UFC 130 in Las Vegas: Main Card Fight Picks

While UFC 130 is without its big-name title fight between Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard due to injuries, the card still features a host of competitive matchups that are tough to make fight picks and predictions on.

The Rampage Jackson vs. Matt Hamill main event doesn't have a ton of sizzle on paper because Hamill isn't a star like Jackson is, but it still promises fireworks. Other matchups have interesting style contrasts and could provide some legendary fights as well.

Here is a rundown of the card with predictions:

Brian Stann vs. Jorge Santiago: Stann seems set up to be a key player in the middleweight division because he is a marketable guy and a former WEC star. Santiago might have a slight edge in technique for striking but Stann is a bit more well-rounded and is on a hot streak.

Pick: Stann by split decision

Travis Browne vs. Stefan Struve: Struve's towering height and deceptive athleticism make him a popular young prospect but Browne is more powerful and aggressive right now and has looked solid in his past few fights making him a strong upset possibility.

Pick: Browne by TKO in round 2


Thiago Alves vs. Rick Story: Story is a burly wrestler, the type of fighter who gives Alves trouble. Alves' striking is top notch but Story is underrated with a 6-1 record inside the Octagon.

UFC 130 upset pick: Story by UD

Frank Mir vs. Roy Nelson: In this heavyweight bout, both men could easily win. But Nelson is the underdog with more power and size and Mir has shown a weakness against aggressive strikers in the past. The ground battle should be even.

Pick: Nelson by TKO in the 3rd.

Rampage Jackson vs. Matt Hamill: Hamill is well-rounded and a good wrestler but Rampage seems to sniff an opening in the title picture and should be in good shape for this one. It will be a slugfest but Rampage's power and chin will lead the way. If he wins impressive he may possibly sneak in for a title shot against Jon Jones next in a very marketable fight for the UFC.

UFC 130 main event pick: Rampage by TKO in the 3rd.