UFC on Versus 3 Staff Predictions

UFC on Versus 3
Saturday, March 3^rd, 2011
KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky

Diego Sanchez vs. Martin Kampmann (Welterweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: This should be a great fight. Kampmann is certainly the more technical striker but he lacks knockout power and I think the wrestling/pace/cardio of Sanchez is going to be too much for Martin to handle. I also like Diego since he returned to Greg Jackson’s team. Diego Sanchez via Unanimous Decision

Erik Jackson: Diego “the dream” Sanchez has a new outlook on life it seems. He’s coming off an impressive victory against Paulo Thiago but is running into a tough opponent in Martin Kampmann. Martin Kampmann via Split Decision

Travis Crowe: Everyone knows how good Diego looked in his last fight against Paulo, and that Kampmann essentially lost his fight against Shields because his main asset is striking. I don’t expect anything less than a gritty brawl but ultimately I have to go against 115 homie and pick THE DREAM! Diego Sanchez via Unanimous Decision

Jon Gerow: My prediction for FOTN here. I expect this one to be a war in both the stand up and on the ground. Sanchez is training with one of the best camps in MMA right now, and has had a change of heart recently as he dropped his infamous "Nightmare" nickname. Diego surprised us all when he man handled Paulo Thiago, and I see him implementing that same game plan on Kampmann this Thursday. Although Kampmann was able to survive against a more superior grappler in Jake Shields, Diego is a different animal, with a style that will frustrate Kampmann over 3 rounds. Diego Sanchez via Unanimous Decision

Paul Curtis: Martin Kampmann via Unanimous Decision

Patrick Weafer: This should be an entertaining fight against two fighters on the verge of the elite in the WW division. I’m not sure that I’m a believer in The Dream anymore though, as I think he may have some psychological issues to work out before he returns to peak form. Should be a closely contested fight but I believe Kampmann will walk away with the win. Martin Kampmann via Unanimous Decision.

C.B. Dollaway vs. Mark Munoz (Middleweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Can’t stand C.B. Dollaway, I hope Munoz lands a power shot and wrecks him. Mark Munoz via TKO R2

Erik Jackson: Despite having great training partners C.B has never really impressed me, loosing to the likes of Amir Sadollah and Tom Lawler. I think Munoz should be able to take it tomorrow night. Mark Munoz via Unanimous Decision

Travis Crowe: Nothing to it this fight will probably be boring. Don’t know why I had to read an article headline the other day saying can Dolloway become a top 10 Middleweight…he beat Goran and Doerkson…Mark Munoz via Unanimous Decision

Jon Gerow: Munoz no longer impresses me, especially with his lackluster takedowns that he showcased against Okami. I have a hunch that Munoz will look for the takedown over and over again, and eventually CB will catch him with a submission. CB Dollaway via Submission (Guillotine) R1

Paul Curtis: C.B Dollaway via TKO R2

Patrick Weafer: I hate CB Dollaway. I don’t know why, there’s no real reason for it, but I know I want to punch his face. Since I can’t I hope Munoz does; I hope Munoz hits him hard and often. Mark Munoz via Unanimous Decision.

Alessio Sakara vs. Chris Weidman (Middleweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Don’t know much about Weidman, except he’s a NCAA wrestling champion and a highly touted prospect. Good enough for me to take him over the 11-fight UFC vet in this one. Chris Weidman via Unanimous Decision

Erik Jackson: This is a tough first test for Chris in the UFC against the Veteran Sakara. Although undefeated, I think this is too much too soon. Alessio Sakara via TKO R1

Travis Crowe: Never seen this Weidman guy so it is hard to say how I think he will do. All I know is that Sakara has been out for what seems like a very long time now after numerous injuries. Hopefully he will quickly get rid of the rust and finish this fight in devastating fashion. Alessio Sakara via TKO R3

Jon Gerow: UFC is all about the upsets these days. Weidman decision! Chris Weidman via Unanimous Decision

Paul Curtis: Chris Weidman via Unanimous Decision

Patrick Weafer: I expect Weidman to showcase his skills in this one on the always-game Sakara. This will be the 6th time that Sakara will face a UFC newcomer and is stuck in limbo as a low-tier gatekeeper while Weidman is a top MW prospect making his debut in the organization. I expect Weidman’s NCAA wrestling credentials and power will overwhelm the European and Weidman to TKO Sakara early. Chris Weidman via TKO R1.

Brian Bowles vs. Damacio Page (Bantamweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Bowles looks to come back after breaking his hands and losing his bantamweight belt in his fight with Cruz. Damacio Page is a game fighter but the wrestling/power of Bowles will win him this fight. Brian Bowles via Unanimous Decision

Erik Jackson: I don’t see this fight being much different then the first fight between these two. Damacio hasn’t improved enough to win the rematch. Brian Bowles via Submission (Guillotine) R2

Travis Crowe: I think that this fight is Brian Bowles to lose, coming off of his lose to Cruz it will be interesting to see if he can rebound and perhaps return to the former champion that upset Miguel Torres. Brian Bowles via Submission (RNC) R2

Jon Gerow: Brian Bowles via TKO R2

Paul Curtis: Brian Bowles via Submission R1

Patrick Weafer: Bowles is only one fight removed from his reign as WEC Bantamweight champion and has only lost to current champion Dominick Cruz. The fact that Page is coming off of a loss via the same submission that Brian originally caught him with in their first fight leads me to believe Bowles will again walk away with the win in this match up. Brian Bowles via Submission R2.