UFC 136: Edgar vs. Maynard III Staff Predictions

Saturday, October 8th at 6pm PT/9 pm ET on Pay-Per-View
Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, USA

Main Card (PPV)
Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard (Lightweight Championship Bout)
Mike Bohn: If this fight is anything like the second, it’s a can’t miss. Both men know each others styles quite well by now, so I think whoever can be the most unpredictable is going to have a huge advantage. I believe Gray Maynard is going to use his wrestling a lot more in this fight, if he can, I think he can come out on the winning end of another close decision. Gray Maynard via Unanimous Decision

Jon Gerow: Maynard wins this fight if he is disciplined. His attempt to finish Frankie Edgar in the second fight caused him to gas out and lose a couple of rounds. Look for Gray to win a decision on Saturday night. Gray Maynard via Unanimous Decision

Erik Jackson: If this fight is anything like their last fight, it is going to be a wild fight. Gray is looking to finally settle the score after collapsing late at UFC 125, allowing Frankie Edgar to escape with a draw. This really is a toss up but I think Edgar should fight smarter and not fall behind as he did in the last fight. Frankie Edgar via Unanimous Decision

Jose Aldo vs. Kenny Florian (Featherweight Championship Bout)
Mike Bohn: This is going to be a another great title fight. I truly believe that, even in victory, Jose Aldo had an off night against Mark Hominick at UFC 129. This is Kenny Florian’s third and possibly final chance at UFC gold, however, I think the younger, faster and more unpredictable Aldo is going to put a hurting on “Ken Flo”. Jose Aldo via TKO – R3

Jon Gerow: Kenny Florian’s only chance is to “Greg Jackson” Aldo. Unfortunately, he plans to “outstike” Aldo, which in my opinion is very unlikely. Look for “Ken Flo” to put up a tough fight against Aldo, but the Brazilian will walk away the Championship belt. Jose Aldo via Unanimous Decision

Erik Jackson: I wasn’t very impressed with Aldo in his last performance against Mark Hominick. That said, I believe he should be able to get the win vs. Kenny Florian on Saturday. Florian did not look himself against Diego Nunes in June, it appears that the weight cut may be a bit too much for him. It should be a fun fight, but I see Aldo getting the finish in one of the later rounds. Jose Aldo via TKO – R4

Chael Sonnen vs. Brian Stann (Middleweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Brian Stann has been on a roll as of late, but even after a 14-month layoff Chael Sonnen is going to do what Chael Sonnen does best. Chael Sonnen via Unanimous Decision

Jon Gerow: Stann is a bad dude with seriously heavy hands, but those hands aren’t so heavy when you’re on your back. Chael Sonnen will impose his will and take the fight to the ground where he will grind out a typical Chael Sonnen decision. Chael Sonnen via Unanimous Decision

Erik Jackson: As good as Brian Stann has looked lately, it will be hard for him to beat the number 1 p4p fighter in the world. Chael Sonnen via Unanimous Decision

Nam Phan vs. Leonard Garcia (Featherweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: This rematch is a long time in the making. As irrelevant of a featherweight match as it may be, I think this is a fight that needs to happen. Garcia and Phan are both coming off losses so they will both be hungry for the victory, however I think Phan is going beat Garcia again, except this time he will get the decision. Nam Phan via Unanimous Decision

Jon Gerow: Neither guys impress me too much, especially Garcia who seems to lose every fight, but comes out with the W. Phan should have won the first fight, and I believe he will win this one too. Hopefully the judges are on his side this time. Nam Phan via UD

Erik Jackson: I felt like Nam Phan won the first fight, and I think he will do the same in this one. He has lost two straight but his game is evolving unlike Leonard Garcia’s who seems to rely on his wild striking. Nam Phan via Unanimous Decision

Melvin Guillard vs. Joe Lauzon (Lightweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Everyone is counting Joe Lauzon out in this fight, I think he has a real chance at winning here. Enough for me to pick him? No. But Lauzon and Guillard are going to put on a hell of a scrap with Melvin coming out with a TKO in the second frame. Melvin Guillard via TKO – R2

Jon Gerow: Melvin Guillard is without a doubt going to knock Joe Lauzon out in the second round. Melvin Guillard via TKO – R2

Erik Jackson: Another excellent matchup. Melvin has been on a tear since switching camps and is looking to get to the top of the lightweight divison. Joe always comes to fight but I think Melvin may be too quick with his striking in this one. Melvin Guillard via Unanimous Decision

Preliminary Card (Spike TV & Rogers SportsNet)
Demian Maia vs. Jorge Santiago (Middleweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: A fantastic middleweight scrap here. Maia’s striking is looking better with every fight and his jiu-jitsu is always a threat. I think the former middleweight title challenger out points Santiago to a decision. Demian Maia via Unanimous Decision

Jon Gerow: In my opinion, Demian Maia is still a top contender in the middleweight division. Coming off of a close loss to Mark Munoz, I foresee Maia putting on the best performance of his career by dominating Santiago on the feet and ground. Demian Maia via Submission (Arm Triangle) – R2

Erik Jackson: This is a good matchup as both fighters bring something different to the table. Damian Maia has shown improved standup lately but he should not rely on it. Get Jorge down and get back to your bread and butter. Demian Maia via Submission (RNC) – R3

Anthony Pettis vs. Jeremy Stephens (Lightweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Two lightweights who like to slug it out on the feet. Stephen’s may hold the power advantage, but I think the diverse game of Pettis is going to allow him to rebound in a big way after a disappointing UFC debut. Anthony Pettis via Submission – R2

Jon Gerow: Pettis is by far the better striker. I see this being a close fight if Stephens can apply lots of pressure and eat all of Anthony’s punches and kicks. Anthony Pettis via Unanimous Decision

Erik Jackson: Anthony Pettis is looking to get back on top with this fight. He was overwhelmed against Guida but a win here could get him right back in the mix and 155. Anthony Pettis via Submission (Triangle Choke) – R2