UFC 93 Predictions and Analysis
Published by Dave Sholler on January 13th, 2009 in Current Events

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The Ultimate Fighting Championship kicks off 2009 with UFC 93 in Dublin, Ireland this Saturday. MMAmemories.com takes a look at the card and offers analysis and predictions on how key bouts will play out.

Main Event: Dan Henderson (23-7) vs. Rich Franklin (26-3) (Light Heavyweight bout)

Former middleweight champion Rich Franklin continues his campaign at 205 pounds this Saturday when he takes on ex-PRIDE champion Dan Henderson in the main event of UFC 93 in Dublin, Ireland.

The bout should be an interesting contrast in styles. Franklin, a superb striker and well-conditioned athlete, will battle Henderson, a steel-chinned wrestler with an affinity for clinch fighting.

AND THE WINNER IS…Franklin by decision. If the Ohio native can avoid the clinch game of Henderson, we think he is the clear cut favorite. The southpaw is excellent in the stand-up and should press Henderson for three hard rounds. While Henderson’s steel chin will prevent him from being stopped, he should taste plenty of leather from Franklin.

HOW IT COULD GO WRONG…If Franklin ends up fighting in close quarters, he’s in deep trouble. As shown in his losses to Anderson Silva, the 34-year-old struggles in the clinch. Facing another clinch master in Henderson, Franklin will need to be aware of the dangers his opponent presents. Aside from the clinch, Henderson also poses problems on the ground, as he is a former Olympic wrestler.

Maurico Rua (16-3) vs. Mark Coleman (15-8)

Competing in his first UFC bout in a decade, the 44-year-old returns to the Octagon looking for his second professional win over Rua. The task of defeating Shogun will be much harder the second time around though.

Although inactive since a loss to Forrest Griffin in Sept. 2007, the 27-year-old Brazilian is said to be completely healthy and geared up for Coleman. He’ll need to be on point if he is to contend against the ground-and-pound veteran.

AND THE WINNER IS…Shogun by second round submission. We hate to jump on the “Coleman is not Couture� bandwagon, but it’s true. At 44 years old, we don’t think Coleman has enough left in the tank to hang with Rua. He’ll get caught in an armbar at the close of round two.

HOW IT COULD GO WRONG…If Shogun allows himself to get outworked early, Coleman will capitalize. The Ohio native is still a force in the ground-and-pound game and he’ll have no qualms about trying to finish Shogun if the opportunity presents itself.

Alan Belcher (12-4) vs. Denis Kang (31-10-1)

Former PRIDE star Denis Kang makes his UFC debut against 24-year-old Octagon veteran Alan Belcher. Kang, a knockout artist with good ground skills, will certainly be tested by the Muay Thai-savvy Belcher. Expect this one to stay on the feet.

AND THE WINNER IS…Belcher by TKO. What’s the first UFC PPV of 2009 without a candidate for upset of the year? Owning a two-inch height advantage and lethal knees, Belcher catches Kang in a brief clinch and floors the former PRIDE star. It will be a humbling moment for the former Bushido runner-up.

HOW IT COULD GO WRONG…If Belcher shows even the slightest hint of cockiness or carelessness, Kang will make him pay. It’s great to be confident in your own game, but you must not forget about your opponent’s strengths. Kang is a phenomenal striker and he’ll look to prove it to UFC fans when he battles Belcher.

Rousimar Palhares (17-2) vs. Jeremy Horn (88-18-5)

In a battle of submission aces, the Brazilian Palhares will wage war against the well-traveled Horn. Both are coming off of Octagon losses and will undoubtedly be looking to find the win column once again.

AND THE WINNER IS…Palhares by first round arm lock. We love Horn, but he is the oldest 33-year-old on the planet thanks to years of grueling fights. He’ll have a good roll with the Brazilian Top Team product, but ultimately Horn will succumb to Palhares’ strength on the ground.

HOW IT COULD GO WRONG…Horn’s experience always presents a danger to opponents. Should Palhares get lazy at any point, Horn will not hesitate to rip one of his limbs off. We’re banking on Palhares’ strength, but Horn’s wisdom is just as valuable.

Marcus Davis (20-5) vs. Chris Lytle (36-16-4)

If you blink, you might miss this one. Two reckless strikers engage on Saturday in what will surely become a candidate for Fight and/or Knockout of the Night.

AND THE WINNER IS…The viewing audience. This fight was made for all of the right reasons. Both have heart and the willingness to entertain fans.

As for the contest, Davis is the better technical striker, so we think he’ll grind out a split decision victory.

HOW IT COULD GO WRONG…If you live by the bomb, you die by the bomb. If “The Irish Hand Grenade� gets caught on the button by Lytle, it will absolutely be “Lights Out.�

OTHER QUICK UFC 93 PREDICTIONS:

Martin Kampmann def. Alexandre Barros by TKO1
Eric Schafer def. Antonio Mendes by SUB1
Ivan Serati def. Tomasz Drwal by TKO2
John Hathaway def. Tom Egan by UD