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There have been several great posts about the upcoming UFC 97. The  Silva/Leites & Liddell/Rua fights have been picked apart with a fine tooth comb so I think I will stay away from them. I would like to focus more on the undercard. First off, WOW! I think this will be a very exciting night of undercard fights. Here's a look at a few of my choice fights.

Let's start with the debut of "Professor X".  Xavier Foupa-Pokam (20-9-0) is a skilled Muay Thai and Kickboxing fighter from France who looks to make a splash against the very experienced BJJ black belt Denis Kang (31-11-1). I don't know a lot about either of these fighters but I am stoked for this one. I still have to go with Kang via 2nd round submission.

The Ed Herman (16-6-0) David Loiseau (18-8-0) fight could turn into fight of the night if both men show up @ 100%. I really like both in this fight but I guess I will have to go with Loiseau via late 2nd round TKO.

Sam Stout (14-5-1) may not have the best UFC record with 2 wins and 4 losses but when he meets Matt Wiman (10-4-0) this could also turn into a fight of the night if they both decide to stand and trade. I am going to go with Wiman via Unanimous Decision.

If Jason MacDonald (22-11-0) can take Nate Quarry (16-3-0) down and keep him there for a little bit to tire him I think MacDonald can pull out a decision maybe even a late submission. But I think that Quarry will keep it standing and pick apart MacDonald for the win. Quarry via 1st round TKO.

The Eliot Marshall (6-2-0) and Vinicius Magalhaes (3-3-1) match could turn into a BJJ sink it first match. Both are very good on the ground and looking to impress in their 2nd bout for the UFC. I think Magalhaes may be a little more well rounded though. I have Magalhaes via 1st round submission.

So, any other thoughts on this great undercard?