UFC 102 Predictions

UFC 102 Couture vs. Nogueira is going to be held from The Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon on August 29. The card features several crossroad matches that will determine the future of contenders in the heavyweight, light heavyweight and middleweight divisions. Before it's time for fight night, it's time to take a look at some UFC 102 predictions to see which fighters will emerge victorious.

I've gone undefeated with my last two UFC predictions, including 4-0 for UFC 100 and 4-0 for UFC 101. So without further adieu, here are my predictions for UFC 102 Couture vs. Nogueira.

UFC 102 Predictions: Randy Couture vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira

The headline bout of the evening features an intriguing crossroads match between Randy Couture and Antonio Rodrido Nogueira. Couture hasn't fought in nearly a year, since his stoppage loss to Brock Lesnar. Nogueira fought at the end of 2008, surprisingly losing to Frank Mir via stoppage. While the winner gets another crack at the title, the loser will lose significant ground in the UFC heavyweight division.

Nogueira clearly has the advantage in terms of jiu-jitsu, however Couture's wrestling and ring generalship should allow him to keep the fight wherever he wants it to be. I expect Couture to move inside of Nogueira's longer reach and when the fight gets to the ground, he'll be the one on top unleashing the punishment. Nogueira however can take plenty of punishment for being stopped, so I expect this one to go to a decision.

Randy Couture wins by unanimous decision

UFC 102 Predictions: Keith Jardine vs. Thiago Silva

Keith Jardine has lost three of his last five fights, two of which came by knockout. However his competition has been top notch, and sandwiched between those losses are wins over Brandon Vera and Chuck Liddell. So which Keith Jardine will we see in his UFC 102 Couture vs. Nogueira match against Thiago Silva?

Silva is coming back from a loss against Lyoto Machida. But that's alright, because everyone thus far has lost to Machida. Silva has the power to end Jardine's night early, and big power is something that Jardine has showed himself to be susceptible to. I expect Jardine's awkward style to keep the fight close, potentially even in his favor until Silva catches up with him and finishes him off.

Thiago Silva wins by TKO in the second or third around.

UFC 102 Predictions: Nate Marquardt vs. Demian Maia

Demian Maia likes to choke people out. The undefeated fighter has five consecutive wins in the UFC, all coming from choke submissions. His hit list includes the likes of Chael Sonnen, Nate Quarry and Jason MacDonald.

Nate Marquardt though has all of the experience in the world, and is a complete fighter. He's huge and strong, and he trains with some of the best in the game. Marquardt is eager to earn another shot at middleweight champion Anderson Silva, and his consecutive stoppage wins over Wilson Gouveia and Martin Kampmann prove he's only getting better. Marquardt's strength and overall game will put an end to Maia's undefeated MMA record.

Nate Marquardt wins by TKO in the second round.

UFC 102 Predictions: Brandon Vera vs. Krzystof Soszynski

Since his return to actively fighting, Brandon Vera has not looked like the same fighter he once was. He at one point harbored real aspirations of winning both the heavyweight and light heavyweight crowns. Now he's fighting just to keep his career as a contender alive. Kryzstof Soszynski has a wealth of experience and trains with a great camp, but has yet to be tested against top talent in the Octagon.

I expect Vera's standup game and experience against top fighters to win the day over Kryzstof's strength and conditioning. Vera will tire late and Krzystof will pour on the pressure, but he'll able to survive the end of the fight and see the fight to a decision. Vera might not make it all the way back to the top, but he has this level of performance in him.

Brandon Vera wins by unanimous decision.

UFC 102 Predictions: Wilson Gouveia vs. James Irvin

When looking at this UFC 102 preview, Gouveia vs. Irvin has all of the makings of fight of the night. Both men have heavy hands, and both men like to be aggressive and go for the knockout. It's an important contest for each of them, as both are trying to rebound from stoppage losses in their last outings. Irvin hasn't fought in over a year since Anderson Silva demolished him, and Gouveia is coming off a loss to Nate Marquardt earlier this year.

While Irvin might have more power, Gouveia has the more complete game. If Irvin can't land a one shot KO punch at some point, Gouveia will be able to pick and choose his attacking opportunities. Of course, he'll also have the option of taking the fight to the ground where his submission and jiu-jitsu skills would be vastly superior to James Irvin's. Anything can happen in a fight where both guys have power and like to slug it out, but I think Gouveia's more well rounded game will win the day.

Wilson Gouveia wins by submission.

The UFC 102 Couture vs. Nogueira fight card is stacked with lots of big names and hopefully these UFC 102 predictions will serve you well.