Preview: UFC 136 in Houston

by Tyler Richardson

Everything is bigger in Texas. That old maxim should prove true again on Saturday night at UFC 136 live on pay per view from Houston.

The card for 136 is so stacked the prelims on Spike feature one of the top lightweights in the world in Anthony Pettis and UFC veteran Demian Maia fighting separately. The PPV card headlined by Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard is one of the best in UFC history. No fan should leave the Toyota Center in Houston disappointed.

The main event will decide the true lightweight champion of the world as Edgar and Maynard clash for the third time. Chael Sonnen returns to the ring for the first time since his near-defeat of Silva, Jose Aldo looks to cement his place as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world and Melvin Guillard eyes another vicious knockout and a shot at the title.

We’re expecting one of the most exciting nights the UFC has ever seen. Full predictions after the jump:

This is a big huge fight for Pettis as he looks to regain his place among the top lightweights contenders. Stephens is a formidable opponent with strength that could cause problems, but Pettis’ striking is more advanced and technical. This fight should put Pettis back on the map and in the hunt for a shot at the winner of the main event.

Pick: Pettis by spilt decision

Guillard said he chose this fight because he wanted to outshine a card full of all-stars. Forced to re-locate to Houston after Hurricane Katrina, Guillard’s fans will get a show. He’s won his last five fights and fans have noticed the strongman for his ruthless knockouts. Lauzon is an average fighter that should pose no problems for Guillard. Some say he’s looking for an easy win here to boost his chances at a title shot.

Pick: Guillard first round KO

The muscular former Marine Stann is certainly a fan favorite. Nobody can deny he has one of the strongest chins in the UFC and his will is never in question. Sonnen would be silly to stand up and throw with him, as he knows Stann possesses the power to knock him out. Sonnen is too smart and too good of a wrestler to not take this fight to the ground. Expect him to out-wrestle Stann for three rounds. If Stann can defend takedowns and keep Sonnen on his feet he has a real chance. But that’s a big if; Sonnen is far too experienced and still the better fighter.

Pick: Sonnen by unanimous decision

Florian had trouble getting down to to 145 for his last fight, but he looked in great shape at this week’s weigh-in and has been preparing in earnest for Aldo. Much credit must go Florian’s way for taking on this immense challengen. Aldo is one of the best in the world, plain and simple. His striking is elite and his style is like nothing Florian has ever seen before. Aldo did get tired in his last fight but that’s something his camp has addressed. Florian will try and out-strike Aldo, a gutsy strategy for a gutsy fighter. But he won’t last long enough to succeed.

Pick: Aldo by second round KO

The last meeting between these two can be debated for ages. Both showed their full hands as they battled to a draw for five rounds, Maynard knocking Edgar down with sweeping hooks and Edgar suplexing Maynard on multiple occasions. The draw did more for Maynard than it did for Edgar. He is hungrier and has beaten the champ before so there’s no doubt in his mind he can do it again. Edgar will protect himself better but ultimately Maynard will wear him down and out-strike him in another great fight.

Pick: Maynard by split decision