It used to be the only fists that flew legally at the Prudential Center were those of the New Jersey Devils and their opponents. But now -- the UFC can be added to that fighting fraternity.
The Prudential Center in Newark will host UFC 78 on Saturday Nov. 17. It's the first time since Conneticut's Mohegan Sun hosted UFC 55 on Oct. 2005 that a UFC event has been held on the East Coast. It's also the first time back in New Jersey since UFC 53 took place in Atlantic City.
Here are some predictions for this weekend’s event:
Main Event: Michael Bisping vs. Rashad Evans
There is no room for a loss in the super-saturated UFC light heavyweight division, and neither of these fighters has one on their respective professional records. Bisping (15-0, 4-0 UFC), coming off a razor-thin decision against Matt Hamill in his last fight, is the superior striker in this one; and he’ll need to stay away from the takedown and keep the fight standing against Evans (15-0-1, 5-0-1 UFC), a former standout wrestler at Niagara Community College and Michigan State. Evans’ knockout win over Sean Salmon shouldn’t change his own game plan -- his strength is wrestling. The Niagara Falls native will have to take Bisping down and stay on the Englishman to grind out a victory. Bisping is a hailstorm of knees, feet, fists and elbows, and Evans hasn’t faced a striker like him yet.
Prediction: If Bisping keeps this fight on the feet, he wins by TKO in the second round.
Best fight on the main undercard: Thiago Silva vs. Houston Alexander
I don’t think this one has a chance to go to the cards. Why? Because Alexander (8-1, 2-0 UFC) has dynamite in his hands. He ran through his first two UFC opponents in under two minutes – combined. Plus, the undefeated Silva (11-0, 2-0 UFC) has two wins by TKO and looks to press his fights. It looks like the Octagon will be the beaker for this volatile explosion.
Prediction: Alexander wins by first-round TKO.
Fighter to watch: Karo Parisyan
One of the most exciting fighters in the UFC today, Parisyan (25-4, 7-2 UFC), a judo black belt, is good for at least three spectacular throws or takedowns a fight. He pushes a tremendous pace and is always looking for a submission. He will face Ryo Chonan (14-7), a former Pride fighter making his UFC debut. This one is for people who like flashy submissions and fighters who take chances.
Submission of the night: If it doesn't come from the Parisyan/Chonan fight, I think it will be replayed over and over again from the Ed Herman/Joe Doerksen fight. Herman (15-4, 2-2 UFC) pulled a phenomenal armbar off against Chris Price, then choked out Scott Smith. He's getting better and better at recognizing the opportunity and taking it. Doerksen (39-10, 1-3 UFC), a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, is stepping in for the injured David Terrell, and could very well catch Herman with something as well. But there always is that chance of two strong grapplers canceling each other out on the ground -- Knockout of the night? Naah...see Alexander fight.
Crowd favorite of the night: Frank Edgar. Jersey native. Enough said.
Fightin' Words readers: Which fights are you looking forward to on this card?