This weekend gives a perfect chance for us guys here in the UK to get a glimpse of our very own stars in the UFC.

Martin Smith gives us his thoughts on the fights involving the British UFC guys and how he thinks they will fare.

Terry Etim vs. Sam Stout

A mixed-bag for both fighters. I’ve never thought anything of Sam Stout and unfortunately, Etim has lost his last two fights by decision in the UFC.

Many critics are calling this make-or-break for Etim. A loss will keep him in the UK without a job in the UFC. That should, you would think, spur him on to do something. Sam Stout is a very average fighter in my eyes. Etim will certainly not have a better chance to prove the doubters wrong.

I reckon Etim is going to surprise a few with a submission victory in round two.

Shane Carwin vs. Neil Wain

Shane Carwin has a fantastic future in this sport. If he can stay on his feet, strike quick and hold his own, he will win comfortably.

However, Wain does have some fantastic stand-up also. Maybe a fight to soon for the Brit, but Wain will be hoping for a decent performance. A decent fight against Carwin isn’t a bad thing.

A possible slug-fest this one. I will be shocked if this doesn’t end with a knockout.

I’m giving it to Carwin in round three by TKO.

Dan Hardy vs. Akihiro Gono

Dan Hardy’s debut in the UFC and an unbelievable challenge ahead of him. Akihiro Gono is one good fighter. That said, half of his victories have come via decision, so Hardy will know that he can beat him.

Hardy needs to get into Gono very quickly. Take him to the ground, get the ground and pound going and escape when you can. If Hardy takes the first round, then he will be in a great position.

However, Gono has some fantastic stand-up and submissions and for that, I give Gono the victory via armbar submission in the third.

Chris Lytle vs. Paul Taylor

Paul Taylor could really do with a victory here and unfortunately, I don’t think he’s going to get it.

While Chris Lytle got destroyed in his last fight, he has been in relative good fighting form over the last few of his battles and I expect him to continue his trend. He may be 2-2 but Lytle has one hell of a massive heart.

I thought this was a bit of a weird fight for Taylor to take, but I hope he proves me wrong. I’m going to go with Lytle by decision.

Marcus Davis vs. Paul Kelly

A very interesting fight. Neutrals will point and say Marcus Davis will win, but I tend to disagree. If Kelly can be at his best, then he will beat Davis no problem.

Next year could very well be Paul Kelly’s year and he’s a fighter I believe can go very far in this sport.

Marcus Davis looked incredibly sloppy in his last fight, which was a shame because he is in great shape.I’m going with Kelly by decision.

Michael Bisping vs. Chris Leben

I can almost definitely see the winner of this going on to face Anderson Silva after the eventual Silva/Yushin Okami fight for the UFC Middleweight title.

Bisping knows that he should win this fight. After all, he has been on fire in his recent fights. At the same time, Chris Leben might be knocking on Dana White’s door and begging for another shot at Anderson Silva as he too has proven that he is back to his best.

One thing for sure is that this fight has all the makings of a slug-fest. If Leben comes out swinging, then this fight could be over quick. I think he’ll do it. You have to remember, this is only three rounds and I honestly don’t believe Leben has the cardio to challenge Bisping as the fight comes to a close.

If Leben wants to win this fight, he has to score big early. That might be his very downfall. One second off the mark too quick and Leben could very well plot his own defeat.

I’m going for a Bisping win in this. Bisping to win by TKO towards the end of round one.

Well, that’s it folks. I hope you have a great night of UFC action! Keep up-to-date here on ifight365.com as we move closer to the event this Saturday night. We’ll have live coverage from Birmingham of Friday weigh-ins as well as pre-show news from Birmingham. Then on Saturday night, we’ll have live coverage of UFC 89 right here at iFight365.com!

Martin Smith
martin@ifight365.com