The second UFC on Fox doesn’t have the same promotion as the first. So while it may not be the same ratings juggernaut that the first was, it should still be a fun night of fights. An injury to Mark Munoz has given us the fight many expected to see in the first place when Michael Bisping takes on Chael Sonnen. And in the main event, Rashad Evans faces Phil Davis.

The FGB crew along with friend of the site JP and Stevie J from Angrymarks, have predictions for the the top two fights of this show.

Michael Bisping vs. Chael Sonnen

Duan: Refuses to predict Sonnen fights on principle
Stevie: Sonnen by 2nd round TKO
JP: Sonnen by decision
GG: Sonnen by decision

Stevie says:

I’m not in the camp that thinks Michael Bisping has no chance – in fact I believe his takedown defense is probably underrated – but there’s no chance he’s on Sonnen’s level and Sonnen’s level is often called “Olympic” by those in the know. On a good day he might stuff a takedown or 2, but not 9 or 10, and much like Anderson Silva he’ll be taken down with ease. A lucky punch is his only hope.

JP says:

This fight has been robbed of its rightful place in trash talk history. Given a full 8-10 weeks of prep, these two could have provided some classic quotes and soundbites for fans to repeat infinitely online. Instead an injury to Mark Munoz created this fight and the two middleweights have been borderline respective of each other. As for the fight itself, the outcome seems very predictable: Bisping will have three rounds to try and triangle choke Sonnen or otherwise eat ground and pound for 15 minutes. Bisping doesn’t have the power to stop Sonnen so his only hope is to try and catch a submission while fighting off his back. He won’t. Sonnen wins and Sonnen-Silva II is lined up for this summer.

GG says:

I have a bad feeling about this for Michael Bisping’s sake. While I expect Bisping to be game all fight long, I have a feeling he’s going to be beat up for most of this fight. I don’t think Bisping can stop the takedowns and he’s going to be frustrated all night long. He’s a good enough fighter to find his way out of being stopped, but it’s not going to be fun doing so.

Phil Davis vs. Rashad Evans

Duan: Evans by decision
Stevie: Evans by decision
JP: Evans by decision
GG: Davis by decision

Duan says:

I expect Evans to be able to break even or at very least survive in the wrestling exchanges. On the feet, I think he can probably make Davis look pretty clumsy. Rashad has really become one of the better boxers in MMA – certainly in the higher weight divisions anyway. His movement, timing and footwork will give Davis nightmares. Knowing what’s on the line, I’m sure Rashad will fight a disciplined fight. I don’t see him going out looking for a finish. He will be content to outpoint and outclass Davis over the distance.

Stevie says:

Phil Davis is a good enough wrestler to give him fits, and possibly even to neutralize him from getting takedowns SOME of the time, but Rashad has shown deadly power in both his feet and hands when he chooses to let go and let it flow. Generally though I see the experience edge favoring Evans – both in terms of marquee fights and in terms of top level experience against opponents of Davis’ level or better.

JP says:

I am taking Evans in this fight for two reasons. First, I want him to win so we can see a conclusion to the Evans-Jones saga and hopefully see that fight headline the Atlanta UFC 145 event. Secondly, I believe Evans is the better fighter at this point in their careers. There is no doubt that Phil Davis is a pillar of the division in the future along with Jones, Gustafsson and Bader. But in his last match against Lil Nog he was frustrated by the inability to take the brazilian down and appeared uncomfortable while stuck in a striking battle. Evans has enough wrestling and speed to keep this standing and while ‘Suga’ isn’t as technical as Lil Nog, he is younger, quicker and an overall better athlete. I look for a clear cut win for Evans over the young Davis then the hype to begin for a match with Jones.

GG says:

I was all set to take Evans like everyone else. A couple things made me change my mind. A couple of years ago, it was Davis and Jon Jones who were supposed to be the future of the division. Jones became a star and Davis has yet to take the same ride. I think we’re forgetting that Davis is a legit freakish athlete and hasn’t even really grown into his body yet, much like Jones. I’m picking the upset because I think we’re going to see a star making performance. The second thing is that there’s this stench around this Evans/Jones fight and I fully expect something else to stop it from happening. That thing may very well be Phil “Mr. Wonderful” Davis.

We’ll have play by play of the main card tomorrow night.

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