Editor's Picks: UFC 116

ProFighting-fans.com Editor-in-Chief Scott Dryden provides his UFC 116 picks & fight predictions

> Don't miss our UFC 116 predictions and find the official UFC 116 fight results after the fights are complete here at Pro Fighting Fans!

We are set for one of the most anticipated UFC events of all time. The weigh-ins are official with all participants making weight. The stare-down between Carwin-Lesnar was scintillating as the two mammoth beasts proved ready for battle. For complete coverage of the event including predictions and a live blog visit ProFighting-fans.com. Now its time for the Editor's picks:

UFC 116 Main Event - Brock Lesnar vs. Shane Carwin: The UFC’s Heavyweight title is at stake in Brock Lesnar’s long awaited return. The former NCAA Division I wrestling champion will have his toughest test to date in the form of Shane Carwin. Carwin’s hands are better than Brock’s but Lesnar’s tremendous quickness and wrestling skills will be the difference.

Prediction: Lesnar via TKO due to strikes in the 2nd round

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Chris Leben vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama: This is a big bout in the middleweight division. Akiyama is a relative unknown to the casual MMA fan but boasts an impressive 13-1 record which includes victories of Melvin Manhoef, Denis Kang and Alan Belcher. He is well versed in the stand-up or on the ground. Although Leben gets more attention for his theatrics than his talent, make no mistake he can punch with the best of them. This should be a thrilling fight.

Prediction: Akiyama via split decision

Chris Lytle vs. Matt Brown: A very big fight for two hard nosed guys who could use a win. Lytle’s toughness and heart is immense but Brown has proven to be very good at times. Lytle’s stand-up will be the difference.

Prediction: Lytle via TKO due to strikes in the 3rd round

Krzysztof Soszynski vs. Stephan Bonnar: A rematch of the UFC 110 match-up which saw “The Polish Experiment” win due to doctor stoppage (cut). The American Psycho is not only a fan favorite but also a favorite of UFC President Dana White, understandably so. However, Bonnar is on a three fight losing streak and could see his UFC days numbered with another loss. Both fighters are very good on their feet and Krzysztof is very good at pulling out victories with kimuras.

Prediction: Soszynski via UD

George Sotiropoulos vs. Kurt Pellegrino: Pellegrino is a very good fighter both on his feet and on the ground but he hasn’t faced the type of talent Sotiropoulos has since his loss to Nate Diaz. George is an extremely talented fighter who is starting to get the recognition he deserves. He will push his winning streak to seven.

Prediction: Sotiropoulos via submission due to a RNC 3rd round

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UFC 116 Undercard Fights:

Chris Tuchscherer over Brendan Schaub
Ricardo Romero over Seth Petruzelli
Kendall Grove over Goran Relijic
Dave Branch over Gerald Harris
Forrest Petz over Daniel Roberts
Karlos Vemola over Jon Madsen: Madsen has faced better competition and has a strong wrestling pedigree. Maybe I’m buying into the tremendous hype over Vemola but I think he lives up to the press and becomes an instant hit.

Enjoy the card fight fans!

By Scott Dryden
ProFighting-fans.com Editor-in-Chief