Now it can be told. This Sunday’s UFC 116 main event between Interim Champ Shane Carwin and Champion Brock Lesnar will determine the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world after Fabricio Werdum defeated the one great heavyweight Dana White couldn’t get, Fedor “The Emperor” Emilianenko.  There will definitely be fireworks this Sunday, but it’s not going to be limited to the heavies because the rest of the card looks pretty solid.

George Sotiropolous vs. Kurt Pellegrino (Lightweights)

This one right here will be the fight of the night. There will be some high level jiu-jitsu on display as both these guys are excellent with submissions. I wasn’t so high on Sotiropolous until he totally outclassed Joe Stevenson. Kurt is always exciting and is very good on the ground as well but I think Sotiropolous’ length and flexibility will give him a slight edge both on their feet and on the ground.

Prediction: Sotiropolous by UD

Krzyzstof Soszynski vs. Stephan Bonnar (Light Heavyweights)

No one really wants to see a rematch between these two guys as neither of them has any shot at being an elite fighter. They should be good gatekeepers fighting up and coming talent, not each other. I wouldn’t mind if either one of them gets cut from the UFC.

Prediction: Soszynski by Split Decision

Matt Brown vs. Chris Lytle (Welterweights)

This will be an explosive one. I can see both of them initially wanting this fight standing up but Lytle should knock Brown down and when they hit the ground, they’ll stay there. Both are have decent wrestling and jiu-jitsu; however I can see Lytle taking this.

Prediction: Chris Lytle by submission in round 2

Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Chris Leben (Middleweights)

Another solid match-up, Leben would give Akiyama all he can handle. Akiyama is the more technical striker but Leben has an iron chin and has extremely heavy hands so it will be very intriguing. Akiyama’s ground game is a little better and Leben fought less than a couple of weeks ago so that has to count for something.

Prediction: Akiyama by UD

Brock Lesnar vs. Shane Carwin (for the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship)

This will be really good while it lasts and considering the strength, power and aggressiveness these two will display, shouldn’t be more than 5 minutes. Both are excellent wrestlers and train in great camps. I’m not sure if Carwin’s wrestling is at par with Lesnar’s because we really haven’t seen it since he knocks people out whenever he touches them. He can also take a punch so he should be able to withstand Brock’s early onslaught. The question is can Brock take Carwin’s power? If he can, he’ll give Carwin hell with his work rate and stamina. If he can take Shane into deep waters he should win.

Prediction: Carwin by KO in round 1