Ortiz v Cote
Patrick Cote is getting a last minute throw-in ala Sims v Kyle, except Cote is getting thrown in against UFC poster boy Tito Ortiz. Odds are at Ortiz -500, Cote +300. Don't waste your money on the upset pick, Cote has limited ground skills and questionable KO power.
Lawdog's prediction: Tito ducks some quick bombs and counters with his own; Tito by KO, round 1.
Tanner v. Lawler
Coming off an impressive win against Phil Baroni, Tanner looks to give Lawler his third loss in four fights. Lawler got dropped by Diaz last time out, so he's decided to move up in weight? But never count out Lawler who can bang with the best of them, and Tanner's chin is questionable after getting KTFO by the Pet Detective, Rich Franklin. This could go either way, but no doubt it will be explosive at the beginning as Lawler goes for the quick KO. Odds are Tanner -155, Lawler +125.
Lawdog's prediction: Tanner takes down an off guard Lawler; Tanner by submission, round 2
Verissimo v Trigg
After a tough loss to UFC stud Matt Hughes, Renato "Charuto" Verissimo jumps in the Octagon to face off against outspoken Frank "Twinkle Toes" Trigg, who also has a recent loss to Hughes on his record. This is another close fight, with current odds at Verissimo -145, Trigg +115. This is sure to be a battle of submissions, but as long as Trigg does more grapppling than talking (which may be hard for him), Trigg may outlast Verissmo.
Lawdog's prediction: Trigg catches a tired Verissimo; Trigg by submission, round 3.
Hughes v. St. Pierre
Hughes attempts to regain momentum after his devastating loss to BJ Penn with his second straight win in the Octagon. In his way is undefeated Georges St. Pierre, who has already proven himiself twice in the UFC. But St. Pierre steps up in caliber against Hughes, and may find himself outmatched against the versatile wrestler. Current odds favor Hughes at -270, St. Pierre +210.
Lawdog's Prediction: Hughes sinks in the tight double and nails his patented UFC big slam; Hughes by KO, round 1.
Rich Franklin v. Jorge Rivera
Franklin drops a weight class and jumps back in the Octagon to face off against Rivera who is coming off an impressive win against UFC veteran Mark Weir. The big question is whether Franklin will have the same power at 185 as he did at 215. If so, it could be a quick night for Rivera. Current odds are surprisingly high in favor of Franklin at -350, Rivera +275.
Lawdog's Prediction: Franklin shows off his submission skills after landing some fierce head shots; Franklin by submission, round 2.
Ivan Salaverry v. Tony Fryklund
Fryklund steps in to take the fight on short notice after Trevor Prangley injures out. Both fighters have losses to Matt Lindland, and both fighters have alot of experience outside the Octagon. The difference could simply be the result of Fryklund being added to the card late in the game. If Fryklund is game, and UFC-ready, he could pull it off. Current odds favor Salaverry at -140, Fryklund +110.
Lawdog's Prediction: Fryklund keeps firing those hands; Fryklund by KO, round 2.
Travis Lutter v. Marvin Eastman
Unproven Lutter steps up on short notice after Eastman's previous opponent is asked to step up and fight Tito. Eastman rebounded after getting rocked and dropped by Vitor Belfort with an good win against hard throwing UFC veteran Vernon White. Eastman's tenacity and experience may be too much for Lutter to oversome on short notice. Look for a quick fight here. Current odds heavily favor Eastman at -260, Lutter +200.
Lawdog's prediction: Eastman looks mean; Eastman by KO, round 1.