The Ultimate Fighter 9: Team U.S. vs. Team U.K. Finale happens at the Pearl in Las Vegas on Saturday, June 20, airing live on Spike TV at 9 p.m. ET. In the main event, Clay "The Carpenter" Guida looks to defeat his third consecutive former TUF champion -- and earn consideration for a lightweight title shot -- as he faces Diego "Nightmare" Sanchez. Also on the card, Ross Pearson fights Andre Winner in an all-UK 155-pound TUF final, while Damarques Johnson of the U.S. fights James Wilks for the 170-pound TUF contract.
To help you get ready for the show, CBSSports.com gives you a complete look at each fight on the card, with analysis from our knowledgeable MMA writers. Take a look, and then discuss your own predictions on the message board at the bottom of this page.
Fighter photos courtesy of UFC.
Lightweight Bout:
DIEGO SANCHEZ
vs.
CLAY GUIDA
"Nightmare"
Nickname
"The Carpenter"
27
Age
27
5-11
Height
5-7
20-2-0 (9-2-0 UFC)
Record
25-9-0 (5-3-0 UFC)
6 (3 UFC)
KO/TKOs
4 (1 UFC)
9 (2 UFC)
Submissions
12 (1 UFC)
3 wins
Streak
3 wins
def. Joe Stevenson UFC 95 2/21/2009
Last Fight
def. Nate Diaz UFC 94 1/31/2009
Writers' Picks
Denny Burkholder: You could say that Sanchez is most vulnerable to tenacious wrestlers, since his only career losses were to Josh Koscheck and Jon Fitch, both via decision. Guida is a good wrestler too, but this is a smaller weight class. Sanchez will be the bigger fighter in the cage this time, and unlike in his Koscheck loss, Sanchez can expect Guida to press forward relentlessly. That could play right into Sanchez's hands, allowing him to engage Guida without chasing him down. Guida's never been knocked out, but I expect Sanchez to strike well enough -- and threaten enough submissions once the fight hits the canvas -- to win via decision.
Todd Martin: Clay Guida and Diego Sanchez are moving in different directions stylistically. Sanchez early in his career relied very heavily on his wrestling, aggressively and persistently going for takedowns. But of late he has improved his standup and hasn't tried to force one game plan. Guida by contrast in recent fights has for the most part abandoned his standup and submission games, instead relying on wrestling and conservative positioning to win fights. I don't think that's going to work against Sanchez. Sanchez is really good in a wrestling scramble, and has better submissions and standup than Guida as well. He's also a cardio machine, which neutralizes one of Guida's best weapons. I see Sanchez winning a clear cut decision.
Ben Fowlkes: The Guida we've seen of late is essentially a one-trick pony, but it's been an effective trick up until now. His problem is that as good as his wrestling is, it's probably not good enough to get Sanchez down and keep him there all night. Granted, he'll probably get a takedown or two, but Sanchez is too strong and too explosive to keep on his back. He'll pick Guida apart on the feet and stuff his takedowns down the stretch, and in the end I have to take Sanchez via late TKO.
Gary Herman: With a win against Guida, Diego Sanchez stated that he'd be next in line for a lightweight title shot. That should be a tremendous amount of motivation for him in the fight. Going against a wrestler in Guida, Sanchez will likely be attempting submissions most of the fight. Guida has always been able to effectively fend off submissions, and he should be able to do that here. Unfortunately, Guida's recent string of fights has basically turned into his holding onto the opponent and hoping for a decision (see Nate Diaz fight). I don't think that strategy will work here. Sanchez is too strong and too experienced not to be able escape Guida's grasp. Once he does that, Sanchez will put Guida is some bad spots. A decisive finish in this fight is very unlikely, but a decision win for Sanchez is. Sanchez wins by unanimous decision.
Welterweight Bout:
CHRIS LYTLE
vs.
KEVIN BURNS
"Lights Out"
Nickname
n/a
34
Age
29
5-11
Height
5-11
26-17-5 (5-9-0 UFC)
Record
7-2-0 (2-1-0 UFC)
4 (1 UFC)
KO/TKOs
3 (1 UFC)
17 (3 UFC)
Submissions
4 (1 UFC)
1 loss
Streak
1 loss
lost to Marcus Davis UFC 93 1/17/2009
Last Fight
lost to Anthony Johnson TUF 8 Finale 12/13/2008
Writers' Picks
Denny Burkholder: Lytle has only been finished twice in 17 losses, and both TKOs were to power strikers (Joe Riggs, Thiago Alves). Every other loss was a decision. Why does that matter? Simple: Burns isn't a good enough striker to finish Lytle standing, and he doesn't have the tools to win a decision. Lytle is very good with submissions and he loves to slug it out, so there is pretty much nowhere for Burns to take this fight that will take Lytle out of his comfort zone. Well, maybe an eye poke. But barring that, I pick Lytle via TKO, Round 2.
