Lowkick.com UFC 118: Penn vs Edgar 2 Predictions

After the dramatic outcome of UFC 117 in Oakland, California, Ultimate Fighting Championship will return with a promising UFC 118: Penn vs Edgar 2 fight card in Boston, Massachusetts, for the first time in the promotion's history. The event will be headlined by a UFC Lightweight Title fight between BJ Penn and Frankie Edgar. Previous fight between the two took place at UFC 112 in Abu Dhabi, with Frankie Edgar defeating BJ Penn via Unanimous Decision.

In the co-main event of the evening, James "Lights Out" Toney will make his long-anticipated MMA debut against Randy Couture, in Boxing vs MMA labeled match-up. Also, Kenny Florian will battle Gray Maynard for the next shot at the UFC Lightweight title, Marcus Davis will square off against Nate Diaz in a Welterweight contest, and Demian Maia will look to bounce back from defeat to Anderson Silva against Mario Miranda.

In addition to getting a UFC Undisputed 2010 Copy, UFC 118 LowPick winner will be a part of "Predictions Team" for UFC 119: Mir vs Cro Cop!

Here's the UFC 118 predictions from LowKick.com Staff and Writers. Enjoy!

Frankie Edgar vs BJ Penn
Most popular prediction: BJ Penn via TKO in Round 3

Anton Gurevich: In my UFC 112 Play by Play commentary, I scored all five rounds for Frankie Edgar. BJ was slow in that fight, and was simply outmaneuvered by Edgar. I predict that Frankie Edgar will provide another "Answer" for BJ Penn with a good performance of a well-rounded fighter. Frankie Edgar via Decision.

Bloodstain Lane: Bottom line, BJ is the better fighter in almost every category besides takedowns, I actually thought BJ won the first fight. The only chance Frankie has is to dart in and out and throw a bunch of punches for 5 rounds to earn a decision and I don't see it. BJ 2nd round TKO and sends Edgar back to the Shore to join "The Situation", Snookie and Pauly D as the 9th member of the House.

Joey Santosus: Frankie Edgar's strategy in this one is simple... If it's not broke, don't fix it.  For Penn, its put up or shut up time and he knows it. With that in mind, Penn will take a much more aggressive approach this time around, as he looks to end things decisively. However, Edgar will prove much too elusive, while pushing a pace that will inevitably tire out the challenger. Expect Frankie to pick him apart from the outside, proving once again that he is "The Answer" to the lightweight division's biggest enigma. Frankie Edgar via Split Decision.

Daniel Cassidy: I don't want to take anything away from Frankie, he came in with a great game plan and beat Penn, but let's be honest, when Penn is in top shape, there isn't a single lightweight fighter the world over who could trouble him. The Prodigy will come to this weekend's fight fresh and hungry, looking to take back what was his. On Saturday, I don't think there is anybody who can beat him. He will come back better than ever, to show the fans just how good he is. I think he will get Frankie to the mat and finish him his favorite way, rear naked choke. Penn R3 Sub.



Randy Couture vs James Toney
Most popular prediction: Randy Couture via Submission in Round 1

Anton Gurevich: There would be nothing more dramatic than James Toney knocking out Randy Couture in the first. Despite becoming a huge James Toney fan during his UFC 118 campaign, I don't believe that the IBA HW Champ will call "Lights Out" on Randy Couture. But I do believe that it will take Couture more than one round to finish Toney. Couture via GNP (TKO) Round 2.

Bloodstain Lane: Let's get one thing straight I'm a fight fan, not just an MMA fan. I've been a fan of "Lights Out" for 2 decades and I truly see him winning this fight. Randy's chin is decaying faster than the Cryptkeepers left nut. All its gonna take is one punch from JT to end this and I think it will happen. Randy"s best bet is to shoot for a low takedown even tho he liked to play his Greco game that could be a bad move against a great dirty boxer like Toney. I see Randy shooting in and Toney landing a vicious uppercut to put the "Lights Out" on "The Natural" then he will process to smack up the White Billy Blanks (Dana White) and tell the world Boxing is better than MMA. James Toney Round 1 TKO.

Joey Santosus: This fight defines "A Puncher's Chance." A boxer of Toney's caliber wearing 4 ounce gloves can easily put away anyone he connects with. The big question here is can he do so before Couture dumps him on his back? Anything is possible, but I wouldn't bet your power money on it or it'll be lights out! Randy Couture via 1st Rnd Submission.

Daniel Cassidy: This is a fight that seriously intrigues me. it really could go either way. It all depends on how quickly Randy shoots, and how quickly Toney reacts. Stuffing the takedowns of a guy who has been wrestling most of his life won't be easy, especially with only 6 months MMA training. That said, Toney has serious hands. Should he catch Couture with his hands, it really will be lights out. Realistically, i think Toney only has maybe 15 seconds in each round at the most to catch the UFC legend, and i have a slight feeling he could just do it. Toney R1 KO.



