UFC 71 is more than a month away. UFC 71 is on May 26th, 2007, but here are my early UFC 71 Predictions anyway:
Chuck Liddell vs Quinton Jackson
These are two of the strongest guys at 205. I mean literally strong. I've been waiting to see this rematch ever since the first fight was stopped. Rampage took that first bout by out striking and then taking Chuck to the ground. Many people say that Chuck is a much better fighter since that first bout and that Rampage is not the same fighter. Their career paths have certainly gone in opposite directions.
Chuck has beaten everyone he has faced since the Rampage fight and Rampage has lost twice to Wanderlei Silva. Even so, I think this will be a fantastic fight, both of them are tough as nails, can take a punch and hit hard.
Prediction: Chuck Liddell by TKO
Karo Parisyan vs Josh Burkman
Prediction: Karo Paisyan by submission
Sean Salmon vs Sean Schafer
Every fighter trains their ass off for every fight. If they didn't, they wouldn't be in the UFC. That being said, I think that Sean Salmon has completely re-dedicated himself following his high kick loss to Rashad Evans.
Prediction: Sean Salmon by decision
Kalib Starnes vs Chris Leben
Both of these guys have looked great since the TUF seasons they were on...but Leben has looked better despite losing a couple of bouts (one to the current middleweight champion Anderson Silva).
Prediction: Chris Leben by TKO