The long-awaited fight between Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Rashad Evans finally takes place tonight, as the main event of UFC 114 from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Here are my picks for that bout and the other four fights on tonight’s PPV card.

UFC Light Heavyweight Bout – Quinton Jackson (30-7) vs. Rashad Evans (19-1-1) – This fight should be exciting as both clearly dislike each other. I think the key to victory will be for Jackson to use his size on Evans and for Evans to use his quickness and wrestling on Jackson. In the end, I like Evans to utilize his hand speed and mix in more wrestling to keep Jackson off guard. Look for Evans to also utilize leg kicks, which Jackson has shown he can’t defend. I am going with Evans to win by decision in a tough fight.

UFC Middleweight Bout – Michael Bisping (19-3) vs. Dan Miller (11-3) – Bisping is hungry for a strong showing after his tough decision loss to Wanderlei Silva. Miller is a game fighter that will keep Bisping on his toes, but Bisping has too much talent and big-fight experience for Miller. Look for the Brit to win by TKO in the second or third round.
UFC Heavyweight Bout – Todd Duffee (6-0) vs. Mike Russow (12-1) – Duffee has been an explosive monster in his MMA career, as he is 6-0 with six KO’s. Russow has the experience edge and will be the better grappler, but the fight always starts on the feet, where Duffee has a clear edge. Look for Russow to push Duffee a little bit before Duffee lands the big punch and scores a TKO late in round one.

UFC Light Heavyweight Bout – Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (18-3) vs. Jason Brilz (18-2-1) – Brilz is stepping in late for an injured Forrest Griffin, which you have to admire, but he is stepping into a bad spot. Nogueira has tremendous striking skills and a jiu-jitsu black belt to boot, so Brilz is in trouble no matter where the fight goes. Look for Rogerio to pull off a TKO win in round two over the tired Brilz.

UFC Weltweweight Bout – Diego Sanchez (23-3) vs. John Hathaway (13-0) – Sanchez is making his return to the welterweight division after losing in dominant fashion to B.J. Penn during a lightweight title fight late in 2009. After getting beaten as badly as he did, Sanchez will be eager to have a strong showing in this fight and Hathaway has promise at 13-0, but he has never faced someone with the motor and skills of Sanchez. Diego should be able to overwhelm Hathaway and earn a TKO win in round three.