UFC 139 Picks and Breakdowns

Danny Castillo vs. Shamar Bailey:

Shamar Bailey is a tough fighter who can take a punch, and he proved just that in his last scrap with Evan Dunham. Bailey was very relaxed and focused when I spoke with him this morning. Facing Danny Castillo will bring the young lightweight a serious test, but with the wrestling skill and solid chin, Bailey will be able to grind out a win.

Bailey by Unanimous Decision

Seth Bacynzski vs. Matt Brown:

Matt Brown has proved his toughness ever since his days on The Ultimate Fighter. He has solid striking and is very well rounded. Seth Bacyznski is also a TUF alum, yet Brown will be the superior fighter and win decisively.

Brown by (T)KO round 2

Rafael Dos Anjos vs. Gleison Tibau:

The veteran UFC lightweight Tibau is facing a younger Brazilian in Dos Anjos. With an impressive knockout over George Sotiropoulos at UFC 132, Dos Anjos proved his stand up is no joke. In addition, Dos Anjos has solid ground game and he will use it to finish Tibau after knocking him down.

Dos Anjos by Submission round 2

Alex Soto vs. Michael McDonald:

Michael McDonald showed some fight of the night action when he went to a victorious decision with Edwin Figueroa. Mayday has great footwork with an athletic base and great hands. His game is too developed for the undefeated Alex Soto.

McDonald by Unanimous Decision

Tom Lawler vs. Chris Weidman:

Tom Lawler is coming off a long layoff since his win over Patrick Cote at UFC 121 as he looks to take down the wrestler Weidman. Chris Weidman has great takedowns, and solid jiu jitsu, yet has less experience than Lawler. Both of these middleweights are well rounded, but the experience of "Filthy" Tom Lawler will give him an edge.

Lawler by Submission round 3 (SOTN)

Jason Brillz vs. Ryan Bader:

Ryan Bader is one of a number of fighters on this card with his back up against the wall. In this must win scenario, Bader will begin with his striking, but will most definitely resort to his background skill of wrestling if he is not initially successful. Jason Brillz looked lean at weigh ins, but his chin was a serious problem when he lost to Vladimir Matushenko, and Bader has power in his hands.

Bader by (T)KO round 1 (KOTN)

Kyle Kingsbury vs. Stephan Bonnar:

Stephan Bonnar is coming off a long layoff and is facing a true scrapper in Kyle Kingsbury. This may very well be fight of the night, but seeing how quick and efficient Bonnar is with his striking will determine how he will fare against the younger Kingsbu. Then again, Stephan can take a punch.

Bonnar by Split Decision

Martin Kampman vs. Rick Story:

Rick Story, who got a little chippy at weigh ins is an explosive and strong young fighter. He has brute strength that was able to manipulate veteran Thiago Alves, and can hurt you with his hands. Although Martin Kampman is accurate and crisp with his strikes, he is facing a must win scenario and Story is too much for "The Hitman" to handle.

Story by (T)KO round 3

Urijah Faber vs. Brian Bowles:

The two WEC decorated veterans are just part of this star studded UFC 139 cast. Bowles and Faber are similarly tough and well rounded fighters. This fight has experience on both ends, and could really go either way. Faber is itching to get his trilogy with Cruz, and has a bad taste in his mouth after UFC 132. Faber will use his excellent striking and forward attack to win a close decision over Brian Bowles.

Faber by Split Decision

Cung Le vs. Wanderlei Silva:

In his first UFC bout, Cung Le has a lot of hype behind him. The former Strikeforce Middleweight champion has striking that resembles that of Machida, and is facing someone with a complete opposing style. Silva will run at Le like a mad man, but Le is used to this and will keep Silva at bay and pick him apart for three rounds.

Le by Unanimous Decision (FOTN)

Mauricio Shogun Rua vs. Dan Henderson:

Shogun looked great in his win over Forrest Griffin, and is hungry for another title shot, but before he gets it, Henderson represents a grueling test. Hendo has huge power in his strikes, and will finish anybody he connects with. In addition, the California Native's Greco Roman background bar none and once he starts outwrestling his opponents, they lose all sight of a game plan in trying to survive. Shogun will start off with solid striking, but Henderson will end up wearing Rua down and later knocking him out.

Henderson by (T)KO round 3

All Picks:

Bailey

Brown

McDonald

Lawler

Bader

Bonnar

Story

Faber

Le

Henderson