Check back here tonight at BloodyElbow.com beginning at 10PM EST / 7PM PDT for live play-by-play and results of UFC 87's main card. Be sure to make your voice heard and offer your thoughts on what's sure to be a fantastic night of fights.

Click here to see all undercard results live.

Alright, we're less than 30 minutes away from the beginning of the action. Or rather, 30 minutes away from "Optimus Bellum Domitor" and the unveiling of Mike Goldberg's Haimov watch of choice for the evening. Sounds like the prelims have been pretty exciting, so as usual please refrain from undercard spoilers in the comments.

And we're off!

Before the opening package, the UFC dedicates the show to Nelsen Bernardo, an in-house graphic designer for Zuffa who passed away in a car accident last week.

Demian Maia vs. Jason MacDonald

Maia enters to... Braveheart music? He's got Wandy in his corner. I see Clay Guida in the crowd, so hopefully we'll get some great shadowboxing later on in the evening. MacDonald's entrance music of choice is Metallica's cover of "Turn The Page."

Round 1 - Maia throwing left kicks low and high to start off. MacDonald clinches almost immediately and Maia pulls guard. Jason staying tight to the body as the Brazilian peppers him with shots. MacDonald leaves an arm exposed and Maia cinches up a VERY tight triangle. He pulls MacDonald's head down and Joe Rogan pronounces the bout over, but "The Athelete" won't tap. Now MacDonald stands and frees himself, quickly takes Maia's back and sinks in a rear naked choke! Maia frees himself and MacDonald works from the guard. MacDonald stands and lunges in, grabbing Maia's head and squeezing on a guillotine. Maia's cut near the left eye, now slips out of the guillotine and takes MacDonald's back. Now Maia takes the rear naked with :30 remaining! MacDonald rides it out and the round expires with the submission and body triangle still sunk in. BloodyElbow.com scores the round 10-9 for Demian Maia.

Round 2 - Maia catches MacDonald with a hard left hook to open the round, and MacDonald immediately shoots for a double and puts him against the fence. Now Jason against the fence with Maia throwing big knees, but not much connecting. Maia trips him to the ground, now in full guard raining down punches. Some hard elbows from Maia and MacDonald is bleeding from the nose. Maia smothering and neutralizing MacDonald's attempts at offense from the bottom with 2:00 left. Now Maia in full mount, throwing non-stop punches, alternating left and right as MacDonald simply covers up. These shots aren't landing flush but they're obviously frustrating the Canadian fighter. MacDonald finally escapes; Maia has isolated his left arm but can't do anything with it and it's MacDonald's turn on top again. BloodyElbow.com scores the round 10-9 for Demian Maia.

The crowd surprisingly cheers for a very technical match between rounds. MacDonald's corner tells him he needs to knock Maia out.

Round 3 - Maia tries for a guillotine as the round begins, but MacDonald trips him down and lands on top, popping his head out. Now MacDonald takes Maia's back again and tries for a neck crank/guillotine. Maia with another great escape and now the BJJ expert is back on top. MacDonald rolls and gives up his back, now he's taking shots that drive his head into the mat as Maia tries to snake his right hand under the neck. Both fighters look exhausted. MacDonald stops paying attention for a fraction of a second and Maia loops his right arm under and locks on an inescapable rear naked choke. MacDonald taps Maia's leg and Yves Lavigne steps in to stop it. Demian Maia def. Jason MacDonald via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) - R3, 2:44

Roger Huerta vs. Kenny Florian

Roger Huerta looks fired up as ever - he's doing wind sprints back and forth across the octagon. Looks like KenFlo borrowed Uma Thurman's tracksuit from Kill Bill. And don't look now, but "Big Dan" is our ref.

Round 1 - Huerta opens up with some sharp leg kicks. Florian tries to jump in with a knee, and eats a couple punches for his trouble. Takedown by Florian, now in Huerta's full mount. Huerta gives up his back and Kenny's got him flattened out against the cage, punishing the adopted Minnesotan with strikes. The fight gets back to its feet as Huerta stands and shakes Florian off. It's almost like it's nothing for Roger to give up his back, he gets out of that situation at least once every fight. Crisp strikes from Huerta that seem to faze his opponent, who drops down for a single-leg but is stuffed. Now the fighters clinch and Florian brings up a hard knee to Huerta's body. Huerta is pushing forward but missing a lot of punches due to some nice head movement from the Boston boy. Very close round, but I've got to give it to Kenny for taking the back. BloodyElbow.com scores the round 10-9 for Kenny Florian.

