FightHype's staff predictions are in for this weekend's highly-anticipated matchup as UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture returns to the Octagon after a 15-month layoff to defend his title against Brock Lesnar at UFC 91. Who will win? Who will lose? Get the answers to these questions and more in FightHype's staff predictions.
COUTURE VS. LESNAR
Ben "The Hype" Thompson - Couture by Unanimous Decision
I have a feeling this might look a little like the Tim Sylvia fight. Expect Lesnar to get caught and dropped early in the fight with a punch he never saw coming. From there, Couture will control the much bigger man on the ground for the remainder of the fight as Lesnar never fully recovers.
Percy "Talent" Crawford - Couture TKO4
Lesnar will be a good, if not great, fighter someday and possibly champion of the world, but I just don't think his time is now. We've never seen Brock face the adversity of a cut, fighting off of his back, fighting going backwards...hell, even being hit before. Well, all of that is about to change come Saturday night. Sure, Randy is old, but he's been old for quite some time now. Size won't be as big of a deal as some may think. Brock had Heath, who was fighting with one eye, down the majority of the fight and yet, he never attempted to sink his hooks in, didn't look that impressive from the mount nor did he inflict much damage after that initial right hand. I just think the too green Lesnar will make a rookie mistake late in the fight that will cause him to be put on his back and pounded out.
Rob Abreu - Lesnar TKO2
I wouldn't be suprised to see Randy start fast, but I still see Brock's size starting to wear him down towards the end of round one. Lesnar will go in for the kill with ground and pound in Round 2.
Sean Malone - Couture SUB1 (Armbar)
Couture is up there in age, but Lesnar is still too green to beat a legend.
Nick Sanchez - Couture TKO3
Randy is way to experienced for Lesnar. I think Lesnar will finally feel what its like to get punced in the face HARD! Randy will land a hard right somewhere in the middle of the round and proceed to ground and pound Lesnar into the ground.
Charles Presnell - Couture by Submission
Lesnar is a work in progress. To assume he's ready for The Natural is saying a lot. Couture will take Lesnar to the ground and submit him after taking a few brutal punches early.
Josh Jordon - Couture UD or late stoppage
Randy's recent inactivity could hurt him here, but I think his huge edge in experience will be even more important. He's seen it all in the Octagon and that's going to be the difference.
FLORIAN VS STEVENSON
Ben "The Hype" Thompson - Florian by Unanimous Decision
With a title shot on the line, I think both guys will be a little more cautious than normal. I actually think Florian will look to keep this one standing as he works behind a solid jab and puts his boxing skills on display. I'm sure they'll take it to the ground from time to time, but with neither man dominating the action, I think the ref will stand them back up and Florian will continue to have the edge in stand-up and ultimately win the rounds in the eyes of the judges.
Percy "Talent" Crawford - Kenny Florian TKO2
BJ opened up a hell of a gash on Joe "Daddy" that may haunt him the rest of his career. Couple that with the fact that Florian has lethal elbows and I see this one being stopped on cuts. I see "KenFlo" opening him up from the bottom and getting the doctor stoppage late in the 2nd.
Rob Abreu - Florian by Split Decision
Both guys have good technique and Joe is the stronger man between the two, however, I see Florian playing it smart and using his Muay Thai to outpoint Stevenson in a decision.
Sean Malone - Florian TKO2
Good stand-up action fight. I'm going with Florian by TKO.
Nick Sanchez - Florian SUB2
Charles Presnell - Florian by Submission
Florian's been on a nice little streak in beating Din Thomas, Joe Lauzon and Roger Huerta. Don't expect it to stop with Joe Stevenson, especially with a title shot on the line. Expect Florian to take control early and remain in control, winning with a rear naked choke or armbar.
