UFC 84 Predictions

SI Staff | May 23, 2008

UFC 84 Predictions

B.J. Penn vs. Sean Sherk

AP

A genuine grudge match between top-shelf lightweights means we have a great fight on our hands.Winner: Penn (far left)How: Penn won't stop Sherk, but he'll control the wrestling enough to earn a points victoryWhen: Following five compelling rounds

Lyoto Machida vs. Tito Ortiz

Courtesy of Zuffa, LLC

A classic battle hinging on who wins the takedowns.Winner: Ortiz (near left)How: Ortiz must outwrestle Machida, put the undefeated Brazilian on his back, and rough him up with elbows and short punches to secure a points victory.When: At the end of three rounds.

Wanderlei Silva vs. Keith Jardine

Courtesy of Zuffa, LLC

Neither light heavyweight is known for backing down, so this fight should produce an exciting finish.Winner: Silva (far left)How: Keeping pressure on Jardine is a must if Silva's going to win by stoppage.When: Middle of Round 2

Wilson Gouveia vs. Goran Reljic

Courtesy of Zuffa, LLC

Experience matters for Gouveia in this one.Winner: Gouveia (far left)How: Gouveia should out-strike on the feet and neutralize Reljic's ground game to win by unanimous decisionWhen: After Round 3.

Antonio Mendes vs. Thiago Silva

Courtesy of Zuffa, LLC

Top light heavyweight prospect Silva gets a fight he should win.Winner: Silva (near left)How: Silva is fine fighting on the feet, but his edge on the canvas is enough to win by TKO.When: Round 2.

Rousimar Palhares vs. Ivan Salaverry

Courtesy of Zuffa, LLC

Salaverry versus inexperienced-yet-tough Palhares makes this one closer than expected.Winner: Palhares (far left)How: Be physical with Salaverry, who tends to wilt under intense pressure, and Palhares could score a stoppage. The likely outcome is a decision for the BrazilianWhen: Following 15 minutes of action.

Rameau Sokoudjou vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura

Courtesy of Zuffa, LLC; Courtesy of MMAWeekly.com

Two fighters identified with Pride Fighting Championships look to make their mark in the UFC.Winner: Sokoudjou (far left)How: Been there, done that for Sokoudjou in the UFC makes him better in his second fight. He shows flashes of brilliance in outpointing Nakamura.When: Round 3.

Terry Etim vs. Rich Clementi

Courtesy of Zuffa, LLC

A fight-of-the-night candidate, hopefully Clementi-Etim makes it on the TV broadcast.Winner: Clementi (near left)How: Avoid Etim's submission game and brawl when Clementi has to means a likely stoppage for "No Love."When: Late second, early third.

Yoshiyuki Yoshida vs. Jon Koppenhaver

Courtesy of Zuffa, LLC

Japan's Yoshida, no stranger to fighting in the cage, should fare better in his UFC debut than many of his countrymen, as well as Koppenhaver.Winner: Yoshida (far left)How: Tough fight for the judges, but Yoshida wins a split decisionWhen: Round 3.

Dong Hyun Kim vs. Jason Tan

Courtesy of Zuffa, LLC

UK versus Korea here, and Kim is the man to beat.Winner: Kim (far left)How: Kim will eventually take it to the floor and finish Tan thereWhen: Midway through Round 3.

Christian Wellisch vs. Shane Carwin

Courtesy of Zuffa, LLC; Courtesy of MMAWeekly.com

Heavyweight grapplers look to break through in UFC's weakest division.Winner: Carwin (near left)How: In the mold of his mentor Ron Waterman, Carwin rides out Wellisch for a decisionWhen: Round 3.