Who will come out on top when the two best Middleweight fighters in the world come head to head in Ohio?

First, let's look at the preliminary card.

Andrei Arlovski vs. Jake O'Brien

With the UFC lacking several dominant heavyweight fighters, I think there will be a lot of people surprised at the position of this fight on the card. Not on the PPV, this fight could be fortunate just for television coverage. That's a surprise. The undefeated Jake O'Brien versus former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski has, at least, some potential on PPV and both fighters have huge potential to reignite a stale division. The reason for such a demotion is unknown but is likely linked to Arlovski's contract dispute with the company. Many believe that this could actually be Arlovski's last fight in the promotion.

I'm going to go with an Arlovski win. I can't see O'Brien beating the former UFC Champion and I really do hope it's a win that can solve the contract problems between Arlovski and the UFC. A win by TKO sounds good but picking the round is harder.

Prediction: Arlovski wins by TKO in Round Two.

Jon Fitch vs. Chris Wilson

Jon Fitch, boasting a UFC record of 7-0, has to be clear favourite going into this contest. His opponent, Chris Wilson, is making his UFC debut but is a fantastic all rounder with a MMA record of 12-3-1. Certainly Fitch shouldn't take a victory for granted, but with his previous defeat coming in December 2002, many would fancy Fitch to maintain his undefeated streak. Do not underestimate Wilson though, with great striking ability he has all the moves to cause a massive upset.

Prediction: Fitch wins by submission in Round Three.

Chris Leben vs. Alessio Sakara

This is a very hard fight to predict partly because both haven't had a good MMA over the last two years. Both men have a stuttered slightly and a win here is definately a must for both fighters. I would be surprised if this doesn't go to the judges, although I don't see both fighters sitting back and admiring the occasion. I can see Leben picking up the win by unanimous decision, something which the fighter might not enjoy. Certainly not one for the fans of UFC I would suspect. There hasn't been too much mentioned about this fight, but I think if Chris Leben can pick up a win here, then it would certainly set him up well for the rest of the year.

Prediction: Leben wins by unanimous decision.

Evan Tanner vs. Yushin Okami

Personally, I can't wait to see how Tanner copes on his return and I can see this fight going the distance. Okami is a fighter who generally tends to sit back and with his opponent having potential cage-rust, I can see Okami maybe taking this victory. That might come as a surprise to many, as several sources I've spoken to are predicting a Tanner win, but I feel with a MMA record of 21-4, Okami might just have enough to win against a fighter who hasn't fought since 2006.

That win for Okami could be a massive headache for UFC because no doubt Dana White and friends are praying for the "fairytale story" and a victory for a fighter who has battled alcohol and personal problems on his return to the octagon. A "Rocky Balboa" like victory could very well set up a future contest between Tanner and Anderson Silva.

Prediction: Okami wins by unanimous decision.

Heath Herring vs. Cheick Kongo

With victories over both Mirko Cro Cop and Assuerio Silva last year, Cheick Kongo is already becoming a key figure in the UFC Heavyweight division. His opponent, Heath Herring, suffered a UFC record of 1-2 last year and after his unanimous decision defeat against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, it will be interesting to see how he bounces back when he enters the octagon.

The winner of this match will more than likely become the number 1 contender to the Heavyweight Championship and with Kongo being a fantastic striker, I can see Kongo winning by knockout. That's not to say Herring couldn't to the same with his fantastic size and agility, but with Kongo, I can see him having more in the tank as the bout draws to a close and possibly finishing the contest in Round Three.

Prediction: Kongo wins by TKO in Round Three.

UFC and Pride Middleweight Title unification bout: Anderson Silva vs. Dan Henderson

I have a feeling this could be a classic. Both fighters are on top of their game and I can see this being a very good fight. Silva's style, for me, is one of the best in the world right now but there is no doubt in my mind that Dan Henderson could be the man to stop Silva and realise his dream to become UFC Middleweight Champion.

It all comes down to how Henderson holds out in my opinion. If this contest can go past round three, then I think Henderson could cause an upset. His chin is definately the key to this contest. If Silva can land shots to Henderson early, then expect the contest to finish after maybe three or four rounds, but if Henderson can hold out until round three or four, then I think Henderson will fancy himself to win by decision.

Whatever happens, it is certainly going to be a great fight and I certainly expect the two to fight again soon. I have to go with Anderson Silva to win this fight and for me, it will certainly add more depth to his reputation of being the best pound for pound MMA fighter in the world.

Prediction: Silva wins by TKO in Round Four.

I'll be back with my analysis of the PPV later on this week. Thanks for reading and hope you enjoy the PPV!