Our very own John McKiernan takes a look at UFC 80's full card and puts down the tough decisions on paper with his predictions. Check them out here. 

Main Event:  Lightweight Championship
B.J. Penn (11-4-1) vs. Joe Stevenson (28-7)

This is the first time the Lightweight division has headlined a UFC card since the division’s reemergence, and it’s not a shabby looking matchup. This ‘plan B’ comes as a result of Sean Sherk’s suspension being upheld by the CSAC, forcing the UFC to strip him of his title in order to avoid setting a nasty precedent.

For a second option or fallback plan, much worse could’ve been put together. In fact, Stevenson makes for more exciting opponent than Sherk would have been. Stevenson’s jiu-jitsu and submission game is more diverse than Sherk’s. His striking is existent, which also puts him ahead of Sherk.

B.J. Penn is a great fighter, there’s no doubting that. The worldly recognized and respected fighter is in the second stage of his career. It’s public knowledge that “The Prodigy” fought with less focus and inspiration than what is necessary to be the best. This is no longer the case. Since Penn has returned to the Octagon, he has fought and given the best of the best all they could handle. 

The split decision loss to St. Pierre was crazily close. Anybody who stands across from Georges is at a disadvantage in two departments: athleticism and size. St. Pierre is the specimen at 170 lbs. Penn nearly took the fight and displayed everything he is known for; craftiness, calm demeanor and reality-defying flexible jiu-jitsu.

The rematch with Matt Hughes was an unfortunate loss. Penn dominated the former champ over ten minutes. He out-struck Hughes, and nearly submitted the champ twice. When the third round began, Penn looked like a different fighter. It’s a memory now, but Penn did injure his ribs in the 2nd while applying the choke. If not for that injury, he wins the fight. I don’t see how a case can be made for any other result.

Jens Pulver was Penn’s first fight at 155 lbs since his return back to the weight class. I don’t even need to remind you about what happened there. But I will. A 10-8 first round, and a seamless transition into the second round that led to a RNC.

How does Stevenson stack up? I’d argue quite well, but I don’t see him winning this. Stevenson is no slouch and gets a bum rap from many, simply for being involved with TUF. The season two champ is legitimate enough to deserve the chance to be a placeholder for Sherk.
 
That being said, Stevenson doesn't do anything better than Penn does. Striking goes to Penn.  Jiu-Jitsu and submissions go to Penn (over almost anyone). Level of competition goes Penn.  Stevenson is a hard dude to finish and has won 18 of his last 20, an amazing streak, but nobody on that list is the same caliber as Penn.
 
One advantage he might have is in the cardio department. If the fight goes the full five rounds, then he might eek out a decision. I don’t see it getting that far, and expect B.J. to be wearing the belt at the end of the night.

McKiernan's Pick:  Penn, Rd. 3, Submission
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Heavyweight:
Gabriel Gonzaga (8-2) vs. Fabricio Werdum (9-3-1)

Gonzaga was a breath of fresh air when he landed on the UFC scene. The big man from Brazil was a one man wrecking crew over his first four bouts, the peak of which was reached when he tried to kick Cro-Cop’s head back to Europe. At that moment while the world watched him release a primal scream, Gonzaga became a multi-dimensional threat. The man is talented in all areas of the sport, and is looking to bounce back from the thrashing he received at the hands of the ageless Randy Couture. Some added motivation for ‘Napao’, Werdum is the cat who handed him his first career loss back in 2003.

I expect to see Fabricio more animated and motivated than he has appeared in his last UFC fight with Andrei Arlovski. The division is wide open, and there’s no reason that the BJJ black belt shouldn’t be a factor when talking about the belt. The ‘dual revenge’ match is a huge opportunity for Werdum to win some fans (some back) with a good performance, and show the world he can be a top-10 heavyweight.

This fight is intriguing.  At this juncture, any heavyweight who can string two or three wins together is instantly making a serious bid for the belt.  Couture’s departure muddied the waters, and either of these guys could be center stage when the picture comes back into focus.  They both have their BJJ black belts, but Werdum has shown himself to be without equal in the heavyweight division in that regard. Gonzaga definitely has the standup advantage. Ironically, Werdum was a training partner of Cro Cop and showed very little ability on the feet.
 
We may see a very technical grappling match from the Brazilians, or we may see Werdum try for the takedown and have it repeatedly stuffed by Gonzaga. I believe it will be the former, and Werdum will get Gonzaga in the end by unanimous or split decision. This will be a close fight, and control on the ground will be the deciding factor. The winner gets a title shot in my book.

McKiernan's Pick: Werdum, Split decision
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Welterweight:
Jess Liaudin (12-8) vs. Marcus Davis (18-4)

Gotta admit, I’ve become pretty partial to Davis over this ten fight run. He’s shown some of the best (maybe the best) hands in the division, and has had good TD defense. His submission game is of note and is often overlooked when he is discussed. The armbar he ambushed Paul Taylor with was picture perfect, and came in time of crisis.

Liaudin likes to kick and has said he's going to pick Davis apart with metered, technical striking. In complete opposite fashion, his fight with Torres looked pretty wild and sloppy although I suspect he felt Torres posed no threat to him. He’s a cool as cucumber too. If you have access to the video, go back and check out his face before the bell. He wore the expression Andy Dick must have when he sees Pauly Shore at the club.

