliveira will bring the best out of Cerrone. Unfortunately for the Brazilian. My pick is “Cowboy” via Submission (Lasso) in Round 3.

Jim Miller vs. Ben Henderson
Top Prediction: Jim Miller via Decision

Trent Reinsmith: Who has the third longest active winning streak behind only Anderson Silva and GSP? Jim Miller. Hardy and Lytle may have the name recognition, but Miller and Henderson will be the fight most want to see on this card.  Henderson looked impressive in his UFC debut against Mark Bocek, but Miller has waited too long for his shot at UFC gold. Miller will avoid the striking of Henderson and use his superior wrestling skills to take this one.  Miller by Decision.

Joey Santosus: This one is undoubtedly the most relevant bout on the card. With a victory, Miller extends his winning streak to eight and secures a shot at the winner of Edgar-Maynard III. Bendo, meanwhile, may need another win or two before making the same claim, but would cement his place as a top contender in the UFC's most stacked division. There's no certainty involved here, but I'm going to take the former WEC champ to pull off the upset in what promises to be a back and forth war up until the final bell. Ben Henderson via Decision.

Ryan Ventura: Jim Miller is just one win away from a title shot and in his way is a tough test in Ben Henderson. I’d say “Smooth” has the more technical striking in this fight and he’ll want to keep it on the feet against Miller. I think Ben has what it takes to keep the fight on the feet and he’ll end Jim Miller’s seven fight hot streak. Ben Henderson 2nd Round TKO.

Anton Gurevich: This fight is my main event. And if Jim Miller wins it, I’ll definitely have him in my Pound for Pound rankings. But the man standing against Miller, is a well-rounded Mixed Martial Artist, former WEC Lightweight Champion, and perhaps his toughest test today. It will be a tough battle, but I expect Miller to get his hand raised via Decision.

Dan Hardy vs. Chris Lytle
Top Prediction: Lytle via Decision

Trent Reinsmith: It’s probably safe to assume that Lytle will keep his word and come in “guns a’blazin” against Hardy on Sunday night. Sadly, I think that may be a mistake as Hardy has shown he has very limited wrestling skills and it would most likely serve Lytle well to exploit that as Anthony Johnson did.  Hardy has his back against the wall in this bout and as such will have a bit of extra motivation, my heart says Lytle, but my head says Hardy by Decision.

Joey Santosus: Though we've heard it all before, when Lytle says he'll slug it out with Hardy, I've got no reason to doubt him. It's the type of fight that will play into the Brit's strengths, and for that reason the veteran's durable chin will likely take some heavy shots. In the end though, I like Lytle's boxing background and technical advantage to give him the nod on the judge's scorecards. Chris Lytle via Decision.

Ryan Ventura: The main event of Hardy and Lytle has potential to be fight of the night. Both men are fearless and it’s very possible we’ll see bombs flying left and right. Hardy in the past has proven to have bad takedown defence. Luckily for him Chris Lytle isn’t a GSP or even Anthony Johnson caliber wrestler. I’m sure Lytle will try to test out Hardy’s wrestling, but I think this fight will stay on the feet and this bout will not go the distance. Dan Hardy 1st Round KO.

Anton Gurevich: I think Chris Lytle has more tools to win this fight than Dan Hardy. I would be pleasantly surprised if Hardy shows up with an improved takedown defense and BJJ game, but unfortunately for “The Outlaw”, it’s not a fight-to-fight process. This way or another, it will be a fantastic fight between two entertaining Mixed Martial Artists. As for the outcome, I have Chris Lytle via Submission in Round 2.

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