A Look At UFC 78: Validation

Many have heard me complain about the UFC's inability to give us a really high quality fight card, with multiple title fights, interesting matchups and serious contenders, I have to admit that UFC 78 isn't the worst card they could have put together.

While I hate to be the guy who says "It could be worse," I will admit that UFC 78 is not the worst card that they have put together of late. Though it lacks a title fight, or even a really interesting main card matchup, it has some interesting undercards and will show us some of the possibilities for the future, with good displays of the UFC's latest free agent aqcuisitions.

While the main card event of Rashad Evans vs Michael Bisping should end with an easy win for Evans, Rashad's ability to finish will show us whether he learned anything from his recent draw with Tito Ortiz. We can only hope so, otherwise, the fight will be a complete snooze fest.

Thiago Silva vs. Houston Alexander should be interesting, as Alexander has been on fire and Silva has the most substantial standup of any opponent Alexander has fought yet. While the fight may go half way through the first, I don't think that Silva, realistically, has the experience and counter striking ability to cope with Alexander's aggression. I'm predicting a first round win for Alexander.

Joe Doerksen vs. Ed Herman will be an interesting grappling matchup, but Herman has not been in top form recently and while Doerksen is coming off of a tough KO loss and is taking this fight on short notice, I think his submission skills and all around grappling game should deal with Herman and he should finish with either a solid decision or a submission late in the fight.

The much anticipated debut of Ryo Chonan, the last man to beat current UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, should be interesting, but his opponent, Karo Parisyan, presents alot of serious problem, and while both are unorthodox fighters, I think that Karo's understanding of the fundamentals and his ability to use takedowns, ground and pound and submission skills will give this fight to Parisyan.

Frank Edgar vs. Spencer Fisher should be a war, but I don't think that Fisher will have an answer to Edgar's explosive, much like he couldn't cope with the wild and powerful hands of Hermes Franca. I see Edgar continuing his trend of stopping opponents early.

Chris Lytle vs. Thiago Alves isn't too promising, but it could be a war. I think it will go to a decision in favor of Alves, but this fight is probably one of the closest on the card and Lytle's experience could give him an edge in this fight.

The remaining three bouts on this card look interesting also.

Joe Lauzon should make quick work of Jason Reinhardt, and after losing on The Ultimate Fighter reality show, Joe has made it clear that he has something to prove.

Luke Claudillo and Marcus Aurelio should make for an interesting matchup on the ground, though I think that Aurelio will take this one on the scorecards by maintain top position throughout the fight.

Japanese sensation Akihiro Gono will make his debut at the bottom of the card and, while Gono's entrace should be interesting, his fight with Tamden McCrory should be also. I think Gono will take this one, but it will really depend on how he adapts to fighting in the Octagon.

Hope you enjoy this event, some one has to.