UFC 98 Predictions and Preview

In what looks to be a well rounded UFC fight card, UFC 98 is set to take place this Saturday on the 23rd.  The event has Rashad Evans vs Lyoto Machida, two UFC undefeateds going at it for the belt.  The questions that is on my mind is if Evans beats Machida, would this change Anderson Silva’s opinion on going for the Light Heavyweight Belt.  This blog will be looking at the main card only…

MAIN CARD

• Champ Rashad Evans vs. Lyoto Machida (for light-heavyweight title)
• Matt Hughes vs. Matt Serra
• Xavier Foupa-Pokam vs. Drew McFedries
• Dan Miller vs. Chael Sonnen
• Frank Edgar vs. Sean Sherk

UFC 98 Frank Edgar vs Sean Sherk

Frankie’s UFC record is not too shabby at 4-1 in the UFC and 8-1 in his MMA career.  His loss was to Gray Maynard at UFN 13 where he lost a decision.  Most of his wins have come via decision so for him to win this fight it might have to be a boring fight.  Sean Sherk has a very impressive MMA record of 33-3-1 with his 3 losses to UFC greats GSP, Matt Hughes, and BJ Penn.  His most recent win was over Tyson Griffin via decision.  I have to give the edge to Sherk on this one.  Sherk by Submission Round 2.

UFC 98 Dan Miller vs. Chael Sonnen

Dan Miller with an 11-1-0(1 NC) hasn ‘t really fought anyone worth naming so his record should be taken with a grain of salt.  Chael Sonnen has not had the best results while fighting in the UFC.  His recent loss coming from Demian Maia.  His only win worth mentioning is Paulo Filho and Paulo didn’t look like himself. However, in this circumstance Dan Miller doesn’t look to pose enough of a threat.  Sonnen by KO Round 3.

UFC 98 Xavier Foupa-Pokam vs. Drew McFedries

This may sound bad but I’m not really sure who Foupa-Pokam is but I did notice he had 3 DQ’s which is rather interesting.  McFedries hasn’t had the best UFC record and this fight to me is a toss up and I see it going the distance.  McFedries via Decision.

UFC 98 Matt Hughes vs Matt Serra

First of all, does anyone even care any more?  This fight was supposed to happen so long ago that I’ve lost the lust for this legendary matchup.  As you’re aware, Hughes had a knee injury last year that ended up not needing surgery.  This is a big fight to come back to after not fighting for nearly a year.  I for one think Matt Serra is overrated and his win over GSP was nothing but a huge fluke.  Hughes has some very impressive wins and his losses weren’t to chumps either. Hughes by Submission Round 2

UFC 98 Rashad Evans vs Lyoto Machida

I’m torn here because I have a man crush on Rashad Evans and have jumped on his bandwagon (before he beat Chuck at least).  Lyoto is no light threat either.  Both pose a great deal of complexity to each other.  These fighters both seem to fight a fight that they need to in order to win.  If that means dancing around with takedowns here and there to win it in a decision, they will do it.  If it means slugging it out, consider it done.  So which tactical expert has the advantage?  Well I’m siding with my man crush, Rashad Evans.  I see this one going down in the 4th round.  Evans by KO in Round 4.

So say what you will about my picks but take a look at my track record before you judge me.  You can see current UFC 98 Odds here.

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