UFC on Fox 3 Preview - Jim Miller v Nate Diaz

The UFC returns to Fox on Saturday with a main card that is sure to please. The main event sees Lightweight contenders Nate Diaz and Jim Miller squaring off with the winner likely to get a shot at the UFC lightweight title. Elsewhere on the card Johny Hendricks faces perennial welterweight contender Josh Koscheck, Alan Belcher faces Jiu-Jitsu phenom Rousimar Palhares and heavyweights Pat Barry and Lavar Johnson square off. Pat Barry v Lavar Johnson The main card looks set to start with a bang. Barry, a vicious kickboxer, has 6 knockouts from his 7 wins while Johnson, a heavy handed brawler, has 14 knockouts from 16 wins. Both men like to stand and bang and this is undoubtedly a firm candidate for the Knockout of the Night honours. To put it simply someone is getting put to sleep. Blink and you might miss it. Prediction: This one really could go either way but I€™m going for the bigger Johnson by first round KO. Rousimar Palhares v Alan Belcher This should be an intriguing matchup. Belcher, who is currently riding a three fight win streak, is a well rounded and experienced fighter whereas Palhares is primarily known as a submissions specialist. Logic suggests that Belcher€™s best bet is to keep the fight standing and use his superior striking to beat the Brazilian. Logic, however, does not always prevail when you€™re inside the octagon. For Palhares the gameplan is simple; get this one to the ground and that€™s all she wrote. Prediction: Palhares by submission (Heel Hook) in the second round. John Hendricks v Josh Koscheck In the co-main event Johny Hendricks looks to put himself firmly in title contention by beating former contender Josh Koscheck. Hendricks recently defeated Koscheck€™s friend and training partner Jon Fitch in brutal fashion and there€™s no doubt Koscheck will be out for revenge. Both men possess a great wrestling background as well as knockout power which makes this one a real fifty-fifty fight. It could go one of two ways €“ a three round wrestling bore fest or a stand up war. Let€™s hope for the latter. Prediction: Hendricks in a razor sharp split decision victory. Jim Miller v Nate Diaz This is a huge fight for both these guys; win and in all probability face the victor of the Benson Henderson v Frankie Edgar rematch for the lightweight belt, lose and it€™s at least two more fights before you€™re back in contention for a title shot. Miller, a strong wrestler with a great submission game, will undoubtedly be the favourite. Diaz has struggled to deal with wrestlers in the past and if this fight hits the mat then he will be in big trouble. Diaz has a great Jiu Jitsu game but Miller himself is no slouch in the submission department and should be able to defend himself from top position. For Diaz, if he can use his range and keep the fight standing he can wear down Miller with his swarming style. Prediction: Miller to grind out a decision victory.