Top 10 Worst 2008 Predictions of the BE Staff

Sorry guys, I couldn't resist.  Keep in mind that a prediction is just an opinion and a couple are certainly upsets.  I admit that I am horrible at predictions, its just funny how some of these fights ended up going down the way they did.

10.  Josh Koscheck vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida- Fight for the Troops

Nick Thomas: Yoshida has a win over Dan Hardy just last year and that means a tough fight for Koscheck especially after his war against Alves. I'm betting Koscheck comes in with his I'm a striker now game plan, giving the opportunity to Yoshida to take this to ground and win by submission.

9. Anderson Silva vs Patrick Cote- UFC 90

Nick Thomas: On the ground - Cote loses. Standing up - it doesn't look good for Cote either. But I just can't pick against my fellow canuck. I'm praying that Cote is super aggressive in the first minute of the first round and catches Silva with a big shot. Cote by lucky punch.  - I had to throw in one of Nick Thomas' "fellow canuck" picks. (Honorable mention for his pick of Johnathen Goulet over Mike Swick.)

8. Chuck Liddell vs. Rashad Evans- UFC 88

Michael Rome: I'm always concerned now when Chuck fights, but I think he'll win here.  Every time they hype Rashad we hear we're going to see a new, aggressive striker.  It never happens.  Rashad isn't that hard to hit, he got hit by Bisping and Tito.  Chuck via TKO, round 1.

7. Kenny Florian vs. Roger Huerta- UFC 87

Mike Rome: Well, this is my first real upset pick, because I don't think Herring should really be an underdog.  I happen to be among those that think Kenny Florian is incredibly overrated.  I don't think any of his wins are all that impressive, and I don't think it will be easy for him to take down Huerta, who has spent months training with GSP and Rashad Evans.  On the feet, I think this is a lot closer, and I think Huerta can win if he turns it into a wild fight, which is what he normally does.  Roger Huerta via decision

6. Rob Emerson vs. Manny Gamburyan- UFC 87

Brent Brookhouse: This is a showcase fight for Gamburyan.  As long as he takes the fight seriously he should have a reasonably easy night.  Gamburyan by submission round 1.

5. Fedor Emelianenko vs. Tim Sylvia- Affliction Banned

Brent Brookhouse: This is a hard fight to call.  Generally we know what we're going to get out of Sylvia but what do you get from Fedor in 2008 against a top 10 heavyweight?  I'll tell you one thing, I don't buy this idea that the fight goes clinch, takedown, sub early in round 1.  It took Fedor 2 minutes to sub Hong Man Choi and I think that Sylvia is a bit more of a challenge.  I'm going to follow my gut rather than my brain and take Sylvia by TKO (cut stoppage) Round 3.

4. Wanderlei Silva vs. Keith Jardine- UFC 84

Luke Thomas: For me, I cannot allow my love and appreciation of Silva as a fan simply will me into picking him here. There are considerable match-up problems for Silva and to ignore them because Silva needs a win is foolish. Aside from the difficulties Jardine presents in reach and outside kickboxing, Jardine also has a respectable ground game with sufficient takedowns. Most importantly, though, is that Silva's style of trapping people and firing a barrage of punches either moving forward or with planted feet doesn't work as well in the open space of the Octagon. Jardine was able to avoid Liddell's incredible reach which is for sure longer than Silva's. Provided Jardine stays on his horse and doesn't get pressured in close range as he did against Liddell, this is his fight to lose. Jardine, by decision. - Shame on Luke for picking against the Axe Murderer!

3.  Brian Stann vs Steve Cantwell- WEC 35

Michael Rome: Seriously?  Stann via KO, round 1.

2. Tim Boetsch vs David Heath- UFC 81

Nick Thomas: Tim Boetsch? *shrugs*. David Heath by... um yeah.

1. BJ Penn vs Joe Stevenson- UFC 80

Nick Thomas: Penn by decision - I actually think Stevenson has a good chance of winning this; I just want BJ to win more.

And the first place prize goes to Nick Thomas,not because the pick, it was right.  But for actually thinking Joe Daddy had a chance!

Honorable mention goes to Efrain Escudero, getting no love in the predictions for the finale.  The BE staff will redeem themselves tommorow when I dig up their best picks of 2008.