Jon “Bones” Jones (16-1-0) vs Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort (21-9-0)
The main event of the night pits a veteran fighter in Belfort versus youth as Jones attempts to defend his belt. Belfort is taking this match on short notice and had to move up in weight class. For the former champ, Belfort is definitely the underdog in this match up. Belfort might have a “puncher’s chance” to succeed and when it comes to striking, he is the more technical of the two. If he can get inside and make it a stand up fight, he’ll implement various combinations with power. His punches are lethal. If the fight goes to the ground, Jones possesses several advantages. Jones might not have the same BJJ pedigree as Belfort but he does have tap-out wins over Lyoto Machida, Rampage Jackson and Ryan Bader. Belfort might be more muscular, but Jones has the cardio and reach advantage. If Jones can keep his ego in check and survives the initial Belfort attack he will win by TKO in the second round. You can take that to the bank!
Joseph Benavidez (16-2-0) vs Demetrious “Might Mouse” Johnson (15-2-1)
All of the pundits are predicting this to be the “fight of the night” and it will have the fireworks to do so. Originally scheduled as the main event it has now been bumped down. Benavidez last lost back in August of 2010 to Dominick Cruz and is 4-0 since. He earned the right to be included in the co-main event by defeating Yasuhiro Urushitani by TKO. He is a well-conditioned fighter with speed on his side. He’ll look to win via submission. Johnson’s last loss was also to Cruz but his recent unanimous decision over Ian McCall sets the stage for the flyweight title fight. He possesses a similar skill set as Benavidez in regards to speed and conditioning. However his advantage is the takedown game. Benavidez doesn’t have a great takedown defense so look for Johnson to exploit this weakness. I’m predicting that this fight will go the distance with Johnson winning by decision and taking home the belt.
Michael “The Count” Bisping (23-4-0) vs Brian “All American” Stann (12-4-0)
There is more on the line than just winning this fight, the winner could be next in line to take on Anderson Silva and the middleweight belt. That being said, the self-promoting Bisping has been here before. He has far more experience than Stann and will look to capitalize on this with points while avoiding Stann’s power punches. Bisping will mix it up with takedowns. He’ll definitely lose if he chooses to stand and bang with Stann, he needs to get this fight to the ground. For Stann it’s all about closing the gap and landing punches. His most recent victories have come via knockouts. He doesn’t possess much in the takedown department so look for him to come out swinging. If Bisping can get through the first round and sticks to his game plan he’ll win being the more well rounded fighter. Bisping wins via unanimous decision and be prepared for more self-promotion.