Todd Martin: Poor Kevin Burns was really impressive in his UFC debut against Roan Carneiro and his reward was a series of very tough fights for someone with his experience level. Lytle has been through the wars, and his skill in every aspect of the game makes him hard to game plan for. Burns' greatest strength is likely in the submission game, but Lytle has never been submitted. Lytle is the pick via decision.
Ben Fowlkes: If Burns is smart he'll try and put Lytle on his back early and often and grind away at him from there. Something tells me that he isn't quite smart enough for that, however, and at some point he'll get baited into standing toe-to-toe and exchanging blows. That's right where Lytle wants it, and for good reason. Lytle via late TKO.
Gary Herman: Burns returns to the octagon following his knockout loss to Anthony Johnson. Burns is a good all around fighter that does like to strike, but I just don't think he is as talented as Lytle. As evidence by his decision loss to Josh Koscheck, Lytle is virtually impossible to finish. Lytle also loves to stand and trade, but his wrestling is underrated. In the end, Lytle will show Burns that Burns is only a lower-tier UFC fighter. Lytle wins by second round TKO.
'TUF' Welterweight Final:
DAMARQUES JOHNSON
vs.
JAMES WILKS
"Darkness"
Nickname
"Lightning"
26
Age
31
6-0
Height
6-1
9-6-0 (UFC debut)
Record
5-2-0 (UFC debut)
4
KO/TKOs
2
4
Submissions
3
1 loss
Streak
3 wins
lost to Ryan Williams Extreme Challenge 109 10/18/2008
Last Fight
def. Mike Robles Gladiator Challenge 10/25/2008
Writers' Picks
Denny Burkholder: If Wilks decides to mock Johnson in the middle of the fight the way he did Frank Lester, he'll be the one picking his teeth out of his mouthguard. Johnson's no joke. He's better than Wilks on his feet, and while Johnson's proven to be a little vulnerable to submissions in the past -- losing three fights that way -- I don't think Wilks' advantage on the ground is as lopsided as it might look on paper. I see Johnson fighting smart and TKOing Wilks in Round 3.
Todd Martin: Johnson had more hype going into this show and on the show, but I wasn't particularly impressed by his performances. Wilks on the other hand looked really good and seemed hungrier to establish himself. I think Wilks will go hard in this fight and finish Johnson via TKO to win the TUF crown.
Ben Fowlkes: You never really know what to expect from TUF finalists once they're out of the house and back to their home gyms, but from what we saw on the show Johnson seems like the more aggressive fighter and the more well-rounded of the two. If Wilks can get him into a submission wrestling match he may have an edge, but otherwise I see him getting knocked out by Johnson early on.
Gary Herman: The UFC tried to build heat between the two during the final episode of the show. Hopefully, that will translate into an action packed fight. I do expect both guys to stand and trade for as long as possible. If it goes to the ground, Johnson will have the advantage there. Johnson has looked like one of the best fighters on the show, and he will be crowned the next TUF champion. Where he goes from here, I am not sure, but at least he'll have the plaque. Johnson wins by unanimous decision.
'TUF' Lightweight Final:
ROSS PEARSON
vs.
ANDRE WINNER
"The Real Deal"
Nickname
n/a
24
Age
27
5-8
Height
5-11
8-3-0 (UFC debut)
Record
9-2-1 (UFC debut)
2
KO/TKOs
1
5
Submissions
3
1 win
Streak
1 draw
def. Ian Jones Ultimate Force 11/1/2008
Last Fight
drew with Abdul Mohamed Cage Warriors FC 7/12/2008
Writers' Picks
Denny Burkholder: I think this fight could be very entertaining, especially if Pearson threatens with his submissions early. If that happens, we'll get a good look at Winner's perseverance and defensive skills, and we also might see a standup battle if Winner decides he's better off standing with Pearson. Both fighters are aggressive and neither is going down easily -- neither has been knocked out yet. I'll pick Pearson via submission, but it could go either way.
