UFC 115, which will be broadcast live on PPV at 10 pm US EST tonight from GM Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, was never hailed among ZUFFA’s top shows of the year. The main event of Chuck Liddell vs Tito Ortiz wouldn’t have made sense in 2007 when both were closer to their primes — as Chuck stopped Tito twice in two lopsided bouts in the mid-2000’s. Today, with both in the twilight of their careers, it’s even less palatable. But Ortiz has been replaced by Rich Franklin, offering a bit more compelling a bout — if not much of a more relevant one. A mediocre undercard isn’t much of a help. This would be an interesting UFC Fight Night, but a PPV it ain’t… particularly on a World Cup weekend.

However, two masochistic stateside Total-MMA staff members find themselves drawn to this show. Please join us. So, sit down, enjoy a recommendation from the world’s greatest wine reviewer, Sadat X of Brand Nubian fame, and let’s get down to it!

Predictions are by Bryan Belangia (BB) and me, Tommy Hackett (TH). The English lads will not contribute, as they are too busy assembling depression medication for after we Yanks trounce them in World Cup action today. Bateman, like all Scots, goes into hiding this time of year. As always these are for entertainment purposes only, so do not sue if you lose your shirt.

Main Event: Chuck “Iceman” Liddell vs. Tito Ortiz

BB: At this point in his career, there’s no way I could pick Liddell against any competent top tier fighter even if Franklin is a guy who will look to just out-point Liddell and let him hang around the whole fight. It’s possible Liddell could surprise us though because I’ve seen some photos of his training and the guy looks to be in the best shape of his career. No more beer gut. Franklin is an all around better fighter than Liddell and I think he will land more punches and just try to stay out of harms way en route to a decision. I expect a fairly vanilla main event here.

TH: Vanilla sounds charitable. Abs or no, Liddell appears to be a shadow of his former self, and I see former math teacher Franklin figuring out the formula to beat Liddell with the quickness. Watch for him to work his body kicks and punches together well, totally dominating this bout with his superior footwork and southpaw jab. I just don’t see him getting aggressive enough to try and stop him, so Franklin by decision it is.

Heavweights: Patrick Barry vs. Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic

BB: Barry gets a lot of hype but he hasn’t really fought anyone yet and he has a lot of holes in his game. Cro Cop says if he doesn’t get a contract extension from the UFC then he will likely retire, so I think there could be some extra motivation in this fight for him. I know I’m a sucker for going with Cro Cop again after he’s looked like a shell of his former self since he’s come to the UFC, but I’m going to do it anyway. Barry has a lot to learn and Cro Cop is still a highly skilled striker. Cro Cop with a round 2 TKO.

TH: You’re right, Barry’s only six fights deep into his career and hasn’t beaten anyone of great note. also, I want to believe in my old favorite heavweight in Mirko, I really do — but he’s just looked terrible lately against any striker who shows any combination of aggressiveness and… competence. Barry, who gave an amusing interview with Total-MMA friend Kalen on TheGarv.com the other day, is a slight betting favorite for a reason — he’s got the chops to give Cro Cop fits. But he implies in that interview he’s taking a conservative approach, so look for Mirko to reach the final bell in a slow bout. Barry, decision.

Middleweights: Martin Kampmann vs. Paulo Thiago

BB: Thiago is one of the bigger surprises in the UFC recently with his only loss being a decision to Jon Fitch. Kampmann is a solid striker and he’s got some solid ground skills as well but he can’t hold a candle to Thiago’s ground game. Kampmann’s best chance here is to keep it standing and try to out-punch the Brazilian but even then Thiago is still a threat. I think Thiago gets this one to the ground though and we could see some pretty good ground exchanges from these two. Kampmann is capable on the ground and he’s never been submitted so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. Thiago with a decision in this one.

TH: Wow, I agree with everything you say here. I like Kampmann to have some moments standing and a flash KO for the Dane isn’t out of the question — but he’s more likely to get grounded out by the Brazilian. This is the only bout between two top ten fighters on this show. Why is it on PPV? Thiago, decision.

Heavyweights: Ben Rothwell vs. Gilbert Yvel

BB: These guys are fairly equal but I give a slight edge to Yvel in the power department and he also possesses a speed advantage as well. I’ve never been terribly impressed with Rothwell other than the fact he can take a hell of a punch, which is a good thing because he’ll need to be able to in this one. Yvel with a first round T/KO.

TH: Yvel has all the skills; he actually had steady improvement on the ground midway through his career — but actually hasn’t shown much of anything in recent years. I like Rothwell to ground him out and slowly beat him down. Rothwell, T/KO 3.

Welterweights: Carlos Condit vs. Rory MacDonald

BB: MacDonald is a really young and promising prospect. Hasn’t lost a fight, he’s well rounded, and he hasn’t even gone to a decision yet. Carlos Condit has all the tools though, his only issue is he leaves himself too open on his feet though and takes a lot of unnecessary punches. I still give the edge to Condit- this will be his 30th fight despite being only 26 years old. I’m very interested in this fight though and to see how MacDonald handles someone like Condit. I expect this to be the fight of the night and Condit to edge out MacDonald with a decision.

TH: Yeah, I haven’t seen much of either guy but this is a pretty good match. Both guys strike me fairly good strikers and submission fighters, but hometown boy MacDonald lacks experience. He’s a slight underdog, but I’m going with the more proven talent in Condit by decision.