Maynard vs. Guida, Franklin vs. Silva LowKick.com Staff Predictions

Gray Maynard vs. Clay Guida
UFC on FX 4 Main Event, Atlantic City, United States

Anton Gurevich: Clay Guida and Gray Maynard are two of the moth hard-working fighters in the UFC Lightweight division. Both are scrappers, with Clay Guida clearly having a better cardio than "The Bully". However, when it comes to wrestling and punching power, former two-time UFC Lightweight title challenger could have an advantage. It's a very tough fight to predict, but as a fan, I will go with Clay Guida via Decision.

Mike Drahota: Clay Guida versus Gray Maynard presents an interesting bout in my eyes, an opportunity for both respected fighters to prove their worth in the warzone that currently comprises the UFC Lightweight division. Obviously Maynard is hoping for a convincing win and then a chance to face Benson Henderson should he win at UFC 150, as he and Frankie Edgar will not fight again. However, Guida has proven very tough to finish, and always plays the role of underdog quite well. With that said, Gray Maynard has been written off a bit and is still a force, especially after revamping his training with a move to California. A great fight should ensue, and I see Gray Maynard edging out a grinding unanimous decision in this one.

Daniel Cassidy: While I respect Guida immensely, I just cannot see how he can overcome the stronger and better wrestler in Gray Maynard. Despite losing recently to Frankie Edgar, Maynard is still one of the top 3 Lightweights in the world, and should be able to implement his game plan enough to get the decision. I think over five rounds, Maynard uses his superior wrestling to nullify the speed advantage of Guida. My prediction is Gray Maynard via unanimous decision. 

Mike Searson: I love Clay Guida, he reminds me of about 4 different friends I have known over the years and he is like the Energizer Bunny. He keeps going and never quits. I am not discounting Maynard, he is a superior wrestler, but I just do not see him submitting Guida. Guida has been training hard at Jackson's and beyond his MMA skills and cardio, he has to be picking up strategy from Greg, who is nothing short of a master tactician. That said, a sub by Guida is equally doubtful. I see this one going the distance and a decision for Guida.

Evan Holober: Gray Maynard is the better fighter than Clay Guida. His striking is better, his wrestling is better, he's stronger, and probably a bit faster. The only category in which Guida is better than Gray is cardio. The problem for him is I just don't see that being enough to combat what "the bully" brings to the table. Gray came so close to winning the title twice, and in this writer's opinion actually did win it the first fight with Edgar. You can guarantee he will be pissed off, and ready to erase that KO loss to Frankie from his recent memory. I see Guida falling even further down the contender ladder here. Maynard TKO 2.

Rich Franklin vs. Wanderlei Silva
UFC 147 Main Event, Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Anton Gurevich: I think Rich Franklin is a bad match-up for Wanderlei Silva. Franklin is a smart fighter, so I expect him to stay away from intense exchanges with Wanderlei Silva, and fight as a counter-puncher. Franklin's long layoff could be a factor, but then again, he's simply a bad fight for "The Axe Murderer". It's going to be a great fight, with both fighters having a chance to win, but my prediction is Rich Franklin via Decision.

Mike Drahota: The main event of UFC 147, while perhaps a far cry from the hoped-for bout of Silva vs. Sonnen in Brazil, should provide some fireworks for the fight-hungry Brazilian fans. Rich Franklin comes in off of a long layoff, so it will be interesting to see how his skills are holding up. Wanderlei Silva has proved his worth in many a battle himself, and will be hellbent on performing for his hometown fans. Both fighters obviously love to stand and trade. This bout could come down to who lands the luckiest punch, as both combatants' chins may be deteriorating. These aspects make the fight a tough one to predict. I think that Ace may have just a bit more gas left in the tank, and even with a short notice will come out strong. It's close, but I say Rich Franklin wins this one via KO in the 1st Round.

Daniel Cassidy: Although a fill in fight, I can't help but feel this isn't a strong enough headline fight. Regardless, I can't see this fight being much different from the last. As big a silva fan as I am, his chin isn't improving, and I see Rich tagging Wanderlei before claiming a finish. My prediction is Rich Franklin via R2 TKO.

Mike Searson: I see this going to Franklin, particularly if he keeps Silva out of range and works him from a distance. Franklin fights smart and knows that he can wear him down as long as he keeps far enough away to avoid the clinch. I am not underestimating Silva as the man is a powerhouse, but I see this one going to the judges. Franklin by Unanimous Decision is how I see it playing out.

Evan Holober: Wanderlei Silva - Rich Franklin 1 was a pretty decent scrap. Wanderlei cracked Rich a few times, and even looked to be on the verge of stopping him at one point in the third. Franklin just scored a little bit more, and put the pressure on as the fight came to a close. It was a contentious decision for some. However, I didn't really have a problem with it. I see it being a worse night for Wanderlei here as Rich has one more title run left in him, and he'll want to make a statement against Wanderlei. Franklin TKO 1.