UFC 108 Previews

Well, it's a bit late in the week, but here are my previews for UFC 108, "The Cursed Pay Per View" This was originally supposed to be a card of big names, and some title shots. Unfortunately most of the big name fights were scrapped due to injuries and illness. The main card is still pretty solid, and we should be in for an exciting show!

Gilbert Yvel vs. Junior "Cigano" Dos Santos

Heavyweight (205-265)

Dos Santos has been flying up the heavyweight ladder, and after his demolition of Mirko Filipovic, it's hard to imagine him not getting either a number one contender shot by years end. With that in mind, Yvel is a big challenge. The Dutch kickboxer is a big, strong, and nasty striker. He's also a bit nuts, and has a littany of offenses both in and out of the ring.

Dos Santos has solid punching power, and pushes the pace big time. He's a bit taller than Yvel, and eight years younger. Look for "Cigano" to make a big statement and try to finish this fight early. The Brazilian will pummel Yvel early and often until he drops "Hurricane" with an uppercut and makes the referee stop the fight.

Dos Santos via TKO, Rd. 1

Jim Miller vs Duane "Bang" Ludwig

Lightweight (155)

Miller was originally set to fight Tyson Griffin, who got hurt. Sean Sherk was then set to replace him, he got hurt. Now veteran Ludwig is on tap for Miller, and it's been a while since "Bang" has been relevant.

Miller has very strong wrestling, and has a very heavy top game. Ludwig is a top notch striker, but if he cannot keep Miller from taking him down, he is in for a long night of being mercilessly grounded and pounded. Miller gets a very lopsided victory in the judges eyes.

Miller via Unanimous Decision

Joe "J-Lau" Lauzon vs. Sam "Hands of Stone" Stout

Lightweight (155)

This is Lauzons first fight in almost a year, and Stouts first fight since beating Matt Wiman. Both men are looking to establish themselves as real threats in the lightweight division. Stout is a world class kickboxer, with very precise striking, and solid chin. Lauzon has a trmendous grappling game, and a vastly underrated array of standup skills. This fight will hinge on whether or not Stout can keep this fight standing, and out point Lauzon. "J-Lau", on the other hand, is going to take every opportunity to finish this fight by making Stout perform the three tap symphony.

Lauzon has been out for a while due to injury, but he will make a big statement with his return to the Octagon, and catch Stout in a choke mid way through the fight.

Lauzon via submission (rear naked choke), Rd. 2

Paul "Semtex" Daley vs Dustin "McLovin" Hazelett

Welterweight (170)

Daley is coming off an extremely impressive victory over Martin Kampmann, and is looking to cement his status as someone to be reckoned with at 170 pounds. He's an extremely talented striker, who hits like a ton of bricks, but is very green when it comes to grappling and the ground game., which is not a good area of expertise to be lacking in when fighting a submissions wizard like Hazelett. Once this fight hits the mat, Daley will be in a world of hurt, unless his submission defense has grown by leaps and bounds.

Hazelett gotten submissions in four of his five wins in the UFC, and has made lots of improvements in his striking game. He may try to see what kind of gameplan Daley will try and work, but all signs point to Hazelett getting this fight down, and bending something of Daleys in a direction not intended by biology.

Hazelett via Submission (armbar), Rd. 1

Rashad "Sugar" Evans vs. Thiago Silva

This is a very intriguing fight, and has potential title shot ramifications. Evans was supposed to be fighting Rampage Jackson, but with Rampage deciding to make movies his priority, Thiago Silva has stepped up. Apparently after dismantling Keith Jardine, Silva made some gestures or glares that Evans did not take too kindly to. With a little bit of bad blood, title shot potential, and the spotlight of the main event shining on them, this fight should be spectacular.

Silva has burly muy thai skills, a black belt in bjj, and a mean streak a mile wide. He will definitely use his crisp striking skills to work the perimeter and avoid Evans takedowns. "Sugar" will use his speed, and explosive athleticism to get through Silvas defense, and try to drop him for some ground and pound.

This fight pits two fighters whos last losses were against current lightheavyweight champion, Lyoto Machida, and both men are trying to prove they deserve another shot at "The Dragon". With so much on the line, the fists will fly, and this one is not going to make it to the judges. Silva will dispatch Rashad in violent fashion in the second, and most likely get to fight the winner of Rua-Machida 2.

Silva via TKO, Rd. 2