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UFC 136 Predictions: UFC 136 Picks, Predictions & Fight Previews

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Pro Fighting Fans is the home of UFC fans across the world and we now bring you the best place to find the latest UFC preview & predictions. UFC 135 has come and gone and we take a look at the UFC 135 results.

The next event for the UFC will be UFC 136, held on October 8, 2011 and our UFC 136 predictions & preview are posted below for UFC fans across the globe to enjoy. Also be sure tobuy UFC tickets online here through Pro Fighting Fans to make sure you get the best seats and prices for UFC fights!

For more UFC events to be held in 2011 and lists of which Mixed Martial Artists are schedule to fight, be sure to check out the future UFC event fight cards, and don't miss our UFC Fight Night predictions for the preview of the next Spike TV televised UFC Fight Night event.

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UFC 136 Predictions:

Steve Cantwell vs. Mike Massenzio

After coming into the UFC as the finale WEC Light-Heavyweight Champion Steve Cantwell (7-4) now looks to be fighting to save his roster position at UFC 136 against four-fight octagon veteran Mike Massenzio (12-5) in a preliminary card bout contested at 185-pounds.

Cantwell, 24, is a California born mixed martial artist who now fights out of Las Vegas, NV at One Kick’s Gym. Cantwell began his professional career in 2005 and won his first three bouts while competing on the Arizona regional circuit for the Rage in the Cage organization. A loss in his WEC 26 debut in March of 2007 was followed by three consecutive victories including a WEC 35 victory in a rematch over Brian Stann for the organizations’ Light-Heavyweight crown. The UFC absorbed the WEC’s 185 and 205 pound divisions in 2008 and Cantwell also won his UFC Fight for the Troops debut over Razak Al-Hassan. Since his debut victory over three years ago, Cantwell hasn’t been in the victory circle at all losing three straight. Losses to Luiz Cane at UFC 97, Brian Stann at UFC Fight Night 19, and Cyrille Diabate at UFC on VS 3 this past March have put his octagon future in doubt.

Massenzio, 28, is a New Jersey based mixed martial artist who fights out of Patterson at the Team Ironhorse MMA gym. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt made his professional debut in 2005 and won ten of his first twelve while competing on the regional circuit for Ring of Combat, IFL, and Reality Fighting organizations. Massenzio earned a position on the UFC Fight Night 15 card and won with a submission victory over veteran Drew McFedries. After posting a win in his debut, Massenzio lost back to back bouts against CB Dollaway and Brian Stann to earn his pink slip from the promotion. The submission specialist had to win one bout back on the regional circuit this spring before returning at UFC 131 this past June when he lost a decision against Krzysztof Soszynski.

Prediction – Cantwell decision

Aaron Simpson vs. Eric Schafer

Former NCAA Division I wrestler Aaron Simpson (9-2) will try and win his third straight inside the octagon when he meets Eric “Red” Schafer (12-5-2) in a UFC 136 preliminary card middleweight bout.

Simpson, 37, is a Colorado-born mixed martial artist who has over four years of professional experience to his credit. The former wrestler won his first three bouts while participating in three different promotions. He earned a position on the WEC 36 card in November 2008 and won via KO against David Avellan before transitioning into the UFC. Simpson continued his winning ways inside the octagon with victories in each of his first three appearances defeating Tim McKenzie, Ed Herman, and Tom Lawlor. In 2010 Simpson dropped back to back bouts against top contenders Chris Leben and Mark Munoz but has recently turned his luck around. Simpson has been victorious in back to back bouts including his most recent fight at UFC 132 this past July defeating Brad Tavares by decision.

Schafer, 34, is a Wisconsin-born mixed martial artist who fights out of the Roufasport team. “Red” has been a professional mixed martial artist since June 1998 when he began a streak of winning six of his first nine fighting on the regional circuit in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Schafer was brought into the UFC in 2006 but lost two of his first three ending his tenure inside the octagon. Back on the local fight scene, Schafer won back to back bouts before returning to the UFC in 2008. He won back to back bouts upon his return but dropped bouts against Ryan Bader and Jason Brilz earning his pink slip for a second time. Schafer picked up a victory this September at a XFO 41 event after submitting Chris Albandia in his middleweight debut.

Prediction – Simpson decision

Zhang Tie Quan vs. Darren Elkins

Top Chinese prospect Zhang Tie Quan (13-1) will go back to work in a UFC 136 featherweight bout against former lightweight Darren Elkins (12-2) in a preliminary card bout.