Round 2 - Huerta looks desperate for a takedown in the first minute, but is repeatedly stuffed as Florian backs into the cage. Goldberg notes "Kenny's avoidance is good." Kenny shoots but Huerta stuffs and is working for a standing kimura. Now they go to the ground and Florian takes top, then Huerta's back... but he's up too high and Roger escapes again. 2:00 left and they're back standing. Florian comes forward and sweeps Huerta's left leg. Roger hits ground but the Bostonian can't capitalize. Florian looking Machida-esque in his gameplan, peppering Huerta with shots whenever he comes forward. Huerta is in love with his Superman punch, which has been completely ineffective in this match thus far. I think he's thrown seven or eight. BloodyElbow.com scores the round 10-9 for Kenny Florian.

Round 3 - The two enthusiastically touch gloves as the round begins. Roger rushes in wildly and Kenny single-legs him clear across the cage. Back to the feet and Florian is landing stiff jabs at will that seem to simultaneously bewilder and piss off Huerta. Florian throws an elbow which narrowly misses Huerta, to which Kenny responds by pointing to Huerta's head. Maybe a little gamesmanship, as Huerta seems to check his forehead for a cut. Nasty front kick from Kenny catches Huerta right beneath the jaw. Now Huerta eats some jabs and attempts to unload, but Florian's dancing out of the way of almost everything. Huerta puts everything into a left kick to Florian's midsection, but overexerts himself and falls to the ground. Florian tries for a guillotine with about :20 remaining, then shoots some knees up into Huerta's grill as time runs out. BloodyElbow.com scores the round 10-9 for Kenny Florian.

BloodyElbow.com scores the bout 30-27 for Kenny Florian.

Kenny Florian def. Roger Huerta via Unanimous Decision (30-27 x 3)

After the fight, Florian says he "really wanted a dominant performance over Roger" and dedicates the win to fellow Bostonian Jorge Rivera, whose eldest daughter passed away this week.

Rob Emerson vs. Manvel Gamburyan

I'm suddenly moved to root for Rob Emerson, who enters to the Diplo remix of M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes." Very nice.

Round 1 - Gamburyan comes out swinging with a pair of overhand rights. As he throws the second one, Emerson jacks his jaw with a right of his own that sends the Armenian to the canvas. Manny struggles to get back to his feet, but Emerson follows him down and connects with a left hook that puts Gamburyan out cold. He wakes up two seconds later, but Yves Lavigne has already (correctly) called this one off.

Rob Emerson def. Manvel Gamburyan via KO (Punches) - R1, 0:12

Brock Lesnar vs. Heath Herring

Lesnar is sponsored by Jack Link's beef jerky and enters to "Shout At The Devil." Oh man, did I seriously pick Brock Lesnar? "Big Dan" just poked Herring in the left eye during the staredown. WTF?

Round 1 - Lesnar comes out with a ridiculous flying knee that misses, then composes himself and sends Herring tumbling to the canvas with a right. Lesnar jumps on the injured "Crazy Horse" and squeezes Herring's head underneath his massive arm. Herring still in the guillotine, back to the cage - it doesn't look serious but some blood is running down the Texan's face now. Herring shoves out. Lesnar shoots and takes Herring down with ease. Looks like Lesnar is going for some ride time as he maintains Herring's back. Brock is landing tons of powerful shots from the back, now Herring looking up at Miragliotta and "Big Dan" warns Lesnar about hitting to the back of the head. Lesnar absolutely controlling this, shoving his man into the cage with complete positional dominance with under a minute left. The crowd chants and some of that WWE experience comes out as Brock showboats, raising his head momentarily to nod along with the crowd. BloodyElbow.com scores the round 10-8 for Brock Lesnar.

