UFC 100 predictions

The last time I tried this (UFC 98) it didn't turn out too well. For example, I had Rashad Evans over Lyoto Machida, but no regrets. And it's the big one, so what the heck.

Frank Mir vs. Brock Lesnar
Lesnar is better than the fighter whose rookie mistake doomed him in the first fight. Mir is better than the fighter who took the next big step on his comeback trail when he forced Lesnar to tap. Lesnar is motivated to extract revenge, but I sense he won't channel his negative energy properly. Mir knows he's the underdog and proved mind over muscle the first time. This won't end in Round 1, but Mir - the cerebral assassin - will find another way. Mir submission Round 3.

Georges St. Pierre vs. Thiago Alves
The Pitbull has promised not a win, but a knockout. He owns wins - and dominant ones - over Karo Parisyan, Chris Lytle, Matt Hughes and Josh Koscheck. But he's never faced anyone at GSP's level. In fact, nobody today is at GSP's level. St. Pierre is battle-tested in the championship rounds. If Alves can't finish him early, he loses his best shot. He'll be great someday, but GSP remains at his peak. St. Pierre TKO Round 4.

Michael Bisping vs. Dan Henderson
Bisping is 17-1. He's acting like he's 30-0. Henderson has been there, done that, and a volcano set to erupt. Bisping has gotten a kick out of talking smack. He hasn't faced anyone with Henderson's pure, brute strength. The closest fighter too it, Matt Hamill, was robbed on Bisping's home turf. Henderson KO Round 1.

Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Alan Belcher
"Sexyama" makes his UFC debut against the Talent. I'm intrigued to watch him and believe he'll unveil a few tricks that will take Belcher off his game. Akiyama unanimous decision.

Jon Fitch vs. Paulo Thiago
Fitch's lone loss is nothing to be ashamed about: St. Pierre. A prodigy of the Dave Camerillo camp, Fitch responded with a gritty win over Akihiro Gono at UFC 94. I've been learning about the Camerillo principals while working on my Brock Larson feature for FIGHT! Thiago is at his best when taking advantage of opponents' mistakes. Fitch won't let it come to that. Fitch TKO Round 2.

Stephan Bonnar vs. Mark Coleman
Coleman is a deserving Hall of Famer, but one past his finest days. He lost a war to Shogun Rua at UFC 93. Shogun earned a shot at Machida, Coleman is trying to hang on. Bonner was knocked around by Jon Jones in his last night and knows he must quickly get his career back on track. Bonnar unanimous decision.

Jon Jones vs. Jake O'Brien
I wish this fight was on the main card and hope there's enough time for it to be aired. O'Brien has a future, but "Bones" is already being touted as a future champion and is way ahead of the learning curve. Jones unanimous decision.