Kamal Shalorus vs. Will Kerr

The product of some last-second reshuffling, the matchup between Shalorus and Kerr largely depends on the latter’s ability to keep his head from getting caved in by the former’s fists. Only a still-developing sense of positioning can hold back Shalorus, a gifted ground-and-pounder. Regardless, Kerr will struggle to get anything going against his foe’s brute physicality and superior firepower. Expect a textbook ground-and-pound seminar from Shalorus, as he gradually chips away at Kerr before finally overwhelming him late in the second round.

Diego Nunes vs. L.C. Davis

Brazilian mega-prospect Nunes puts his undefeated mark on the line against Davis, who looks to put his controversial WEC debut behind him with a win. The fight itself comes down to who can work his top control best, as neither fighter seems particularly fond of employing the guard to highlight his jiu-jitsu. While the wrestling itself appears relatively even, Nunes has proven the more active grappler and will do more with the time he gets on top. A nip/tuck unanimous decision goes to Nunes, while defeat leaves Davis to ponder the karmic consequences of his “win” over Javier Vazquez at WEC 42.

Cub Swanson vs. John Franchi

This fight boils down to Franchi’s ability to score takedowns and corral Swanson, who has the arsenal to put him in a world of hurt. There are worse strategies to have against Swanson, but Franchi does not have the top control or positioning skills necessary to shut down the Californian. Sooner or later, Swanson will start stuffing his opponent’s shots, turning this fight into the kind of fast-paced slugfest Franchi appears doomed to lose. The end comes late in the second round, as Swanson drops Franchi with punches and finishes him off with a torrent of ground-and-pound.

Antonio Banuelos vs. Kenji Osawa

If Osawa ever plans to reverse course on his disappointing WEC run, now would be a good time to start, as a loss to Banuelos would all but doom him to the bottom tier of the division. Osawa’s pitter-pat punching and slight frame, however, will not keep Banuelos from walking him down and pressing the action with power strikes. In terms of fundamentals, Osawa remains a solid fighter, but his mediocre record reflects his lack of finishing ability. Lateral movement and a steady jab are nice weapons, but they will not keep Banuelos from collapsing the pocket and forcing Osawa into exchanges he cannot win. A thorough three-round dismantling ends with Banuelos taking a lopsided decision win.

Ricardo Lamas vs. James Krause

Hope this fight makes the television broadcast, as Lamas and Krause make for a compelling style clash. Lamas is a wrestling convert with a taste for striking; Krause is a submission dynamo equally unafraid of putting fist to face. Lamas’ more studied striking style and ability to dictate where the fight goes tilts this bout in his favor. Krause can certainly tie Lamas into knots on the mat, but he may not be able to get him there. Watch for Lamas to score a resounding technical knockout win before Krause ever gets the chance to show off his ground game.

Seth Dikun vs. Frank Gomez

Gomez has shown himself as a ground-and-pound siege tank that may yet develop into a premier bantamweight, but Dikun’s slick jiu-jitsu and praying mantis frame make for a dangerous combination on the mat. Still a developing prospect, Gomez’s ability to put pride second and victory first will play heavily into this match. Striking could swing this fight, as Dikun’s frame goes from being an advantage on the mat to a severe liability when upright. Watch for Gomez to hone in on that weakness en route to a second-round TKO win.