UFC 84 Predictions

UFC 84 is happening on May 24, 2008. I'll make my predictions short and sweet.

B.J. Penn vs. Sean Sherk
UFC lightweight champion B.J. Penn takes on former UFC lightweight champion Sean Sherk. Sherk was stripped of the title for testing positive for steroids and B.J. Penn won the title with a victory over Joe Stevenson. Sherk is a very strong wrestler with excellent cardio. B.J. Penn is an excellent striker with an amazing BJJ ground game. I expect B.J. to overwhelm Sherk until he either gets the fight stopped on strikes or catches Sherk in a submission.

Prediction : B.J. Penn

Keith Jardine vs. Wanderlei Silva
Jardine is coming off of a win against Chuck Liddell and Silva is coming off of a loss to Chuck Liddell. Still, I thought that Wandy looked better in his loss than Jardine did in victory (it just wasn't the same Chuck that night). I'll take Wanderlei by TKO.

Prediction : Wanderlei Silva

Lyoto Machida vs. Tito Ortiz (UPDATED)
I was originally taking Tito Ortiz in this fight, but after some soul searching I realized that I wasn't taking Ortiz because I thought he was going to win, but because I wanted him to win. I've been watching Tito fight for a long time and wanted to see him recapture his glory. Don't get me wrong, I still consider Tito a top 10 or 15 guy, but Machida may very well be the future at 205 lbs. I think that Tito's injuries and out of the cage activities have finally caught up to him and Machida will finish him.

Prediction : Lyoto Machida

Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura
There are no easy fights in the UFC, but I believe that Sokoudjou with his power and strong Judo background will be too much for Nakamura. Soko had first time jitters in his first UFC outing, but he says he's coming this time to play.

Prediction : Sokoudjou

Wilson Gouveia vs. Goran Reljic
Relijic has a 7-0 record, but I've never heard of him. For that reason alone I am picking Gouveia

Prediction : Wilson Gouveia

Thiago Silva Vs. Antonio Mendes
Thiago Silva is on the fast track to a title shot at 205 and I don't expect Antonio Medes to stand in his way.

Prediction : Thiago Silva

Return here on May 24th for full UFC 84 Results