Michael “The Count” Bisping vs Denis “Super Korean” Kang

Bisping (17-2-0) would have received a rather undeserved title shot if he had been able to get past Dan Henderson at UFC 100, but title shots seem like an afterthought now after the brutal knockout that Henderson bestowed upon him.

Kang (32-11-1, 2 NC) probably would have received a title shot himself had he won his first two fights in the Octagon, but a mental lapse cost him dearly in his UFC debut against Alan Belcher and he needs a big win to reaffirm why he was once a top-five ranked middleweight.

Both fighters are skilled strikers and wrestlers, but Kang holds a significant advantage in jiu-jitsu if the fight hits the ground. Bisping is used to punishing opponents with strikes from the top and it is unlikely that that will work against the veteran Kang.

With Bisping looking to make a statement in his first fight back since the loss to Henderson, he will more than likely try to stand and trade with Kang, but that will be his downfall.

The knockout won’t be as devastating as the one at UFC 100, but Bisping is going to find himself waking up on the canvas with an arena full of English fans in shock.

That is, if Kang doesn’t make one of his trademarked blunders that hands the fight away.

Prediction:

Kang by KO in round two.

James “Lightning” Wilks vs Matt “The Immortal” Brown

While UFC President Dana White is feebly trying to tell anyone who will listen that #1-ranked heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko is “overrated,” this fight is what his promotion is showcasing on an event’s main card. Irony? Yup.

Wilks (6-2-0), the welterweight winner of season 9 of The Ultimate Fighter, has not competed since his impressive victory over DaMarques Johnson at the TUF 9 finale. He is well-rounded and all of his wins have come by stoppage.

Brown (12-7-0) has no business being in this fight or on any main card. Period. Yet, despite that glaring fact, he is once again featured prominently on this card for no reason other than the fact that he defeated Pete Sell in one of the worst fights in history.

This is not Ryan Roberts that Brown is facing, who handed Brown a victory, or Pete Sell, who surprised no one by getting himself quickly knocked out.

Wilks is a legitimate opponent and will end Brown’s nonsensical rise up the ranks with a quick submission that swiftly sends Brown back to the undercard where he belongs.

Prediction:

Wilks by Submission in round one.

Ross “The Real Deal” Pearson vs Aaron Riley

Pearson (9-3-0), the lightweight winner of season 9 of The Ultimate Fighter, also makes his first appearance since battling Andre Winner at the season finale. A talented submission fighter with decent striking, Pearson has won eight of his last nine bouts.

Riley (28-11-1) has enjoyed a career resurgence since returning to the UFC at UFC 91 and persevered after a horrendous gaffe from the referee in his bout with Shane Nelson at UFC 96. The blown call cost Riley the fight, but he got his just revenge with a three-round decision in the pair’s rematch at UFC 101.

Now looking to establish himself as more than just a gatekeeper in the stacked lightweight division, Riley will look to use his experience and ground skills to upset Pearson.

While Pearson is known most for his submissions, his best hope in this fight is to aim for the knockout, as Riley’s chin has failed him on occasion in the past.

However, it won’t be enough here and Riley will take one small step up the 155-pound ladder with a decision victory.

Prediction:

Riley by Unanimous Decision.