UFC on Fuel TV: Sanchez vs. Ellenberger, Struve vs. Herman Staff Predicitons

Diego Sanchez vs. Jake Ellenberger
Top Prediction: Ellenberger via Decision

Anton Gurevich: I believe in Jake Ellenberger as a fighter, and I think he has a clear advantage over Diego Sanchez. Ellenberger is a complete fighter, but his wrestling is what really makes the difference. I think Ellenbeger’s wrestling is one of the best in the UFC Welterweight division, right next to the reigning champ Georges St. Pierre. The Juggernaut is on a five-fight winning streak with 4 KO/TKO victories, an amazing record that puts him one fight away from becoming the #1 Contender, perhaps for the Interim UFC Welterweight title. I pick Ellenberger to win this fight via KO/TKO in Round 3.

Joey Santosus: Meeting Diego Sanchez in the octagon is a gut check for any opponent. No one takes a beating quite as well as "The Nightmare turned Dream," and he pushes a pace comparable only to Clay Guida. With that said, I've been on the Ellenberger wagon since his debut against Carlos Condit, and should he get past the TUF 1 winner on Wednesday, a rematch with the interim title holder could be on tap for "The Juggernaut." Sanchez is a tough test for anyone, but with his wrestling likely to be nullified, and his take three to land one approach to striking, I don't expect him to see the final bell. Jake Ellenberger via 3rd Rnd TKO. 

Trent Reinsmith: First things first, I will be totally shocked if we see anything but an all out stand up battle in this one, but then again I expected the same from Nick Diaz and Carlos Condit and we all know how that turned out.  The key for Ellenberger will be the pace of Sanchez.  If Ellenberger allows Sanchez to set and control the pace he may find himself on the losing end in this one. What could be Sanchez’s downfall in this bout is his willingness to stand and brawl.  He’s always shown that he can take a punch, but at some point that ability turns into a liability and this may very well be the fight where Sanchez suffers his first “true” KO or TKO loss.  Ellenberger has 17 KO wins in his career, I’m going to go out on a limb on this one and predict he makes it 18 on Wednesday. Ellenberger by third round TKO.

Stefan Struve vs. Dave Herman
Top Prediction: Struve via Submission in Round 2

Anton Gurevich: Many people seem to underestimate Dave Herman. He has an excellent record and heart of a true Mixed Martial Artist. Yet, at the age of 23, Stefan Struve is a force to be reckoned with, and I believe Dave Herman knows he has a fight on his hands, tonight in Omaha, Nebraska. In my opinion, Struve’s outstanding ground game will be the biggest difference in this encounter, next to the reach advantage that will frustrate “Pee-Wee”. My prediction is Struve via Submission in Round 3.

Joey Santosus: Though there's no real question in my mind which of these Heavyweights is the more skilled fighter, this is still a tough one to call. Herman, while owning an impressive 21-2 professional record, looked a bit sloppy in his octagon debut. Against Struve, that type of recklessness could result in a short night for the man formally known as "Pee Wee." At the same time, however, the 6-foot-11 "Skyscraper" has proven vulnerable against heavy-handed opponents, an unfortunate flaw for anyone competing in the Heavyweight division. With all things considered, though, I'll still take the more well-rounded fighter over one with a puncher's chance. Stefan Struve via 2nd Rnd Submission.  

Trent Reinsmith: Dave Herman made his UFC debut at UFC 131 ending John-Olav Einemo’s night via a second round TKO, earning “Fight of the Night” Honors in the process.  Struve also took home a Fight Night bonus in his last bout stopping Pat Barry via triangle choke. Struve has been a slow starter in many of his bouts and Herman must take advantage of that. Watch for Herman to force Struve into a brawl early on exploiting that weakness and ending the fight early. Herman by first round TKO.