Quan, 33, is a Chinese based mixed martial artist who fights out of his Tiger Team as well as the China Top Team. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt began fighting in November 2005 by winning his first eleven bouts while fighting throughout China and the Philippines. He then earned a position in the WEC in late-2010 and won his debut against Pablo Garza before dropping a follow-up fight at WEC 53 against Danny Downes. Making his UFC debut, Quan won at UFC 127 this past February with a submission of Jason Reinhardt in his first fight at 145 pounds.

Elkins is an Indiana born mixed martial artist who fights out of the Duneland Vale Tudo gym. Making his professional debut in January 2007, Elkins won ten of his first eleven fighting all over the United States and Canada for promotions like Bodog Fight, C3 Fights, and Total Fight Challenge. He was brought into the UFC in 2010 winning two of his three so far inside the octagon. He defeated Duane Ludwig in March 2010 at UFC on VS, lost to Charles Olveira at UFC on VS 2, and defeated Michihiro Omigawa this past June at UFC 131 with a decision victory.

Prediction – Elkins decision

Joey Beltran vs. Stipe Miocic

Hard-hitting Joey “The Mexecutioner” Beltran (13-5) will welcome promotional newcomer Stipe Miocic (6-0) into the octagon for his debut at UFC 136 in a preliminary card heavyweight match-up.

Beltran, 29, is a California born mixed martial artist who fights out of the Alliance MMA gym. “The Mexecutioner” made his professional debut in 2007 and began his career with ten victories in his first thirteen bouts while competing for organizations such as Strikeforce, Total Combat, King of the Cage, and Bellator. Beltran made his octagon debut in early-2010 and won back to back bouts to over Rolles Gracie and Tim Hague. After bursting onto the UFC Heavyweight scene with his quick start, Beltran dropped his next two fights losing to Matt Mitrione and Pat Barry. He got a much needed victory in his most recent fight this past June at UFC 131 with a TKO win over Aaron Rosa.

Miocic, 29, is an Ohio based mixed martial artist who transitioned into the sport after a NCAA Division I wrestling career. The Strong Style Fight Team member began his professional career in 2010 and has won all six of his bouts by stoppage. Five of Miocic’s six victories have come under the Ohio-based NAAFS banner. He has also fought once for the Massachusetts based Moosin promotion last May. Miocic’s most recent victory came this past June at NAAFS 7 with a submission win over Bobby Brents.

Prediction – Beltran TKO

Anthony Pettis vs. Jeremy Stephens

Former WEC Lightweight Champion Anthony “Showtime” Pettis (13-2) will try and notch his first victory inside the octagon at UFC 136 in a Spike TV preliminary card fight against tough-as-nails Jeremy Stephens (20-6).

Pettis, 24, is a Wisconsin-based lightweight who fights out of the Roufasport team. “Showtime” began his professional career in 2007 and won his first six bouts while competing for the Gladiators Fighting Series. He signed with the WEC in 2009 and split his first pair of bouts under the WEC’s name. Pettis quickly turned his career in the right direction with victories in four straight bouts including a WEC 53 unanimous decision victory last December for the Lightweight Championship. Although he was the WEC’s last 155-pound Champion, he had to vacate the strap when coming into the UFC. Pettis then lost his TUF 13 Finale debut this past June via decision against Clay Guida.

Stephens, 25, is an Iowa based mixed martial artist who fights out of the Alliance MMA gym in California. “Lil Heathen” made his professional debut in 2005 and won 12 of his first 13 while fighting on the regional circuit throughout Iowa, Minnesota and Louisiana. Stephens lost his UFC 71 debut after being submitted by Din Thomas. He returned to the organization after one fight on the regional scene and won three of his next four inside the octagon. Stephens then dropped back to back bouts in 2009 against Joe Lauzon and Gleison Tibau but has since turned his fortunes around with wins in four of his last five. He was via KO at UFC 125 this past January against Marcus Davis and then won via decision at the TUF 13 Finale in June over Danny Downes.

Prediction – Pettis TKO

Demian Maia vs. Jorge Santiago

Former Middleweight Contender Demian Maia (14-3) will look to return to the top of the 185-pound division at UFC 136 when he meets Jorge Santiago (23-9) in a Spike TV preliminary card bout.

Maia, 33, is a Brazilian native who fights out of the Wand Fight Team. The 3 rd degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu made his professional debut in 2001 and won his first six bouts, the majority of which came in the minor leagues throughout Brazil. He was signed to the UFC and won six of his first seven inside the octagon to earn a chance at the Middleweight Title against Anderson Silva. Silva dominated Maia at the April 2010 UFC 112 title bout and handed him a unanimous decision loss. Maia quickly turned the loss around and won back to back bouts before dropping his most recent bout at UFC 131 this past June against Mark Munoz.

