Who will be victorious come Saturday night?

I’ve already broken down the main event to UFC on Fox 18, but let’s get into the other fights on the main card of the event.

Josh Barnett vs Ben Rothwell

The co-main event of the evening features a bout between former heavyweight champion Josh Barnett and dark horse heavyweight contender Ben Rothwell. Rothwell has been looking pretty impressive as of late earning victories over Brandon Vera, Alistair Overeem, and Matt Mitrione in his last three outings, finishing all three by stoppage or submission. Josh Barnett looked reinvigorated in his last bout against the hard hitting and durable Roy Nelson, showing off improved striking and an impressive clinch game. Both men are veterans of the sport and with the state of the heavyweight division could easily find themselves challenging for a title in the near future. I like Barnett to get things done here using an intelligent approach to dismantle Rothwell and earn a decision victory.

Iuri Alcantara vs Jimmie Rivera

In an intriguing batamweight showdown, veteran Alcantara will take on the fast rising Jimmie Rivera in his home town of New Jersey. Alcanatara has proven himself to be a dangerous opponent during his UFC tenure. The problem is that sometimes he overextends and gets a bit wild. Jimmie Rivera is still a bit unproven so far in the UFC, but he did have a good back and forth battle with Pedro Munhoz. With some good game planning and hard strikes, I’m thinking that the New Jersey native takes the victory by decision.

Sage Northcutt vs Bryan Barberena

Sage Northcutt is being touted as the next best thing since sliced bread AKA Conor McGregor. The young upstart will meet Bryan Barberena in a fun fight that will most likely take place on the feet. With faster, more explosive movement in his possession and some blistering power I see Northcutt overwhelming a game Barberena who should give the 19 year old his toughest fight yet in the UFC. Northcutt defeats Barberena by tko in the first round.

Tarec Saffiedine vs Jake Ellenberger

Tarec Saffiedine and Jake Ellenberger are both coming off of some tough losses and one of these welterweights is looking to get back in the winning column. Saffiedine is a savvy striker who can mix up his game depending on the opponent. His leg kicks will certainly play a factor especially early. Ellenberger will have to utilize his big power to keep Saffiedine at bay. I’m thinking Saffiedine is a bit too crafty to be caught by a bomb and will likely choose to pick Ellenberger apart from the outside. If Ellenberger allows Saffiedine to get off his leg kicks without proper retaliation then his leg and subsequently his power will pay the price which would take away from his thunderous power. Tarec Saffiedine defeats Jake Ellenberger by decision. Who do you think will collect win bonuses at UFC on Fox 18? Let us know in the comments and forums. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron MMA on Facebook and Twitter. Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor and geek culture enthusiast. Follow him on Twitter and keep up with his latest exploits.