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2013 UFC 156 Free Picks & Predictions for Aldo vs. Edgar
By Drew Sharper   

LAS VEGAS, NV (The Spread) – UFC 156 takes place on Saturday night, featuring an anticipated championship bout. Here are some picks to consider for this card.

UFC 156 will take place from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada with the main card bouts airing live on PPV at 10PM ET. All odds are according to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv.

UFC FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT - Jose Aldo (21-1) vs. Frankie Edgar (15-3-1)

This fight should be very interesting. Aldo has been able to largely dominate his opponents for the past few years, but he now faces a man that is accustomed to success and fights a very different and fast style. Edgar was a lightweight champion and seeking to win a title in two different divisions. Both men are quick, but I still feel Aldo packs more power. He throws leg kicks that Edgar hasn’t really had to deal with in his career. Look for Aldo to work the kicks to keep Edgar from moving too much. With Edgar more stagnant, I think Aldo will land the big punch that will setup a TKO finish. UFC 156 FREE PICK – JOSE ALDO -220

UFC LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT - Rashad Evans (17-2-1) vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (20-5).

This fight should have some fireworks, as each fighter has big power in his hands. The key to this fight will be Evans’ speed and wrestling. I think he will do a better job of mixing up his strikes with takedown attempts and do enough to keep Nogueira from getting comfortable on his feet. I don’t know that I see a finish for Evans, but I see a clear decision victory. UFC 156 FREE PICK – RASHAD EVANS -455

UFC FLYWEIGHT BOUT – Joseph Benavidez (16-3) vs. Ian McCall (11-3-1)

There really isn’t an underdog to consider on this card in my eyes. But, one of the favorites I feel strongest about is Benavidez. McCall has struggled to get a victory in the UFC and Benavidez is likely the second-best 125-pounder in the division. Also, a lot of reports are coming out about McCall going through a divorce during his training camp and having some personal issues to deal with. That never translates well in a fight. Expect him to look flat and come out on the losing end to Benavidez. UFC 156 FREE PICK – JOSEPH BENAVIDEZ -260

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