UFC 133 Prelims Predictions: Hamill To Assert Himself, Mendes To Stay In Title Contention

We’re now only a few hours away from UFC 133. In the main event, Rashad Evans fights Tito Ortiz in a rematch that was years in the making. The co-main event will also be an interesting match-up, as Vitor Belfort takes on Yoshihiro Akiyama. But in addition to all that, fight fans will be treated to six free preliminary fights. As is customary ever since “UFC Prelims LIVE” became my new “dark horse favorite”, here is my official “picks and predictions” post for the preliminary fights.

Matt Hamill vs. Alexander Gustafsson: Even while his recent loss to Quinton Jackson is further proof that Matt Hamill will probably never become a legitimate top-ranked Light Heavyweight, he’s definitely one of the premiere journeymen fighters in the 205 division and the UFC in general. Hamill will redeem himself in this fight, using his blend of wrestling and Ground and Pound to take a Unanimous Decision win.

Chad Mendes vs. Rani Yahya: Although I respect Yahya as a well-traveled veteran, I have to admit that Chad Mendes realistically deserves to be challenging for the UFC Featherweight Championship. Mendes is dynamic, unbeaten, and has cardio for days and days. Mendes will likely assert himself early and often, and win this fight by Unanimous Decision.

Ivan Menjivar vs. Nick Pace: Menjivar is 2-3 in his five most-recent fights, while Pace is 6-1 and a hungry young upstart. Menjivar definitely has the experience to beat Pace, but I just like Pace more overall. I think Pace will end up beating the veteran by Unanimous Decision.

Johny Hendricks vs. Mike Pierce: It’s tough to say, since both men have shown a lot of potential in the UFC. Hendricks has the better overall record, but Pierce has arguably faced the tougher competition and does have more MMA fights on his record. Also, it should be noted that Pierce is on a three-fight win-streak. When you take all that into consideration, you end up with a fight that’s going to be ridiculously back-and-forth and which either man could win. Since I have to pick a side, I’m going to say that Mike Pierce beats Johnny Hendricks, but just barely. Pierce by Split Decision.

Mike Brown vs. Nam Phan: Although I enjoyed his run as WEC Featherweight Champion, I have to admit that he just doesn’t seem to be that fighter anymore. It’s true that Phan is coming off a bit of a layoff, but I think he’s going to come into this fight very hungry and determined. Brown, meanwhile, just never seemed to fully recover from losing the WEC Featherweight Championship. Nam Phan wins by Unanimous Decision.

Rafael Natal vs. Paul Bradley: Natal has the experience, precision, and Octagon control to win this fight, especially against an unheralded unknown. I really don’t know anything about Bradley, but I do know that Rafael Natal is a good, entertaining fighter. Unless Bradley pulls off the major upset, which as we all know could happen since anything can happen in MMA, expect for Natal to win by submission in Round 1.