UFC 158 is going down on Saturday night. Here are picks from Yahoo! Sports columnist Kevin Iole, Cagewriter editor Maggie Hendricks and readers like you.
Kevin Iole ? Georges St-Pierre W5 Nick Diaz: I see Nick spending a lot of time on his back eating elbows from Georges. That won't bode well for his chances. If Nick can goad Georges into a standup battle, the entire complexion of the event changes, but I think despite all the animosity, Georges will fight the same precise style he has in the past.
Maggie Hendricks ? Georges St-Pierre TKO4 Nick Diaz: The last time GSP was angry at his opponent going into a fight was against Josh Koscheck. GSP's jab got him the win. He's had plenty of time to listen to Diaz's remarks and prepare a game plan to stop Stockton's finest.
[Related: Order UFC 158 on Yahoo! Sports]
Cagereader - Nick is real slow. GSP is real fast. I think speed beats slow. At least it has for the last 60 years I have been watching fights -- Jim Lowrie
Cagereader - Diaz by TKO 4th round. I believe that Diaz has gotten into GSP?s head. In all the interviews GSP has been reactive and emotional. Since GSP requested this fight instead of taking on the true number 1 contender, Johnny Hendricks, it confirms that Diaz has gotten into his head. GSP will not get into a striking match with Diaz instead he?ll take it to the ground risking being submitted by Diaz?s excellent BJJ. However, before taking Diaz down he will have to walk through some punches. The ?punches in bunches? will stagger GSP and Diaz will finish him. -- Eddie Ledezma
****
Kevin Iole - Carlos Condit W3 Johny Hendricks: Condit is such a complete fighter that it's hard to pick against him. Hendricks clearly has the KO power to end it at any time, and his wrestling ability could take over the fight. But Condit has a more varied game, is more experienced and I think will find a way to pull out a win.
Maggie Hendricks - Johny Hendricks W3 Carlos Condit: Hendricks has added surprising power to his already-elite wrestling skills. He also has a title shot to fight for. Though Condit can be elusive, his takedown defense won't be enough to stop Hendricks.
Cagereader - Hendricks by Decision. Hendricks will push the pace and press condit back against the cage early, and he will use superior clinch work to get the takedown and control condit on the ground. I can also see Hendricks getting multiple takedowns off of Condits kicking game as the time goes by and scoring ground and pound to win each round. -- Greg Bernard
****
Kevin Iole - Jake Ellenberger TKO2 Nate Marquardt: This is a huge fight for Ellenberger, who needs not only a win, but an impressive one, to convince people he belongs in the upper echelon of the welterweight division. I think he gets it by knocking Marquardt down and finishing him with ground-and-pound.
Maggie Hendricks - Nate Marquardt W3 Jake Ellenberger: Marquardt's last fight in Strikeforce was a disappointing loss to Tarec Saffiedine. Marquardt knows how important a win is for his career. It might not be exciting, but it will end with Marquardt's hand being raised.
[Related: Nick Diaz accuses Georges St-Pierre of being on 'plenty of steroids']
Cagereader - Well I actually think the UFC put this fight together with Nate in mind to help him have a safe return back to the UFC. Nate went down a weight class, has been focused on becoming better, and has something to prove. He was already a beast who just lost motivation at middle weight. All fighter have a fighter's chance but Nate is too strong and will control Jake the entire fight. MARQUARDT WINS! by KO! -- Larry B. Fortner
****
Kevin Iole - Nick Ring SUB2 Chris Camozzi: To me, this is very much a pick'em fight, but I was impressed with Ring against Court McGee. Both have had some nice wins recently, but I lean toward Nick.
Maggie Hendricks - Nick Ring W3 Chris Camozzi: I agree with Kevin that this is a pick 'em fight. Ring's wins have been impressive, and he'll have a home crowd behind him.
***
Kevin Iole - Mike Ricci W3 Collin Fletcher: Ricci has been very up-and-down and hasn't won two fights in a row in a long time. But he's fighting in the proper weight class in this bout and I think he'll grind out a victory.
Maggie Hendricks - Mike Ricci W3 Collin Fletcher: Both fighters need a win to avoid a losing streak. Training with GSP and a loud home crowd will give Ricci and edge.
Still want to record your picks? Head to Cagewriter's Facebook page. On Saturday night, follow Cagewriter on Twitterr for fight night commentary.
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