Round 2 - Another shot from Lesnar to open the round, backing Herring into the fence, but Heath doesn't go down this time. Second attempt does it. Lesnar in side control. Big elbows connecting to the face of Herring, who tries to stand and gives up his back. Now the Texas turns on his side, arms wrapped around Lesnar's neck for dear life as the wrestler sends powerful knees into the small of Herring's back. Somehow Herring gets to his feet and presses Lesnar against the cage. Both fighters are warned multiple times by Miragliotta not to grab the fence. Heath shoots some good knees up the middle as they tie up against the fence, but Lesnar scores another takedown as the round expires. BloodyElbow.com scores the round 10-9 for Brock Lesnar.

Round 3 - Herring obviously knows he needs to finish this and rushes in with punches that connect but don't faze Lesnar at all. Lesnar ties it up and scores yet another takedown, taking the back once again. More huge knees to Herring's spine. Lesnar in full mount now. Herring scrambles out but Lesnar maintains side control; he's picking up and rolling Heath at will. Herring goes to stand, but Lesnar's arms are wrapped around his waist. Sensing the impending suplex, Heath wisely sits back down. Herring continues to scramble, but Lesnar winds up in side control or full mount each time. The match ends and Lesnar looks ecstatic, jumping up and down, pointing at Herring with his mouth agape. Not sure if he meant it as an insult, but Herring walks over to embrace and congratulate him regardless. BloodyElbow.com scores the round 10-9 for Brock Lesnar.

BloodyElbow.com scores the bout 30-26 for Brock Lesnar.

Brock Lesnar def. Heath Herring via Unanimous Decision (30-26 x 3)

Jon Fitch vs. Georges St. Pierre

Round 1 - Fitch comes in to strike right away but is met with a single-leg from the champ which drops him down. Fitch sitting up, keeping an active guard as St. Pierre works to pass and lands body shots and elbows from the top. GSP passes to half guard, now back to butterfly. Fitch scrambles but only makes it to his knees, where GSP tries a guillotine then scores another takedown. Fitch scrambles, back to his feet. Fitch throws a lazy leg kick and St. Pierre starches him with a hard right that sends the challenger crashing down. Fitch shoots desperately, GSP still standing and throwing punches downward. Fitch seems out of it but is being given a chance to recover. GSP does not seem to be a rush to finish this. No pun intended. St. Pierre follows the wounded fighter to the mat, now in side control and landing hard elbows to finish out the frame. BloodyElbow.com scores the round 10-9 for Georges St. Pierre.

Round 2 - St. Pierre is eluding every strike Fitch comes with. It's turned into a boxing match for the first two minutes of the second. GSP picking Fitch apart with right high and left leg kicks, plus jab-straight combinations which have bloodied Fitch's face. The challenger going to the body now with his punches. Spinning back-kick to the midsection lands for Georges. Fitch continues to step in with rights, but St. Pierre (who is alternating orthodox and southpaw rapidly now) is making him pay with the jab every time. Now switching it up, a left finally connects for Fitch. He's gonna need a lot of those. Fitch handily stuffs a double-leg from the champ. Jon going to the left hand and landing more, but he's still getting tagged almost every time he walks in. BloodyElbow.com scores the round 10-9 for Georges St. Pierre.

Round 3 - A huge right hook sends Fitch falling on his ass and his mouthpiece flying out. GSP takes his back, looking for a rear naked with both hooks sunk in. But Fitch flips around! St. Pierre on his back for the first time in this fight. The left eye of Fitch is looking terribly swollen, and blood is pooling on St. Pierre from an unseen cut. GSP scrambles and now lands in Fitch's guard. North-South position now, with Georges looking to unload with knees against the cage. A scramble and it's back to the feet. The fighters exchange low kicks; Fitch's looks to buckle St. Pierre's left knee. Fitch is in deep, deep trouble after a beautiful right high kick and follow-up right knee on the way down. Somehow he's still conscious and manages to stand. Fitch motions to his eye toward his corner - either he can't see or he wants them to get the Enswell ready now. BloodyElbow.com scores the round 10-9 for Georges St. Pierre.