Todd Martin: Pearson entered the Ultimate Fighter with more of a reputation than Winner, but Winner looked better on the show. Of course, a lot of that may have been Pearson taking on tougher opponents. With his reach, Winner has the advantage in the standup, but I think Pearson will take the fight to the ground and win there.
Ben Fowlkes: I hate to see two former teammates forced to fight it out, but at least the Brits can pride themselves knowing that at least one of their countrymen has to become the next "Ultimate Fighter." Winner is simply the better athlete here and unless he screws up royally he should take this fight every time. Pearson seems like a gutsy lad who can take a beating as well as he can give one, but he doesn't have enough with which to threaten Winner. Winner via submission.
Gary Herman: Pearson has had a solid career prior to the UFC in compiling an 8-3 record. Half of his wins have been by submission. Like Pearson, Winner looked good on TUF, but I'm not sure he makes it three rounds against someone with Pearson's experience. Pearson will rack up another submission here. Pearson wins by second round tapout.
Lightweight Bout:
JOE STEVENSON
vs.
NATE DIAZ
"Daddy"
Nickname
n/a
27
Age
24
5-7
Height
6-0
29-10-0 (6-4-0 UFC)
Record
10-3-0 (5-1-0 UFC)
6 (1 UFC)
KO/TKOs
2 (0 UFC)
14 (3 UFC)
Submissions
7 (4 UFC)
2 losses
Streak
1 loss
lost to Diego Sanchez UFC 95 2/21/2009
Last Fight
lost to Clay Guida UFC 94 1/31/2009
Writers' Picks
Denny Burkholder: Both guys have a lot to lose here, with Stevenson already on a two-fight skid and Diaz eager to prove his narrow loss to Clay Guida was just a minor setback, and not the start of a trend. Diaz's jiu-jitsu is excellent, but his reach advantage makes a standup battle a good bet as well. Stevenson is probably best served to follow the Clay Guida plan of attack -- outwrestle Diaz, sneaking in as much ground and pound as possible without getting caught in submission. Ultimately, I think Diaz will wear down Stevenson with boxing before tapping him out in Round 3.
Todd Martin: There's never a day off for Joe Stevenson in the Octagon, as he gets one tough opponent after another. In a smart move, Stevenson has finally decided to switch up his training by joining Greg Jackson's team for this fight. I think Diaz is the better jiu jitsu player, but Stevenson is the better wrestler and is very hard to submit from the top. Diaz has got a shot at catching Stevenson with a submission, but if it goes to a decision I think Stevenson will win based on better positioning and more damage. Stevenson is the pick.
Ben Fowlkes: Joe "Daddy" is giving up five inches in height against what is sure to be a pissed off Nate Diaz, and unless he learned how to fly while at Greg Jackson's gym these last few weeks, that's not a good sign. Diaz is going to use his reach to outbox Stevenson until he grows desperate to get it to the mat. That's when he'll capitalize on Stevenson's impatience and lock up a submission victory, which may or may not include another double-bird Stockton salute.
Gary Herman: This is a very intriguing fight. Both guys recently had opportunities to make it to the contender level, but both guys failed. Stevenson lost to Diego Sanchez, and Diaz lost to Clay Guida. Now, the two guys get a chance to restart their careers against each other. Both are best on the ground, but if it stays standing, Diaz will have the striking advantage. I expect Diaz to be smart enough to keep the fight on the feet as much as possible. If it does go to the ground, he'll scare Stevenson enough with submissions that the fight will quickly get back up. Diaz is just too skilled to lose this fight. Diaz wins the fight of the night by unanimous decision.
Lightweight Bout:
MELVIN GUILLARD
vs.
GLEISON TIBAU
"The Young Assassin"
Nickname
n/a
26
Age
25
5-9
Height
5-10
21-7-3 (4-3-0 UFC)
Record
17-6-0 (5-3-0 UFC)
13 (4 UFC)
KO/TKOs
2 (0 UFC)
3 (0 UFC)
Submissions
8 (2 UFC)
2 wins
Streak
2 wins
def. Dennis Siver UFC 86 7/5/2008
Last Fight
def. Jeremy Stephens Fight Night 18 4/1/2009
Writers' Picks
Denny Burkholder: Guillard's most memorable Octagon moment ended in defeat via submission at UFC 79, and with opponent Rich Clementi famously taunting him to "practice jiu-jitsu, Melvin." If Guillard can't knock out Tibau within the first few minutes of this fight, we may find out if Melvin took Clementi's advice to heart. Simply put, if Tibau can get this to the ground and keep it there, Guillard is toast. But if Guillard can stuff the takedown and land some heavy punches, it's a whole different fight. I like Tibau via submission in Round 1.