All jokes aside, Liaudin better not take Davis lightly, and when I say that, I mean at any point in the fight. Good power and technical striking gets Davis his 2nd win in the U.K.

McKiernan's Pick: Davis, Rd 2, TKO
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Light-Heavyweight:
Jason Lambert (23-6) vs. Wilson Gouveia (9-4)

This Lambert fellow has some serious power. He straight up melted Babalu, and Gouveia reminds me of the exiled Brazilian. The two share size and fighting style, the only difference being the skill level of Babalu is higher.

One issue that is always brought up is Lambert’s short stature. 5’10” is on the shorter side for the division, and could this present a problem?  Sure, if Gouveia can keep him at bay with kicks or keep the distance well measured.

I have a real gut feeling “The Punisher” won’t let that happen.  Pretty easy for me to pick Lambert here. Gouveia hasn’t stood out to me in any way, and Lambert has.

McKiernan's Pick: Lambert, Rd 2, TKO
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Middleweight:
Kendall Grove (8-4) vs. Jorge Rivera (14-6)

This fight in a way is tough for me to pick. I’m not terribly impressed with either guy. Jorge has shown that he can get stopped via strikes, but Kendall isn’t the most dangerous dude on the feet. He is freakishly tall for the weight class and that alone may cause problems. Conditioning work at Team Punishment is always a plus. Love them or hate them, they arrive in shape.

I think he'll get a taste of Rivera's right hand and work the fight to the mat. Rivera has solid submission defense, and Grove will have to work real hard and display that jits he’s been said to possess. Ultimately, I can see Grove controlling the match on the mat, either from his back or from top position. ‘El Conquistador’ will be conquered; not by syphilis or smallpox, but by decision.

McKiernan's pick: Grove, Unanimous Decision.
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Lightweight:
Sam Stout (12-3-1) vs. Per Eklund (12-2-1)

Stout has dynamite in those fists for a guy his size, and real nice takedown defense too. He wants it standing, and will keep the fight up where he wants it, even after Eklund gets tagged and tries to drag him down. I will admit, I’ve not seen any Eklund video yet, but am in hot pursuit of some as we speak. 

Because of that fact I’m basing this prediction on what I have seen from Stout in the past, and I like what I’ve seen.

McKiernan's Pick: Stout, Rd 1, TKO
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Heavyweight:
Antoni Hardonk (5-4) vs. Colin Robinson (9-3)

Oh boy. What has the HW division come to....really.  In all fairness, nobody would try and convince you; without being under the influence of some strong hallucinogenics; that this is the best UFC has to offer. I understand it’s the lower reaches of the division, but it’s still an underwhelming bout.

This has all the hallmarks of a snoozer with lumbering, slow punches that will led to two gassed  fighters. See Sanchez - Palelei. I’m taking Hardonk, don’t ask me why. His loss to Frank Mir was far from impressive, but he’s had success when the fight stays standing. Robinson likes to stand and bang, so it’s a safe bet that the fight won’t be anything but a slugfest.

Don’t ask me why, but I like Antoni. Really, don’t ask me.

McKiernan's Pick:  Hardonk, Rd. 2, TKO
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Welterweight:
Paul Taylor (8-2-1) vs. Paul Kelly (7-0)

At this juncture, I’m wishing I had a magic lamp that I could rub, and “The Schwab” would emerge to answer my questions, all the while smelling like bacon and grilled cheese. If I did, I’d ask him if two guys named Paul had ever faced-off in the UFC before. Regardless, this fight seems exclusively geared for the British fans. Both are from England and have enjoyed success with their fish n chips.

On a serious note, I’d pick Paul.  On a more serious note, I’m going with Taylor. After landing a nice head-kick on Marcus Davis at 75, he smelled blood and almost finished the fight. Give credit to both Davis for his survival, and Yves Lavigne for allowing the fight to continue. Most fighters and refs wouldn’t have done what they did. Taylor has showed the killer instinct and nice striking before ending up on his back.

Kelly is undefeated and likes to stand and bang, but many a fighter haven fallen ill with
‘debut-itis’ before. I’m not making a guarantee he will, but he’s in front of the hometown crowd, against his toughest opponent to date, and that opponent has been here before.
This fight could provide the best finish of the night.

McKiernan's Pick: Taylor, Rd 2, TKO
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Light-Heavyweight:
Alessio Sakara (11-6) vs. James Lee (13-2)

I think this is the toughest one for me to decide on. On one hand, I like Lee's submission game.  On the other, I like Sakara’s versatility. Sakara seems to me like one of those fringe guys, the Alistair Overeem-ish. Mind you if this were a tattoo contest, he’d be a solid contender.

I hate the term ‘gatekeeper’ but ‘Legionarius’ fit’s that bill. He’s beaten who he’s supposed to, but lost the fights that could have put him over. Lee, the KOTC LHW champ, is on the rise.  Sakara is his biggest test, and after eight years in the game he’d be wise to make the best of it. I’m taking the newbie by submission following some GnP.

McKiernan's Pick: Lee, Unanimous Decision