Round 4 - The challenger's face is much improved after a visit to his corner, but for how long? Now GSP cut beneath his left eyebrow. Steady back-and-forth in the first two minutes of this round, with Fitch landing some clean shots and St. Pierre looking markedly slower. Low kick from the champ but it was unintentional and Fitch isn't hurt. Jon trying to measure out the jab, but Georges shoots one right back while he's waiting. St. Pierre stuffs a long single from Fitch, hopping around the cage on one leg. Jon won't let go of the leg, forcing GSP's side into the fence. Fitch falls to the ground but still won't let go of the leg. Now he does, St. Pierre in guard. Fitch kicking his heels into GSP's back. St. Pierre explodes looking for a heel hook in the last seconds of the round, but Fitch was never in danger. BloodyElbow.com scores the round 10-9 for Georges. St. Pierre.

Round 5 - The doctor checked Fitch between rounds and okay'ed him to come out. St. Pierre is landing right jabs and left hooks at will. Now a spinning back-kick and a takedown. Three minutes left and the champion is sitting in Fitch's guard on the verge of his first title defense. GSP postures and lands some nasty looking rights. Fitch trying to control the hands, possibly looking for an arm, but it's way too late and he looks way too tired. Back to the feet... and back down again. :30 remaining now, Fitch tries to scramble one final time but just winds up on his butt against the cage. Lots of class from both men just after the final horn sounds, kneeling before one another with heads bowed in the center of the cage. BloodyElbow.com scores the round 10-8 for Georges St. Pierre.

BloodyElbow.com scores the bout 50-44 for Georges St. Pierre.

Georges St. Pierre def. Jon Fitch via Unanimous Decision (50-43, 50-44 x 2)
Georges St. Pierre retains the UFC Welterweight Championship.

Main Event – UFC Welterweight Championship
Jon Fitch (170) VS Georges St-Pierre (170)

Heath Herring (250) VS Brock Lesnar (265)
Roger Huerta (155) vs Kenny Florian (155)
Demian Maia (185) VS Jason MacDonald (185)
Robert Emerson (155) VS Manvel Gamburyan (155)

Tamdan McCrory (170) VS Luke Cummo (167)
Dan Evensen (244) VS Cheick Kongo (235)
Andre Gusmao (205) VS Jon Jones (205)
Steve Bruno (170) VS Chris Wilson (170)
Ryan Thomas (170) VS Ben Saunders (170)

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BloodyElbow.com Staff Predictions for UFC 87: Seek and Destroy
Saturday, August 9^th
Minneapolis, Minnesota

MAIN CARD:

Georges St. Pierre vs. Jon Fitch

Luke Thomas: While my prediction for a stand-up fight controlled by GSP may or may not be accurate, it hardly matters. Wherever the fight goes, GSP has the advantage. I do expect Fitch to make a strong account of himself, but not strong enough to take the strap from what appears to be a very prepared GSP. Fitch is simply overmatched here. GSP, via TKO, round 4.

Brent Brookhouse: Fitch is #2 in the world at welterweight on most everyone's list...and he deserves to be.  Unfortunately he just doesn't match up well with GSP.  Georges is more the more explosive athlete and while everyone seems to be looking to GSP's wrestling to be the deciding factor here I think if you look at the Wilson fight you can see where Fitch can get busted up standing.  Look for GSP to dominate standing up until he decides he wants to go to the ground and finish things.  Georges St. Pierre by TKO round 2.

Mike Rome: Months ago I thought this would be a massacre, and while I've changed my mind on that...I just don't think Fitch has the power in his hands to beat St. Pierre.  I think St. Pierre can win this fight wherever it goes, but I don't expect Fitch to go down easy.  He's been waiting his whole career for this, and he may never get another shot.  Look for St. Pierre to use his jab to keep Fitch at a distance the way Chris Wilson did early on, and then later pour it on with takedowns and ground and pound.  St. Pierre via TKO, round 4.

Nick Thomas: Fitch finally gets his shot after 8 UFC wins. I'm a big fan of Fitch but I just think GSP is better in every facet of the game. Most importantly wrestling. St. Pierre by TKO.

Mike Fagan: As others have said, for as good as Fitch truly is, St. Pierre is just that much better.  Fitch will have to take this in the same vein as Matt Serra.  Catch GSP with a shot on the feet and try to overwhelm him from there.  Otherwise, I see this match going the way of GSP/Koscheck.  Georges' wrestling combined with his strength and athleticism is just out of this world right now.  In somewhat of an "upset", though, I think Fitch survives all five rounds.  Georges St. Pierre by decision.

