Let\u2019s make picks for the fights this week.<\/p>\n
Event<\/strong>: UFC 113 – Machida vs Shogun 2 UFC LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: Mauricio Rua (18-4) vs Lyoto Machida (16-0)<\/strong> To properly understand how Saturday\u2019s rematch will play out, we have to figure out what each fighter learned from the last bout. In terms of each fighter\u2019s actual skill set, most bettors already know what they bring to the table \u2013 especially Rua.<\/p>\n \u201cShogun\u201d Rua is one of the best strikers and knockout artists of his generation. Hailing from Brazil\u2019s Chute Box Academy, which teaches extremely aggressive standup tactics, he almost always dictates the pace of his fights. He can hurt opponents with his punches, kicks, knees and in the Muay Thai clinch and he has a gift for powerful combinations. The only knock on Rua in the past was his cardio and he looked fine in that regard versus Machida in October.<\/p>\n Machida has long been known as untouchable, both literally and figuratively. He gets hit less often than any fighter in UFC history, largely because his Karate stance keeps his chin so far away from opponents. He also strikes with precision and power when he needs to. <\/p>\n But Machida finally showed a weakness in the October title bout whereas Shogun Rua evolved. Instead of flailing away at Machida\u2019s impregnable defense, Rua took what Machida gave him: his lead leg. Rua kicked and kicked and kicked some more, tenderizing Machida\u2019s leg and hip and breaking him down. In doing so, he became the first fighter to punish Machida for his tentative, counterstrike-oriented attacking style.<\/p>\n The question now is whether Machida will evolve. Will I think he will, I\u2019m not sure he\u2019s ready for what lies ahead. Machida will have no choice but to take a more aggressive approach to the bout and engage Shogun.<\/p>\n That plays into Rua\u2019s game, as he\u2019s used to battling in the trenches and getting hit; he does that in training every day. Machida, on the other hand, hasn\u2019t really been taken a flush punch to the jaw before. I\u2019m not sure he\u2019ll respond well to that. In fact, I wouldn\u2019t be surprised if the uber-talented Rua pulls off a knockout on Saturday.<\/p>\n Even though Machida has the ability to put a major hurt on Rua, I still think Shogun will be much more comfortable in Saturday\u2019s belt, which should be a more violent affair than the last.<\/p>\n Pick: Rua +160<\/strong><\/p>\n Josh Koscheck (16-4) vs Paul Daley (23-8-2)<\/strong> Buckle up, as this could be the fight of the year. These two loudmouths hate each other and love to throw haymakers. In the end, I like Koscheck\u2019s superior grappling game to be the difference.<\/p>\n Pick:\u00a0Koscheck -250<\/strong><\/p>\n Kimbo Slice (4-1) vs Matt Mitrione (1-0)<\/strong> Two of the most colorful personalities from season 10 of\u00a0The Ultimate Fighter <\/em>meet in a battle of inexperienced but powerful heavyweights. Mitrione has arguably looked more impressive in his bouts but Slice has shown much more dedication to training and improvement, so I like him to surprise us.<\/p>\n Pick: Slice -115<\/strong><\/p>\n Official Fight card<\/strong><\/p>\n Main Card<\/strong><\/p>\n Light Heavyweight Championship: Lyoto Machida (c) vs. Mauricio Rua
\nDate<\/strong>: May 8, 2010
\nTime<\/strong>: 10PM ET\/7PM PT
\nLocation<\/strong>: Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
\nBroadcast<\/strong>: Pay-per-view Live<\/p>\nUFC 113 Best Prediction:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nUFC 113 odds<\/strong>: UFC 113 odds: Rua +160, Machida -190<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/media.partners.betus.com\/BANNERS\/ufc\/sportsbook_ufc_300x600_mybanner.gif\")
<\/a><\/p>\nOTHER FIGHTS TO CONSIDER<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nUFC 113 odds: Koscheck -250, Daley +200<\/p>\n
\nUFC 113 odds: Slice -115, Mitrione -115<\/p>\n
\nWelterweight: Josh Koscheck vs. Paul Daley
\nLightweight: Sam Stout vs. Jeremy Stephens
\nHeavyweight: Kimbo Slice vs. Matt Mitrione
\nMiddleweight: Patrick C\u00f4t\u00e9 vs. Alan Belcher<\/p>\n