Kenny Florian vs Gray Maynard
Most popular prediction: Florian via Submission in Round 3

Anton Gurevich: In my opinion, Kenny Florian has more tools at his disposal in this fight. Florian's BJJ will play a huge part in this contest, especially with Gray Maynard looking for a Takedown-Ground and Pound combo. I see Kenny Florian submitting Maynard off his back via Rear Naked Choke in the 2nd.

Bloodstain Lane: Kenny has improved a lot since he got wrestlef*cked to death by Sean Sherk. I believe he is the better Mixed Martial Artist in this fight. Gray will get a couple of TD's but it won't be enough as KenFlo dices him with superior striking technique and finished him off with some vicious elbows from the mount

Joey Santosus: There was a time when Maynard's wrestling may have posed a much more serious threat to Florian, but that time is long gone. Florian's takedown defense has looked nearly unbreakable as of late and he is by far the more technical striker. Expect Maynard to eventually find himself in Florian's guard though, where he will be subjected to razor sharp elbows and a dangerous submission game. Kenny Florian via 3rd Rnd Submission.

Daniel Cassidy: I am a huge fan of Kenflo, and have been since he show cased a great skill set in the Original Ultimate Fighter, and he has went from strength to strength since, aside from his loss to BJ Penn. Maynard, arguably one the best wrestler in UFC, is known for taking opponents down at will, but failing to finish them. I think if Kenny has been working on his wrestling defense as much as he tells us, he will catch Maynard on the feet, most likely with a big elbow or knee. Florian R3 TKO



Demian Maia vs Mario Miranda
Most popular prediction: Demian Maia via Submission in Round 2

Anton Gurevich: This match-up somehow reminds of Nate Marquardt vs Demian Maia UFC 102 fight. Unfortunately, Mario Miranda is far from being Nate Marquardt, and it looks like Demian Maia actually learned a lesson or two after being knocked out by "The Great" in just 20 seconds. This way or another, Miranda is a tough guy, who will come forward and do a lot of problems for Maia in stand-up. But I think that Maia will eventually get a Submission he'll be looking for. Maia via Submission in Round 3.

Bloodstain Lane: Maia is the better fighter. Not much to say Maia by whatever submission he chooses to display to the world that night. My prediction is Maia via Submission in Round 2.

Joey Santosus: This is an interesting clash of styles. Maia's BJJ is second to none. With that said, I suspect he will struggle in his attempts to bring the fight to the ground where he can utilize it. Miranda is a powerful middleweight with heavy-hands. Look for Miranda to keep his distance and pick his shots. His patience will pay dividends when he catches Maia with his hands down and cements his spot within the ranks. Mario Miranda via 2nd Round Knockout.

Daniel Cassidy: While Miranda will be almost unknown to most fans, he has a 12-1 record, losing only to promising fighter Gerald Harris. With a mix of submission and knockout wins, he is a worthy opponent for ground wizard Maia. Maia showed early in the Silva bout that he has very subpar striking, and Miranda will be keen to exploit this. If he keeps it standing, I think he will pick him apart, but should Maia get it to the matt it could be over very quickly. I think Miranda will catch him in the second, with a big right hand. Miranda R2 TKO.

Nate Diaz vs Marcus Davis
Most popular prediction: Nate Diaz via Submission in Round 3

Anton Gurevich: Marcus Davis is a dynamic boxer, who will move around quickly and get under Nate Diaz' reach. It all depends on if Nate Daiz succeeds in his mission to take Marcus Davis to the ground, which in my opinion will not happen in this fight. Marcus Davis via Unanimous Decision.

Bloodstain Lane: Davis is the tighter crisper striker but Nate is a survivalist and will find a way to win somehow. Nate Diaz 3rd round RNC .

Joey Santosus: Stylistically, this fight favors Nate Diaz. While Davis is the more technical boxer, Diaz is known for working angles and throwing punches in bunches. Furthermore, I do not expect Davis to have an answer if he finds himself in Nate's clinch. Marcus Davis is a tough guy, but ultimately Diaz will out point him in a potential fight of the night showing. Nate Diaz via Unanimous Decision

Daniel Cassidy: This fight is a sure fire barn burner. Both fighters are known for having heavy hands, and could easily bring the fight of the night. While both are known stand up fighters, Diaz has a big advantage on the ground with his Cesar Gracie training. Should the fight go to the ground, I don't give Davis any hope. But if it stays standing, either one could knock the other out. I'm going with Diaz. Diaz R2 TKO.