Todd Martin: This fight isn't a particularly difficult one to analyze. Guillard has explosive standup power and a solid wrestling base. Tibau is well-rounded but excels on the ground in the submission game. If the fight remains standing, Guillard is likely to win via TKO/KO. If the fight goes to the ground, the edge belongs to Tibau. In those sorts of matchups, I tend to go with the ground guy, so I'm taking Tibau.
Ben Fowlkes: I had almost forgotten that Guillard was still in the UFC, but what do you know, here he is. Look, the guy is explosive when he wants to be, and that means he always has a chance to come out of nowhere and end a fight. If Tibau fights smart and breaks him down he can take that weapon away and then look for a submission. My guess is this is exactly what will happen, and I doubt it will take longer than two rounds for Tibau to tap him out.
Gary Herman: When Guillard fights, excitement usually comes with it. He is an electric fighter that is capable of winning in a few seconds or losing in a few seconds. His ground game is underdeveloped, but his striking is among the best in the division. His opponent, Tibau, is skilled both on his feet and on the ground. Tibau's advantage on the ground is so large that he just has to take the fight down. Guillard will defend the takedown as long as possible, but once the fight does go to the mat, he'll be able to submit Guillard. Tibau wins by second round submission.
Welterweight Bout:
BRAD BLACKBURN
vs.
EDGAR GARCIA
"Bad"
Nickname
n/a
32
Age
25
5-10
Height
5-11
13-9-2 (2-0-0 UFC)
Record
7-0-0 (UFC debut)
7 (1 UFC)
KO/TKOs
5
3 (0 UFC)
Submissions
1
3 wins
Streak
7 wins
def. Ryo Chonan UFC 92 12/27/2008
Last Fight
def. Hiromitsu Miura WEC 38 1/25/2009
Writers' Picks
Denny Burkholder: Garcia impressed with his 1:18 KO of Hiromitsu Miura in Garcia's first and only WEC appearance in January. He's won four in a row via first-round stoppage, but he was also a state champion wrestler in high school, so he might be tougher than advertised on the ground. Chances are, this one will stay standing, since the experienced Blackburn is no slouch there either. While Blackburn's more well-rounded on paper, I have a feeling Garcia will make a name for himself with a third-round TKO.
Todd Martin: Garcia is an up and coming fighter, but he passed his first serious MMA test with flying colors when he quickly defeated Hiromitsu Miura in his last fight. Brad Blackburn isn't sweating a UFC prospect, as he's fought a long series of solid opponents in recent years. Of course, he has won as many of those fights as he has lost. This fight is likely to be contested in the standup, and I think we'll know very quickly how it's going to go. I'm taking Garcia to score the TKO win.
Ben Fowlkes: Garcia enters this fight with the always-impressive undefeated record, but when you look at who he's fought that luster starts to fade. Blackburn is probably the toughest, most experienced fighter he's ever faced. When you factor in the Octagon jitters from Garcia's UFC debut, you have a recipe for trouble. Blackburn via early TKO.
Gary Herman: With a win over Ryo Chonan at UFC 92, Brad Blackburn has put his name on UFC's radar. Blackburn has a good striking game, but he could get tired if the fight goes into the third round. Much like Blackburn, Garcia is also a talented striker. He has won all seven of his fights with five knockouts. With a likely quick finish, this fight should sneak onto the broadcast. Blackburn's experience will be too much for Garcia, but Garcia should get better in the future. Blackburn wins by first round KO.
Light Heavyweight Bout:
MIKE CIESNOLEVICZ
vs.
TOMASZ DRWAL
"Mike C"
Nickname
"Gorilla"
29
Age
27
6-1
Height
6-0
17-3-1 (1-0-0 UFC)
Record
15-2-0 (1-1-0 UFC)
5 (0 UFC)
KO/TKOs
9 (1 UFC)
7 (1 UFC)
Submissions
4 (0 UFC)
4 wins
Streak
1 win
def. Neil Grove UFC 95 2/21/2009
Last Fight
def. Ivan Serati UFC 93 1/17/2009
Writers' Picks
Denny Burkholder: Mike C is riding a four-fight win streak coming into this bout, and his last win was against a heavyweight in Stefan Struve. Back at 205, he'll fight Drwal, who is a heavy striker, but probably doesn't have the raw power that Mike C does. And he definitely doesn't have the submission skills that Ciesnolevicz does, so with a puncher's chance being his only real asset, Drwal isn't the safest bet here. Mike C takes this one via submission, Round 2.
