UFC 81 predictions

Frank Mir over Brock Lesnar

Lesnar is a big strong wrestler with a load of potential in the sport, but with just one fight under his belt he suffers in lacking the ever important ingredient of experience. While he could win a ground and pound battle, it’s tough for a fighter to jump into the sport and excel against a veteran who has been at one time a UFC champion. Frank Mir’s experience in the cage gives him a big edge. He’s won, he’s lost, dominated, been dominated, gone the distance, won fast, KO and been KO’d, broken arms and been through a plethora of scenarios in his 13 fight, 6 plus year career. Lesnar has been in one fight that lasted just under a minute. Experience and superior submission skills will prevail in this battle, and Mir likes to get things done fast in the cage. Mir by submission in round 1.

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira over Tim Sylvia

Some people don’t think Sylvia gets enough respect, but he should. His power striking on his feet has served him well. But in this battle, Nogueira can hold his own in a boxing battle on the way to scoring a takedown and working his BJJ skills. While “Nog’ wasn’t in the peak form standing up against Heath Herring as he was nailed with a high kick in that fight that almost ended the night for the Brazilian, he still can take a beating and find a way to win. Poundings from Bob Sapp and Cro Cop in Pride FC, still resulted in submission wins by Nogueira. This will be similar. Nogueira will eventually take this to the mat and disparity in ground skill will allow the Brazilian to overcome the gargantuan Sylvia. Nog by submission.

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