Music to listen to: Parallels by Yes
Quick predictions for UFC on Fox 4:
Shogun Rua over Brandon Vera by TKO 4th round: I think that Rua’s overall aggressiveness will make Vera wilt under the pressure and the Brazilian gets the advantage in the championship rounds. Vera is a very talented fighter and arguably one of the most polarizing figures in all of mixed martial arts. However, since his move to light heavyweight, Vera has had numerous underwhelming performances in the division, including victories such as his last one over Eliot Marshall at UFC 137. Rua has looked solid in his past few fights, even in defeats to Dan Henderson and Jon Jones, who wasn’t losing to anybody on that evening. Vera’s biggest strength, kicks to the lower body, is also Rua’s strong point as well and would probably be negated, plus Rua uses his knees on the offensive front just as well as anybody in the division. If the fight goes to the ground, I would expect Rua to have the advantage there as well.
Ryan Bader over Lyoto Machida by decision: I’m taking Bader in the mini-upset. Machida likes to keep his distance and will attempt to avoid the numerous takedown attempts that Bader is going to make during the fight. However, I think Bader’s physical strength and overall aggressive style will sway the judges to give him the victory.
Jamie Varner over Joe Lauzon by 3rd round TKO
DeMarques Johnson over Mike Swick by decision: Every impartial MMA fan should be rooting for Swick to do well in his first fight in over two years after dealing with some serious health ailments. However, the layoff will be too much for Swick to overcome against a solid fighter like Johnson.
Phil Davis over Wagner Prado by decision: If Davis can earn a highlight-producing victory over Prado, maybe he can join the discussion for a potential opponent for Jones in 2013.
Those are my thoughts, what are yours?
The Sports Inquirer 
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