This Saturday, the MMA and boxing worlds will collide to create one heck of a night for fans of the pugilistic arts. The UFC will be presenting their third Nationally broadcast card on FOX headlined by a Lightweight Clash between Jim Miller and Nate Diaz. To top off the night, undefeated Pound for Pound King Floyd “Money” Mayweather will be looking to keep his perfect record against the heavy-hitting Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto on Pay Per View. The UFC has acknowledged that they expect fans to tune into their FOX card and then switch over to the boxing PPV to end the night. This is a rare concession from Dana White and Zuffa, but it is very tough to compete with one of the only true draws in boxing in “Money” Mayweather. On to the previews…

WBA Super Light Middleweight Champ Miguel Cotto (37-2) v. Floyd “Money” Mayweather (42-0)

I’m not going to act like a know a whole lot about the guys with the big gloves, but I do try to follow Mayweather’s career. Love or hate the guy, his skills in the ring are unparalleled. He is lightning quick with crazy cardio and still has knockout power in the latter stages of his career. He is the definition of “showman” and his antics on HBO’s 24/7 Series make the show mandatory viewing for any sports fan. I have never seen Miguel Cotto fight, but from what I gather the guy has serious KO power in both hands. In his loss to Antonio Margarito, he was victim to a loaded glove controversy that inevitably cost him the bout. Cotto went on to avenge that loss to eventually set up a bout with Money May.

He’s loud, he’s cocky. He wins.

In Floyd’s last bout, it seemed as if the heavy handed Victor Ortiz was giving “Money” some problems in the early rounds with his big combinations. I expect Cotto to have early success against Pretty Boy Floyd as well with his awkward but powerful style. Though as Mayweather learns Cotto’s style and tendencies, I fully expect him to utilize his reach advantage and pick apart the WBA Champ over the final rounds to add another belt to his endless list of accolades.

Now on to something I know a little more about…

UFC ON FOX 3

Pat Barry (7-4) v. Lavar Johnson (16-5)

Two big guys will be throwing bombs in the first fight of the night. Both of these guys love to stand and trade and will have no issue letting their hands fly to show the new FOX fans a true brawl. Pat Barry is the more technical of the two with a kickboxing background, while Johnson is more of the last-call bar brawler type. Johnson is an American Kickboxing Academy product who has never had any of his 21 fights go to the judges score cards. Johnson is a slight underdog here, but I think he might make short work of the smaller Barry.

Prediction: Johnson by TKO.

Since when did The Rock start MMA?

Rousimar ‘Toquinho’ Palhares (Paul Harris) (14-3) v. Alan ‘The Talent’ Belcher (17-6)

With no disrespect to Belcher, Palhares is going to grab one of Alan’s legs and attempt to mercilessly rip it from the rest of his body. It is that simple. Belcher’s only shot is to keep the fight standing, but the chances of that are slim with Rousimar in the cage. If When the fight goes to the ground, ‘Paul Harris’ is going to grab onto a limb and wrench on it until he feels like stopping. The guy is a monster and I think he keeps his win streak going.

Prediction: Palhares by Submission.

Heel hook or knee bar. Palhares feeds on legs one way or another…

Jonny Hendricks (12-1) v. Josh Koscheck (17-5)

In this one we have two wrestlers with heavy hands entering the Octagon together. Kos was clearly ill-prepared for his last bout with Mike Pierce as he seemed indifferent in the cage. Hendricks on the other hand looked like he belonged in the elite class of the division last time out. It took him all of 12 seconds to KO Jon “Dragonborn” Fitch. Hendricks is a slight Vegas favorite and I think I agree with the oddsmakers on this one. Hendricks is working his way toward title contendership, while Koscheck seems to be in career limbo. This would be a great rebound win if Kos could outwrestle the upstart Hendricks, but I think Hendricks will grind this one out, battering Koscheck for three rounds.

Prediction: Hendricks by decision.

Wooooooo!

Main Event

Diaz earns Title Shot if he wins

Nate Diaz (15-7) v. Jim Miller (21-3)

The Fox viewers will be treated to a great scrap when these guys touch gloves. Both guys are BJJ black belts, but neither will back down from standing and trading haymakers. Miller is 8-1 in his last 9 and attempting to throw his name into the title picture. Diaz is somewhat new to the Lightweight division but cemented his name in the upper echelon of the 155ers with his dominating win over Donald Cerrone at UFC 141. Miller is the favorite going into the fight but I just can’t bring myself to pick against a member of the first family of Moai Martial Arts. Diaz will use his scrappy boxing and inhuman cardio to wear Miller down and eventually get Jim to tap out in the later rounds.

Prediction: Diaz by Submission.

The classic Diaz celebration. “Come at me, Bro”

Do you think Floyd will remain unbeaten? Think Palhares claims another leg? Will Diaz earn himself a title shot? Let us know in the comment section.

Signing off, ALar.