Todd Martin: Mike C is to me the bigger, stronger, more skilled competitor. He'll avoid danger by taking Drwal down and will work him over for a TKO from there.
Ben Fowlkes: Ah, the battle of the two guys with last names that no one can spell. Drwal is a powerhouse who can sometimes be too aggressive, and if he's not careful he might work his way right into a submission against Mike C. Ciesnolevicz will have to use every aspect of his game in this one and avoid absorbing any of those power shots. If he can do that, I like his chances. Ciesnolevicz via submission.
Gary Herman: Ciesnolevicz comes down to his more natural weight at 205. He defeated Neil Grove at heavyweight in his last fight, and he'll definitely be in better shape for this match-up. His opponent, Drwal, is a good stand-up fighter that finishes fights quickly. Much like Drwal, Ciesnolevicz is a talented striker so this has the potential to be an exciting fight. Both are talented and experienced so this is a pretty even match-up. Ciesnolevicz has a slight skill advantage so I believe that will be the difference. Ciesnolevicz wins by second round KO.
Welterweight Bout:
FRANK LESTER
vs.
NICK OSIPCZAK
"The Tank"
Nickname
"Slick"
25
Age
24
5-11
Height
6-1
3-2-0 (UFC debut)
Record
3-0-0 (UFC debut)
3
KO/TKOs
1
0
Submissions
2
3 wins
Streak
3 wins
def. Lance Evans Warpath 9/27/2008
Last Fight
def. Geoff Hayes ZT Fight Night 8/30/2008
Writers' Picks
Denny Burkholder: Lester went on TUF with less notice than other contestants, and fought under tough circumstances -- teeth knocked out, eyelid sliced open, busted face with virtually no time to heal -- without quitting, whining or complaining. By the time he lost to Wilks in the semifinals, he just didn't have anything left to give. Osipczak's probably better on the ground, and we can expect that to figure into his game plan. He's definitely got some improving to do, but with Lester coming into this fight healed and healthy (for a change) -- and with the benefit of several months of Team Quest training -- I like Lester to win via TKO.
Todd Martin: With his gritty and gutsy performances, Lester established himself as probably the most memorable cast member on the newest season of the Ultimate Fighter. Osipczak also has potential as a prospect, but I'm going with our CBSSports.com buddy Lester to pick up the win here.
Ben Fowlkes: There's no question that Lester's a tough guy, but that will only get you so far. There's very little finesse in his style and even less defense. Osipczak will pick him to shreds on the feet and as long as he can keep it there it's his fight to lose. Osipczak via decision.
Gary Herman: Both fighters are very inexperienced coming into the fight. Even though Lester made it to the semi-finals, I didn't see very much in his ability. He won both of his fights more by flukes than anything else. He did show that he has tremendous heart and is very hard to intimidate. Heart will only take him so far though. On the other hand, Osipczak is not a world-beater either, but his submission game is worlds better than Lester's. Eventually the fight will hit the mat and that's when Osipczak picks up the victory. Osipczak wins by second round submission.
Lightweight Bout:
CAMERON DOLLAR
vs.
JASON DENT
"Money Man"
Nickname
"Dynamite"
22
Age
29
5-11
Height
5-9
2-1-0 (UFC debut)
Record
18-9-0 (0-2-0 UFC)
1
KO/TKOs
4
1
Submissions
14
1 win
Streak
3 wins
def. Luke Holdorf EFX 2 8/23/2008
Last Fight
def. Matt Shaw IFBL 9/20/2008
Writers' Picks
Denny Burkholder: Among Dent's 27 pro fights are two UFC losses, pre-TUF (to Roger Huerta at UFC 63 and Gleison Tibau at UFC 68). Since Dollar has only fought three times -- and never on an official UFC card -- Dent will have a ridiculously large experience advantage. Dent is strongest with submissions and Dollar prides himself on being a good wrestler, so this is likely to play out on the canvas. I'll take Dent via unanimous decision.
