UFC on Fox 2: Rashad Evans vs. Phil Davis LowKick.com Staff Predictions

Rashad Evans vs. Phil Davis
Top Prediction: Evans via 3rd Round KO/TKO

Joey Santosus: Using his length and rudimentary stand-up to create tie-ups and set-up takedowns, Phil Davis has relied, successfully, on his world-class wrestling game to lead him to five consecutive victories inside of the octagon. When taken out of this comfort zone in the first-round of his bout with Nogueira, however, the former Penn State stand-out appeared much less imposing. Though he was eventually able to adjust and drag the Brazilian to the mat, it's an advantage that he is unlikely to enjoy against fellow collegiate wrestler, Rashad Evans. Look for "Suga" to wrestle in reverse, and if taken down, bounce back to his feet, where he'll have a marked striking advantage. Rashad Evans via 3rd Rnd TKO.

Anton Gurevich: Phil Davis failed to impress in his fight with Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. The thing that he lacked the most in that match-up was striking, and you can’t have any holes in your striking game against someone like Rashad Evans. Even if Phil Davis outwrestles Evans, I think “Suga” is still a more diverse fighter, and has enough other tools that will ensure he leaves the Octagon victorious. Rashad Evans via TKO in Round 2.

Trent Reinsmith: The main event will feature the veteran, Rashad Evans taking on the young upstart Phil Davis. This fights a huge test for Davis and how he does in this bout will go a long way toward establishing exactly how good he is. Evans will be his first taste of real elite level competition in the UFC and honestly, I don’t think Davis is ready. It pains me to say that, but the only place I see him being better than Evans is in his wrestling game and after seeing multiple takedown attempts of Davis get stuffed in his last bout, I’m not sure that his wrestling will be enough to make a difference. I see Evans outpointing Davis, while keeping the fight standing. Rashad Evans via Decision.

Chael Sonnen vs. Michael Bisping
Top Prediction: Sonnen via Decision

Joey Santosus: Although many are reluctant to give credit where credit is due when it comes to Michael Bisping, I'm not one of them. In fact, the Brit is undoubtedly one of the top five best Middleweights in the world. On Saturday, however, he faces the consensus number-two Middleweight in the world in Chael Sonnen. I would find it difficult to consider a Bisping victory an upset, but stylistically, I cannot envision too many scenarios where he comes away from this one with his hand raised. Expect Sonnen to do what he does best, smothering "The Count" from top position, while remaining just busy enough to avoid being stood-up. Chael P. Sonnen via Decision.

Anton Gurevich: I simply can’t see Michael Bisping winning this fight. Bisping never, ever, faced someone even remotely close to Chael Sonnen inside the Octagon. I feel like Bisping underestimates Sonnen as a fighter by constantly saying that the Oregonian is going to try to smother him to death. But in fact, Sonnen’s proved the effectiveness of his striking against Brian Stann, and no other than the reigning champ Anderson Silva. In fact, and despite what so many people say, Sonnen’s grappling is excellent, and he has every chance to submit Bisping in this fight. Add Chael Sonnen’s wrestling to the equation, and Michael Bisping has a mountain to climb on Saturday night. Chael Sonnen via Submission in Round 3.

Trent Reinsmith: Not many people are giving Michael Bisping a chance in this fight, which is incorrect because he does have a chance at victory, albeit a very slim one. I see Sonnen coming out aggressive in this one and taking the fight to the ground, where he will use his wrestling and ground and pound to dominate Sonnen. Everyone thinks that Sonnen’s weakness is his jiu-jitsu, but you can probably bet that training in that discipline has been a large part of Sonnen’s camp.  If it hasn’t, well, that would be a mistake. Chael Sonnen via Decision.

Demian Maia vs. Chris Weidman
Top Prediction: Maia via 2nd Round Submission

Joey Santosus: Among the very best Brazilian jiu-jitsu players in the game, Demian Maia takes on replacement opponent and super-prospect, Chris Weidman. Unquestionably one of the most promising young talents to emerge in the Middleweight division in some time, Weidman comes into the match-up undefeated in seven professional outings, but also on just eleven days notice. How this will affect him on Saturday remains to be seen, and his assertions that he will look to submit Maia are bold. I'm not sure whether this kid is ill-fated or destined for big things, but I admire his spirit. Chris Weidman via Decision.

Anton Gurevich: Chris Weidman is a fantastic fighter, but I think 12 days is not enough to prepare for someone like Demian Maia. I could’ve easily picked Weidman for his wrestling and relentlessness, but not when he fights someone of Maia’s caliber on short notice. Maia has enough experience to deal with Weidman, in addition to his improved striking and second to none BJJ skills. My pick is Demian Maia via Decision.

Trent Reinsmith: Chris Weidman is saying all the right things going into his fight against Demian Maia. Weidman’s really in a no lose situation here, he took the fight on less than two week’s notice, so while a win would be great and keep his unbeaten streak alive, to say that a loss in a fight he really had no time to prepare for would hurt him is somewhat preposterous.  Maia is a top level jiu jitsu practitioner, with not time to study his game, Weidman is at a huge disadvantage in this one and while I commend him for taking the fight, I just don’t see his wrestling trumping the BJJ of Maia. Demian Maia via 2nd Round Submission.

Don't forget to submit your own picks for UFC on Fox 2!