Santiago, 30, is also a Brazilian native who fights out of Florida with the Blackzillians fight team. Santiago made his professional debut in 2002 and won eleven of his first sixteen while fighting for multiple regional promotions throughout the United States. His successful start earned him a chance to fight inside the octagon for the UFC. His first UFC stint ended after he lost two of his three bouts against middle tier talent. Instead of going into a career decline, Santiago went on to win eleven of his next twelve while fighting for notable promotions like Strikeforce, Sengoku, and Bodog Fight. His recent winning streak earned him another opportunity inside the octagon where he lost his return bout at UFC 130 this past May with a TKO against Brian Stann.

Prediction – Santiago decision

Leonard Garcia vs. Nam Phan

In what was one of the best fights of the year last December, Leonard Garcia (15-7-1) will try and make it two for two against The Ultimate Fighter 12 veteran Nam Phan (16-9) when the pair meets on the UFC 136 main card in a featherweight bout.

Garcia, 32, is a Texas born mixed martial artist who fights out of the Jackson’s Submission Fighting camp in New Mexico. Garcia began his professional career in 1999 and won nine of his first 10 official contests while competing for organizations like Ring of Fire, WEC, and Unified Shoot Wrestling. He joined the UFC in 2007 but won only once over his three fight stint as a lightweight. After limited success as a 155-pounder, he dropped to 145 pounds and began fighting in the WEC the next year. Garcia was always competitive but he won only half of his eight WEC bouts including dropping a Featherweight Title Bout against Mike Brown. His action packed fighting style earned him another promotion into the UFC in 2010, where he won his TUF 12 Finale bout via split decision over Phan and lost his most recent fight at UFC Fight Night 24 this past March against Chan Sung Jung.

Phan, 28, is a California based mixed martial artist who fights out of the Ma Du Academy. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt began his professional MMA career in 2001 and won 12 of his first 14 bouts fighting mostly for the King of the Cage organization. After taking a small step up in competition, Phan lost five of his next eight while competing for organizations like Strikeforce, K-1, and Sengoku. To stop his slump, Phan won one bout on the regional circuit in California and then earned a position on The Ultimate Fighter 12. He didn’t win the TUF 12 tournament but fought well enough on the TUF 12 Finale against Garcia to earn another bout inside the octagon. Phan again fought well but came up short in his second official bout at UFC 133 this past August against Mike Brown. This is likely a must win situation for Phan as he shoots for his first UFC win in his third bout.

Prediction – Phan decision

> Find the UFC 136 results after the fights are complete at Pro Fighting Fans, check out the UFC schedule and look ahead to future UFC events including the UFC 136 fight card and more.

Joe Lauzon vs. Melvin Guillard

The Ultimate Fighter 5 veteran Joe Lauzon (20-6) will look and build off his recent winning streak at UFC 136 when he meets The Ultimate Fighter 2 participant and title contender Melvin Guillard (29-8-2, NC) in a main card bout contested in the lightweight division.

Lauzon, 27, is a Massachusetts born mixed martial artist who has over seven years of professional experience to his credit. Lauzon began competing in 2004 and won 13 of his first 16 while fighting on the regional circuit all over the east coast. He then won a UFC 63 debut with a KO victory over former Lightweight Champion Jens Pulver before joining the cast of TUF 5. In all, Lauzon won three straight before losing inside the octagon for the first time. He has won four of his last seven under the UFC banner including his most recent fight at UFC Live this past June submitting Curt Warburton.

Guillard, 28, is a Louisiana born mixed martial artist who fights out of the Jackson’s Submission Fighting camp in New Mexico. Guillard made his professional debut in 2002 and won 18 of his first 25 before appearing on the second season of TUF. He won three of his first four inside the octagon before losing back to back bouts in 2007 against Joe Stevenson and Rich Clementi. Since those pair of losses four years ago, Guillard has lost only once in eight bouts. Even more impressive, is the fact that Guillard has won five in a row including his most recent at UFC 132 in July when he KO’ed Shane Roller.

Prediction – Guillard TKO

Chael Sonnen vs. Brian Stann

Former Middleweight Contender Chael Sonnen (25-11-1) will try and derail Brian Stann’s (11-3) momentum in the UFC 136 main card bout in what will likely be a meaningful bout to determine the next 185-pound contender.

