5 Predictions For UFC On Fox 18: Johnson Vs. Bader

2. Josh Barnett vs. Ben Rothwell

Weight Class: Heavyweight Forget about a decision here: when former UFC champion Josh Barnett takes on Big Ben Rothwell, someone is getting finished. Barnett (34€“7) was one of the biggest heavyweight fighters outside the UFC for a while, and didn't come in immediately with the rest of the Strikeforce roster when the UFC absorbed it, holding out so he could do some pro wrestling in Japan and focus on other things. His octagon appearances since joining the promotion have been scarce, but he's 2-1 thus far with wins over Frank Mir and Roy Nelson, losing only to Travis Browne. This fight marks a quick turnaround for Barnett, as he took all of 2014 off, but faced Nelson in Japan just this past September. Two straight wins is all it will take to put Barnett in the title picture thanks to his name and promotional ability. Ben Rothwell (35€“9), meanwhile, has become the Rodney Dangerfield of the heavyweight division, getting no respect despite being on a three fight UFC win streak. Part of this may be attributed to a perceived lack of personality, but Rothwell has made a noble effort to get himself over in interviews of late. Who wins this? Barnett is the more rounded fighter, and if it goes the distance, it's his fight to win. Rothwell has a puncher's chance, and is underrated, but has been caught in subs before, and Barnett is a metamoris champion and skilled submission artist with excellent catch wrestling. Barnett by submission, round two.