Todd Martin: Dent came onto the Ultimate Fighter with more experience than most, but the reality is he's just not that good of a fighter. Dollar is young and just getting started in the sport, and the question is whether he's far enough along yet to beat someone at Dent's level. I'm going to bet no based on what I saw of Dollar on the show, and expect Dent to score a decision victory in this fight.
Ben Fowlkes: Dent should take this on experience alone, unless Dollar manages to motivate himself with fear again and pull out a surprise victory. Still, that seems…unlikely. Just as it seems unlikely that either of these two will stick around for any length of time in the UFC. Dent via submission.
Gary Herman: Dollar and Dent had words throughout the show so that is the impetus for this match-up. Once the bell sounds, that won't mean much. Neither guy has tremendous power so we are not very likely to see a slugfest. Dent has 27 professional fights to Dollar's three. Dollar has some potential, but this is a difficult step up. Dent wins by unanimous decision.
Writer's Prediction Records for 2009:
Records through June 18, 2009.
Ben Fowlkes: 72-28 (72%)
Denny Burkholder: 70-30 (70%)
Gary Herman: 70-30 (70%)
Todd Martin: 67-33 (67%)
Sam Caplan: 10-5 (67%)
2008 Records:
Includes every predicted fight of 2008.
Denny Burkholder: 147-67 (68.69%)
Sam Caplan: 138-64 (68.32%)
Todd Martin: 143-71 (66.82%)
Ben Fowlkes: 126-68 (64.95%)
Gregg Doyel: 126-77 (62.07%)
About the writers: Denny Burkholder is the MMA and boxing producer and staff writer for CBSSports.com. Sam Caplan is an MMA contributor for CBSSports.com and the publisher of FiveOuncesOfPain.com. Todd Martin has covered mixed martial arts for the Los Angeles Times, Wrestling Observer, SI.com and CBSSports.com. Ben Fowlkes is an MMA contributor for SI.com, CagePotato.com and CBSSports.com. Gary Herman is an MMA contributor for CBSSports.com and other publications.
Denny Burkholder: You could say that Sanchez is most vulnerable to tenacious wrestlers, since his only career losses were to Josh Koscheck and Jon Fitch, both via decision. Guida is a good wrestler too, but this is a smaller weight class. Sanchez will be the bigger fighter in the cage this time, and unlike in his Koscheck loss, Sanchez can expect Guida to press forward relentlessly. That could play right into Sanchez's hands, allowing him to engage Guida without chasing him down. Guida's never been knocked out, but I expect Sanchez to strike well enough -- and threaten enough submissions once the fight hits the canvas -- to win via decision.
Todd Martin: Clay Guida and Diego Sanchez are moving in different directions stylistically. Sanchez early in his career relied very heavily on his wrestling, aggressively and persistently going for takedowns. But of late he has improved his standup and hasn't tried to force one game plan. Guida by contrast in recent fights has for the most part abandoned his standup and submission games, instead relying on wrestling and conservative positioning to win fights. I don't think that's going to work against Sanchez. Sanchez is really good in a wrestling scramble, and has better submissions and standup than Guida as well. He's also a cardio machine, which neutralizes one of Guida's best weapons. I see Sanchez winning a clear cut decision.
Ben Fowlkes: The Guida we've seen of late is essentially a one-trick pony, but it's been an effective trick up until now. His problem is that as good as his wrestling is, it's probably not good enough to get Sanchez down and keep him there all night. Granted, he'll probably get a takedown or two, but Sanchez is too strong and too explosive to keep on his back. He'll pick Guida apart on the feet and stuff his takedowns down the stretch, and in the end I have to take Sanchez via late TKO.
Gary Herman: With a win against Guida, Diego Sanchez stated that he'd be next in line for a lightweight title shot. That should be a tremendous amount of motivation for him in the fight. Going against a wrestler in Guida, Sanchez will likely be attempting submissions most of the fight. Guida has always been able to effectively fend off submissions, and he should be able to do that here. Unfortunately, Guida's recent string of fights has basically turned into his holding onto the opponent and hoping for a decision (see Nate Diaz fight). I don't think that strategy will work here. Sanchez is too strong and too experienced not to be able escape Guida's grasp. Once he does that, Sanchez will put Guida is some bad spots. A decisive finish in this fight is very unlikely, but a decision win for Sanchez is. Sanchez wins by unanimous decision.
