LowKick.com UFC 125: Edgar vs Maynard Predictions

Frankie "The Answer" Edgar (c) vs Gray "The Bully" Maynard

Anton Gurevich: This fight will surprise everyone. I think that Frankie Edgar will stop Maynard's takedowns, and keep the fight standing. Edgar is a much better striker than Maynard, and I kind of feel he will be able to finish a fight. I think it will happen in Round 4 via TKO.

Daniel Cassidy:Despite being the headliner, this is the fight I'm least looking forward to. I'm such a critic of Maynard, the thought of him winning the Lightweight title depresses me. As for Edgar, I've never been entirely convinced. I think due to his bigger size, Maynard will outwrestle him, holding him down for the duration of the fight. Maynard via a Snoozer. 

Joey Santous:  There's not a ton of anticipation surrounding this match-up, but I for one look forward to seeing how it plays out.  Edgar is the more technical striker, but lacks the knockout power to discourage Maynard from pushing forward.  For this reason, the champ will have to rely on his superior movement and footwork to avoid the takedown, which could prove difficult in a five-round title bout.  Still, I expect Edgar's wrestling will provide adequate defense when necessary, allowing him to out-point the challenger and retain the Lightweight crown. Frankie Edgar via Decision.

Jamie Kennedy: We all know Maynard will look to get a hold of Edgar and pull him to the mat for 25 mins, but I expect Frankie to be prepared for this. Edgar will use his excellent footwork and speed to get in and out when exchanging, and I see him providing an ''Answer'' for the Bully. I've got Frankie Edgar by Decision.

Chris "The Crippler" Leben vs Brian Stann

Anton Gurevich: Chris Leben quickly became one of the top Middleweights in the UFC, and unfortunately for Brian Stann, I see him making another statement this Saturday. I'll pick the Crippler to grab another Submission victory, this time in Round 2.

Daniel Cassidy: While his recent form and "Fan Favourite" status has rewarded him a co main event slot, Stann won't be a pushover. Should the All-American stand out decide to stand with "The Crippler", it will be a short night. Leben proved in his last bout he is a danger off his back, and Stann isn't the grappler Akiyama was. I expect Leben to push the pace, and finish the fight late on. Leben via R3 TKO.

Joey Santous: Although Stann is not quite the big-name opponent that Leben had in mind, the "All American" looked impressive in his Middleweight debut back in August and could quite possibly pull off an upset here.  However, assuming Leben understands this and does not underestimate the former WEC Champion, I expect the "Crippler" to come in prepared and take another hard fought victory. Chris Leben via Decision.

Jamie Kennedy: Leben is on a great run at the minute, and is easily a contender for fighter of the year in 2010. I see Chris being the more polished fighter of the two, and as we all know he only needs one punch to call it a night. Leben will start 2011 as impressively as he finished 2010. The Crippler via KO in the 3rd

Brandon "The Truth" Vera vs Thiago Silva

Anton Gurevich: Both a coming back from a long layoff, so the outcome of this one really depends on who's sharper. If Thiago Silva will not be able to finish the fight, Vera will outpoint him. "The Truth" has more tools in his striking arsenal. I'll pick Brandon Vera via a Decision. 

Daniel Cassidy: Another great match up on this highly under appreciated card. Both very technical strikers highly exciting to watch. While a loss in this fight for either of the two would be disaterous, each one will know they must win in order to stay relavant in such a stacked division. A close match, i tend to think Silva has the edge, as his only two losses are against Rashad and Machida. Silva via TKO R1.

Joey Santous: This is a match-up that could have easily been a main-event had each guy not hit a rough patch as of late. Vera has lost two straight, while Silva is 1-2 in his last three.  Both will come in looking to make a statement, and though Vera will have a slight technical advantage, I suspect one of Silva's heavy hooks will find a home and leave "The Truth" unable to intelligently defend himself. Thiago Silva via 2nd Rnd TKO.

Jamie Kennedy: This is another great fight and expect to see a muay thai clinic from both fighters. Vera is the more technical striker of the two, as Silva likes to brawl it out, and I see Vera picking his shots and outpointing him en route to victory in a very entertaining fight. Vera via decision.

Nate Diaz vs Dong "Stun Gun" Hyun Kim

Anton Gurevich: I'm curious to see what kind of tactic Diaz uses in this one. Stun Gun is a well rounded fighter, who can finish the fight in any position. I would give the South Korean a Decision victory.

Daniel Cassidy: As a big fan of both Diaz brothers, I don't like to pick against either, but i feel in this fight, Hyun Kim will prove far to much. Aside from the fact Diaz is moving up in weight, he is facing a much better grappler in the Korean. While Diaz may have a clear striking advantage, I doubt he will able to use it to much success. Stun Gun via Decision.

Joey Santous: This is a really tough fight to call, as I would like to see both of these fighters continue up the Welterweight ladder.  Diaz has looked great in his last two fights since moving up to 170, but "Stun Gun" is exactly the type of fighter that tends to give him troubles.  Kim is physical and will look to nullify Nate's striking by dragging him to the mat, so this will likely be a matter of whether or not Diaz can catch the Korean in a submission. Dong Hyun Kim via Decision.

Jamie Kennedy: This is a tough fight to call in all honesty, I think Nate has the better striking and I'd give the edge to Kim in the grappling department. Diaz will try and keep it standing, but Kim will get it to the floor and likely control him there and frustrate Diaz. I'll take Stun Gun via Decision

"The Fireball Kid" Takanori Gomi vs Clay "The Carpenter" Guida

Anton Gurevich: I believe in Gomi winning this one. Clay Guida has a hell of a chin, so it will be interesting to see if the Japanese veteran will be able to get through. Still, my pick is Takanori Gomi via a Tekken-style Fireball in Round 1. 

Daniel Cassidy: Of the two, Guida will push the pace, but Gomi the has amore power (just ask Tyson Griffin. I think Guida will get over excited while slugging, setting Gomi up for the counter. Regardless of who wins, there will be fireworks, and I certainly expect this bout to be Fight of the Night. Gomi R2 TKO.

Joey Santous: Count me out of the group that feels Gomi is "back" after knocking out Tyson Griffin, because in my mind the former Pride champion never went anywhere. With that said, I do feel as though Guida is a terrible match-up for him. "The Carpenter's" wrestling and frantic pace will likely frustrate Gomi from start to finish. Clay Guida via Decision.

Jamie Kennedy: Firstly, this is a definite contender for Fight of the Night, and Guida will look to set a high tempo to the bout early on. Guida will fight wild as he always does, and Gomi will stay patient and find a home for his big right hand. Gomi via KO in the 2nd.

DON'T FORGET!!!

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