Chris Nelson: Even with the crazy UFC win streak and all his impressive showings against top-flight competitors, it just doesn't seem like the right time for Fitch to be taking on St. Pierre. In fairness, there probably won't be a "good time" for anyone to face the champ for a while to come, but as others have noted, GSP's strengths are Fitch's but multiplied. Even though Fitch is tough as hell, I can't see him going five rounds with GSP. St. Pierre via TKO.

Heath Herring vs. Brock Lesnar

Luke Thomas: So, if there’s anyone in the universe who would care to tell me about the sturdiness of Lesnar’s chin or his cardio in later rounds or his composure under fire, please step forward. Oh wait, I forgot: that person simply doesn’t exist. Lesnar may very well be the tank some expect him to be, but ALL of Lesnar’s backers are simply acting on blind faith. The incontestable fact is that we have no idea about Lesnar’s ability and character regarding critical elements of success in fight sport. Until we do, betting on Lesnar is like flipping a coin…or worse. Herring via TKO, round 3.

Brent Brookhouse: Herring couldn't stop Cheick Kongo's takedowns, what makes anyone thing he'll be able to stuff Lesnar at any point in the fight?  Heath will probably connect on a punch or two but I think Brock is training with the mentality that he is likely going to eat a punch or two to get inside and get his takedowns.  And there will be plenty of takedowns.  I see a slow, ugly mashing from Brock on top this fight eventually resulting in getting the fight stopped.  Lesnar by TKO round 2.

Mike Rome: The odds here make no sense to me at all.  I know Lesnar will get Herring down, and he'll probably do a good amount of damage, but Herring is very hard to finish, and I don't see Lesnar doing anywhere near the damage from the top Fedor did.  Eventually Herring will sweep or get up, and then we'll find out about Brock's chin.  Herring via KO, round 1. 

Nick Thomas: Herring has been in alot of wars. But can Herring pull off a submission on Lesnar? I don't think so. Can Herring KO Lesnar? Probably. But Herring's last 4 fights have gone to decision. I think Lesnar can stop Herring in less than that. Lesnar by TKO.

Mike Fagan: Brent and I independently have agreed on this fight from the start.  Herring isn't that good and Lesnar is bigger, faster, and more explosive than Jake O'Brien.  Why would this fight go any better for Herring this time around?  Lesnar by TKO, round 1.

Chris Nelson: Everyone is wondering about Lesnar's chin; I'm more curious to see him go three rounds. If anyone at this level can take him there, it's the durable Herring, who's gone to the cards in his last four fights. Lesnar shouldn't have much of a problem taking Heath down, but if the Mir fight is any indication the wrestler could tire himself out trying to finish with his frantic spaz attack. Lesnar via Decision.

Kenny Florian vs. Roger Huerta

Luke Thomas: This fight is so difficult to forecast. Ultimately, though, I believe that Huerta’s aggression and wild tendencies won’t work against an opponent who is technical, in-shape and durable. Kenny Florian is three for three on that account. Florian, by split decision.

Brent Brookhouse: This is a truly interesting fight as there are schools of thought out there saying that one guy or the other (or both) are overrated.  I think both guys deserve the hype they've gotten.  Say what you want about Huerta's wins in the UFC and the level of competition they were over or that Guida was winning the fight before Huerta stopped him..but in the end all that matters is that Roger Huerta has not lost a fight in the UFC.  Florian is a well rounded guy and his MT game could pose some threats to Huerta, but Huerta's relentless style tends to mess up the technique of fighters.  I'm going to pick Huerta here but regardless I think we're going to see a potential fight of the year.  Roger Huerta by TKO round 3.

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.

Nick Thomas: Roger has a nice looking record but his first five fights were all UFC debuts. Even in his fight against Guida, Guida was wining until he got caught. Can you say hype machine? Florian by TKO.

