He will SMOKE Mirko!

The main event is interesting to me because it's really a last chance for both fighters. Mir is a good fighter, but his physical skills don't ever seem to match his emotional drive. Conversely and ironically, Cro Cop is physically talented, but he seems to suffer from the emotional and psychological demands and pressures of the sport.

I am more a fan of Cro Cop, and I hope he can win this fight impressively. He really is an outstanding counter striker, perhaps the best in Pride and all mma in his prime. Though his rear leg kicks are his specialty, I feel his counter straight left is one of the best in the business, and should be utilized in this fight. His priorities should be staying on his feet and creating and maintaining separation with Mir. Fortunately Mirko is very good at pushing off and deflecting aggressive advances from larger opponents. I expect to see some kicks, but hope Mirko targets the legs and midsection and leaves the headkicks for the glory of past highlights.

I expect Mir to attempt to close distance and force the fight into close boxing exchanges and clinches. He may try to catch Mirko's kicks, and may look for leg trips from the clinch. Mir surely realizes that his chances are best on the ground, as Cro Cop, though competent on the ground, is mostly a defensive grappler. Mir will have a strength, weight, and height advantage, and will look to use those advantages through ground control, positioning, and submission attempts.

Other than the main event, I think Sherk and Dunham might be good, and Serra and Lytle possibly entertaining.