While the main event of UFC 143 is one to watch, the main card is full of intriguing fights featuring the return of a heavyweight contender and a brutish wrestler looking for a stepping stone and proving ground.
ROY NELSON VS FABRICIO WERDUM
A slimmed down "Big Country" appears to be taking things more seriously after his conditioning visibly failed him again against Frank Mir, albeit he was reportedly battling walking pneumonia as well. He came back looking faster and never sluggish, finishing Pride legend Mirko "Cro Cop" Filopovic witha thundering right overhand and follow up back control ground and pound. Can this newly dedicated Nelson defeat Werdum, the man the began the descent of "The Last Emperor," Fedor Emeliananko?
Werdum has servicable standup but it isn't particularly threatening, particularly to an iron chin like Nelson's. I don't see this going to the ground unless Nelson tires out, as neither of these guys are super takedown artists. Nelson does use trips from the clinch, but it's doubtful he'll want to tangle on the matt with Werdum, despite his own superb grappling capabilites. That being said, this fight will decided on the feet. This is where I give the fight to Nelson, not on pure technique, but on power. He'll be looking to land his overhand right or uppercut, even if he has to absorb punishment in the process. Werdum will try to counter and use leg kicks to slow down Nelson's forward movement, but he'll be backing up the whole time.
Look for "Big Country" to land the big shot in the second or third round or get a decision due to signifcant strikes and Octagon control.
JOSH KOSCHECK VS MIKE PIERCE
A battle between two superb wrestlers. Pierce is a brutally strong grappler who likes to oppose his will by roughing them up with that natural power. The problem is he's facing a man who's wrestling is better than his, as well as being more explosive. Koscheck also has far faster hands and his quickness will be a visible advantage. Although Pierce has some power in his strikes, he'll get beaten to the punch. Koscheck will also be able to utilize his lightning double leg shot to put Pierce on his back with ease while his boxing keeps Pierce off baance.
Look for Koscheck to cruise to an easy decision as Pierce is put on his back, a place where he's not to adept, even if he'll manage to get back to his feet. Once back there, he'll find himself in trouble many times and having to recover from getting rocked. Pierce will gain respect from fans for fighting through the storms, but he'll come away realizing he's not a top level weltwerweight.