Mike Fagan: I just want to point out here that I'm really excited for the three featured fights on this card.  Awesome effort by the UFC.  Anyway, I admittedly have a pretty huge mancrush on Roger.  He's exciting, he has a ton of heart, and, damnit, he's dreamy.  And for all the crap Roger gets for being fed a silver spoon, Florian's resume isn't very impressive either (outside of the Sherk fight, which he lost).  That being said, I think this fight might hinge on Huerta's tendency to put himself in trouble.  If he can stay composed and fight smart while still being relentless, I believe he has the ability to overwhelm Florian.  If not, Kenny's a guy who will punish you for positional mistakes.  My mind says Kenny, but my heart is with Roger.  Roger Huerta by TKO, round 3.

Chris Nelson: Unless GSP/Fitch turns into an all-out war, I don't think there's any doubt that this will be Fight of the Night. It's just too close to call so I gotta ride with Boston and the more known commodity in the man from Sityodtong, but I don't think Hellbows will be enough to put Huerta away. Florian via Decision.

Demian Maia vs. Jason MacDonald 

Luke Thomas: MacDonald’s ace in the hole is lording his good guard over unsuspecting opponents. He isn’t some sort of phenomenal striker nor he is a very capable takedown artist. MacDonald is a great athlete, but I don’t think pure athleticism is enough to overcome Maia’s insanely good jiu-jitsu. Maia, via submission, round 1.

Brent Brookhouse: Maia is a lot of fun to watch but MacDonald is just a bad matchup for him.  Look for Jason to pick him apart on the feet en route to a decision.  Jason MacDonald by decision.

Mike Rome: Well I think this pick will make me unpopular, but I'm picking MacDonald.  Maia's submission against Ed Herman was impressive, but I wasn't impressed by how he looked in that first round.  I think MacDonald is big enough and skilled enough to keep this standing.  MacDonald via TKO, round 2.

Nick Thomas: On the feet - Macdonald wins this. That and Maia will probably gas. MacDonald by TKO.

Mike Fagan: I'm going to have to agree with some of the others.  MacDonald's size and Maia's apparent lack of gas is going to be the big factors.  Jason MacDonald by TKO, round 3.

Chris Nelson: While Jason has been predicting first round TKO all over the place, all reports point to a hungrier, more prepared Maia coming into this fight. He may have to eat some strikes or get bullied against the cage, but I say Maia stays undefeated and pulls out a sub from the bottom. Maia via Submission, Round 2.

Rob Emerson vs. Manny Gamburyan

Luke Thomas: Emerson showed improved stand-up, but Gamburyan is the UFC’s wrecking ball (no disrespect to Marcus Hicks). If Gamburyan can’t take Emerson to the ground with conventional wrestling takedowns, he’ll resort to his fantastic uchi mata or harai goshi. Either way, Emerson’s getting submitted here. Gamburyan via submission, round 2.

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.

Mike Rome: This has no business on the main card, but they are dedicated to Gamburyan because of TUF.  Gamburyan via submission, round 1.

Nick Thomas: Emerson has no notable wins (maybe K-Taro). Absurd that Emerson’s even on the main card. Gamburyan by TKO.

Mike Fagan: Is Manny's shoulder gonna stay in place?  If so, Manny Gamburyan by submission, round 2.

Chris Nelson: Does the UFC honestly believe people care about Manny Gamburyan because of The Ultimate Fighter? This should be on the undercard. Of the WEC. Gamburyan via Submission, Round 1.

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Anybody that missed tonight's Countdown to UFC 87 show needs to find a way to see it. Watch it here.

This was the best countdown I've ever seen, because they took two guys that were not draws at all before and did enough to make them stars.  The Roger Huerta stuff in particular was the most compelling television they've ever had in one of these shows.  I was already a fan, and after this I am really hoping he wins.  It is impossible to hate him after watching this.

It's interesting they chose to focus on Huerta/Florian over the Brock Lesnar fight.  It's clear they expect Lesnar to lose, so they are choosing the focus on the other fights in order to build stars for the future.  If Lesnar is able to pull off the win, the hype train for Lesnar will be back on. 

Another fantastic job by Tracy Lee. Also check out Blackout612's FanShot "Notes from UFC 87 Press Conference @ Mall of America."

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“You’ve got to remember this guy has never even been out of the first round...If the fight does go on and he gets into deep water, who knows how he’s going to react when he gets tired, when his hands start dropping.