Sonnen, 34, is an Oregon native who fights out of the Team Quest fight team. After a NCAA Division I wrestling career, Sonnen turned to mixed martial arts where he made his professional debut in 1997. He went on to win 14 of his first 21 while fighting for organizations like the WEC, Pancrase, and Rumble on the Rock. He joined the UFC for the first time in 2005 and lost two of his first three inside the octagon earning his release. He turned his career around and won five straight to earn a WEC contract. He lost his WEC 31 bout against Paulo Filho for the Middleweight Championship but won his next two before returning to the octagon in 2009. Sonnen lost at UFC 95 against Demian Maia but won his next three to earn a UFC title fight at UFC 117 in August 2010 against Anderson Silva. After dominating Silva for parts of five rounds of their main event, Silva came back and submitted Sonnen to defend his title.

Stann, 31, is a Pennsylvania native who fights out of the New Mexico-based Jackson’s Submission Fighting camp. The former Navy football player and United States Marine made his professional debut in 2006 and won only one bout before signing with the WEC later the same year. He won his first five for the WEC including his WEC 33 Light Heavyweight Title Fight over Doug Marshall but dropped his belt in his first defense at WEC 35 against Steve Cantwell. Stann transitioned into the UFC in 2009 and lost his UFC 97 debut against Krzysztof Soszynski before rebounding to win five of his next six inside the octagon. Stann has stopped all of his last three opponents including Chris Leben at UFC 125 last January and Jorge Santiago this past May at UFC 130.

Prediction – Sonnen decision

Jose Aldo vs. Kenny Florian

Current Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo (19-1) will attempt to defend his 145-pound belt for a second time in the UFC 136 co-main event when he meets top contender Kenny Florian (15-5).

Aldo, 25, is a Brazil native who fights out of both the Nova Uniao and Black House gyms. Aldo made his professional debut in 2004 and won ten of his first eleven fighting primarily in his native Brazil. He signed with the WEC in 2008 and won his first six under the WEC banner highlighted with a November 2009 WEC 44 Featherweight Title TKO over Mike Brown. Aldo would go on to defend his 145-pound belt twice in the WEC against Urijah Faber and Manvel Gamburyan before transitioning into the UFC this past April. With his 12 th consecutive victory at UFC 129, Aldo defended his UFC Featherweight belt in his debut with a unanimous decision victory over Mark Hominick.

Florian, 35, is a Massachusetts native who fights out of his own Florian Martial Arts and well as the Tristar Gym in Canada. “Ken Flo” made his professional debut in 2002 and won three of his first four prior to appearing on The Ultimate Fighter in 2005. Florian won three of his first four official UFC bouts before falling to Sean Sherk at UFC 64 in October 2006 for the vacant Lightweight Title. Florian would go on to be victorious in his next six Lightweight bouts to earn another 155-pound title fight. This time BJ Penn defeated Florian in the August 2009 UFC 101 title fight. After winning twice more in the 155-pound division, Florian lost against Gray Maynard in yet another lightweight title eliminator bout. Most recently, Florian won at UFC 131 this past June against Diego Nunes in his featherweight debut.

Prediction – Aldo decision

Frank Edgar vs. Gray Maynard

UFC Lightweight Champion Frank Edgar (13-1-1) will try and defeat Gray Maynard (10-0-1, NC) for a third time when the two meet at UFC 136 in the main event. Maynard defeated Edgar in 2008 at UFC Fight Night 13 and then they fought to a draw this past January at UFC 125.

Edgar, 29, is a New Jersey native who fights out of the Renzo Gracie Combat Team. “The Answer” made his professional debut in 2005 and won his first five while fighting on the regional circuit. After signing with the UFC, Edgar won his first three inside the octagon before losing to Maynard in their first meeting. He would rebound and win his next three following the loss to Edgar to earn his first Lightweight Title fight against BJ Penn. Edgar defeated BJ Penn at UFC 112 to earn the belt and would defend it in a Penn rematch at UFC 118 four months later. He most recently fought Maynard to a split decision draw at UFC 125 this past January in his second title defense.

Maynard, 32, is an Arizona native who fights out of Las Vegas at Xtreme Couture. “The Bully” made his professional debut in 2006 and won his first two while fighting in regional action before signing with the UFC in 2007. He appeared on the fifth season of The Ultimate Fighter and fought Rob Emerson to a no contest at the TUF 5 Finale in his official debut. Eight consecutive victories followed the no contest with victories over the likes of Jim Miller, Edgar, Nate Diaz and Kenny Florian to earn his first title fight opportunity. In his first title fight, Maynard beat up Frank Edgar early on in their UFC 125 bout but allowed his opponent to come back and earn a split decision draw this past January.

Prediction – Edgar decision

By Nick Russell
ProFighting-fans.com Senior MMA Staff Writer

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