“He’s never even really been hit in a fight before. I’ve dropped somebody in every one of my fights, so we’ll see how he reacts when he gets caught with a couple of shots.”

-- Heath Herring, believing Lesnar's still many unknown qualities and capabilities will be tested on Saturday night.

Over the past few weeks the tide of internet opinion has been turning against Roger Huerta.  As with most things in life it all comes down to money.  Roger wants more of it and has said so publicly which has in turn upset Dana White.  There is a lot of talk in the MMA community that Huerta is a "protected fighter" who has not beaten anyone that puts him in line for the kind of raise he is rumored to be asking for (word is that he wants a bigger deal than BJ Penn has).

While the idea of more money than Penn is a stretch I've got to believe that the UFC is in a place where they almost have to bend to his desires.

The UFC was fine with losing Tito Ortiz to Affliction, if for no other reason than his demands could be financially crippling for the upstart promotion.  I do get the feeling that the UFC brass probably wish they would have re-signed Andrei Arlovski after seeing the reaction he received at the inaugural Affliction show.  Arlovski has remained a strong fan favorite even despite some lackluster showings toward the end of his UFC run and he remains one of the fighters I most get asked about by casual fans.  Arlovski would have even provided a boost to UFC 90 in Chicago as he remains a popular figure in the area.

Huerta has broad appeal, he is handsome, young and is an all-action fighter.  Win, lose or draw this Saturday he can demand a nice sum that should be within reason for any of the major promotions.  The amount he asks for will likely be above what he has "earned" in terms of major wins but it isn't going to be at Ortiz levels of being potentially promotion crippling.

Perhaps the most important aspect of Roger Huerta though is his heritage.  Being of Latino descent he has what is still a relatively unique appeal for the upper levels of mixed martial arts.  Having covered boxing for several years it is considered a general fact of life that the Latino market is huge for fight PPV sales.  As the sport grows having marketable Latino stars is going to be something of increasing importance for MMA promotions.  Roger is exactly the kind of star that has been money for the Latino market in boxing with his brash but not overly cocky attitude and gutsy hard-charging style.  In today's economy the UFC would do well to continue to attempt to expand its appeal to as many demographics as possible and letting Huerta go would go strongly against that philosophy.

Is Roger Huerta being unreasonable by wanting more money?  Perhaps.  But the real question is, can the UFC afford to let his marketability be taken elsewhere?  I think not.

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Todd Martin talks to Fitch about his training and game plan for his fight with GSP in light of Koscheck's preparation and performance:

St. Pierre dominated high level wrestlers like Matt Hughes, Frank Trigg and Koscheck. St. Pierre's victory over Koscheck was particularly notable, since Koscheck and Fitch are former collegiate wrestling stars who train together at the American Kickboxing Academy.

Fitch distinguishes his fight with St. Pierre from Koscheck's by noting their contrasting approaches.

"(Koscheck) is very stubborn," Fitch notes. "He didn't want to listen to anyone when we told him to practice wrestling. He had it in his head that nobody could take him down if he didn't want them to. I don't think he drilled a single takedown that entire training camp. It was basically all standup and even very little jiu jitsu. I haven't taken that approach for this fight. I always train everything."

I'm not suggesting there won't be some takedown battles in this fight, but I would be very surprised if the ground game was the domain where the fight ended. St. Pierre is customarily a smart gameplanner and is adept at making adjustments on the fly. If Fitch has shown any acumen, it's not in trading hands to finish opponents standing. St. Pierre, while he hasn't been willing to overly engage in fisticuffs in recent fights, has shown an ability to stop opponents standing. Go back and watch St. Pierre's fight with IFL standout Jay Hieron for proof. Once Hieron was rocked St. Pierre followed him down, but it was during the punching exchanges that St. Pierre asserted himself with better angles, solid power and aggressive maneuvering.

We all know the professional boxers St. Pierre trains with swear by his stand-up and I believe the notion of GSP being gun shy are grossly overstated. I don't think this will be a walk in the park for either fighter, but I do believe St. Pierre will force Fitch into engaging him on the feet. He will force Fitch into making mistakes by doing what St. Pierre does best: removing fighters from their comfort zones.

We shall see.