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    UFC 65 weigh-ins and reader predictions

    Saturday, November 18, 2006, 01:37 AM EST [UFC 65]

    Everyone made weight at Friday's weigh-ins, with the item of most interest being that former heavyweight Frank Mir was in tremendous shape. If the Mir of old shows up against Brandon Vera, then we just might have another highlight-reel match to talk about afterwards.

    Here were the weights, courtesy UFC.com. Keep in mind fighters are allowed up to one pound over their weight class limit to account for any minor discrepancies in the scales:

    Matt Hughes (170) vs Georges St. Pierre (169)
    Tim Sylvia (262.5) vs Jeff Monson (237.5)
    Frank Mir (254) vs Brandon Vera (230.5)
    Alessio Sakara (204) vs Drew McFedries (202)
    Joe Stevenson (155) vs Dokonjonosuke Mishima (154.5)
    Nick Diaz (171) vs Gleison Tibau (171)
    Antoni H ardonk (242.5) vs Sherman Pendergarst (247.5)
    Hector Ramirez (203) vs James Irvin (205.5)
    Josh Shockman (235) vs Jake O'Brien (232.5)

    On to reader picks.

    I got more reader predictions for Hughes-GSP than any fight FOXSports.com has ever covered. I apologize if I didn't get yours up here, I'd be up all night if I tried to get every submission in. You can add your pick to the comment section if you'd like.

    One request on the comment section this weekend: There's been some trash talk in some places from both American and Canadian fans on Hughes-GSP. Let's stay above that. GSP is one of the classiest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, and he has always stated that he fights for both his Canadian and American fans. Hughes is a great representative of the sport and one of it's greatest champions. If you don't like either fighter, fine, but don't rip on the fighter's country. Let's keep it respectful.Thanks.

    These two fighters will go at it. I think the first fighter to make a mistake will lose...both have skills and strikes that can take the other out of their game...but I still think BJ PENN is still the best 170lb fighter in the UFC...also Sylvia over Monson with a knockout 1st rd.. -- Alika, Waipahu, HI

    GSP will give Matt a fight. The only thing that could hurt him is the groin injury that he had, also not fighting in almost a year. Matt has had some hellish fights. I think that Matt will take GSP to the 2nd round and then submit him, after a little ground and pound. Manson has had some great wins in the past, but Sylvia has also had great matches. That match will be a war of attrition. With the winner being the one that just wanted it more. I think that this match up is to hard to call it could go both ways. -- Alex, Ft. Bragg, NC

    Georges has a chance, but it's not likely he will be given that chance. Hughes is way too strong for him and everyone who is a true fan knows that. Matt may not be as flashy or as quick, but his strength will make him the victor once again. Matt will win in either late 2nd. or 3rd. round, by what else, rear naked choke........I hope !! Monson's only chance is to get Sylvia down early and wear him down. If he doesn't a big leg kick is coming his way followed by a furry of punches, Liddell style Good luck and safety to all the competitors -- J,Knoxville

    I can't remember the last time I was this giddy for a sporting event; especially something that I've had marked on my calendar for weeks. Usually, the excitement leading up to a Super Bowl or World Series is short lived. This feels like my friends and I have been waiting months for Game 7, bottom of the 9th, tie score, 2 outs. I like GSP, and not just because I hate Matt Hughes. I'll take Monson too, I think he matches up very well against the much taller Sylvia. -- Elliot, New York

    I think that this fight will be a much more evenly matched fight than the first one. Both fighters are poised, skilled and ready to defeat the other. I can only conclude that the winner will be the one who seizes the opportunity when it is least expected...the winner, Hughes...just because he always seems to finds a way to pull a rabbit out of his hat. -- Derek, Hilo, HI

    Matt Hughes, why? He never gives up, and fights like a pitbull on steroids. Hughes has the heart of a lion, superb physical conditioning and is just plain smart. This guy grew up in Illinois and was bailing hay at the age of two, changed tires on farm implements without a jack and went deer hunting without a weapon. That equals another victory. I'm from Illinois, I know first hand what he is made of, steel. -- W, Taylorville, Ill.

    Hughes-St. Pierre is a toss-up. GSP is the more athletic while Hughes is arguably the strongest pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC. Conditioning is normally the telling factor, but both guys have always been in better shape than their opponents. I'm not even going to try to make a prediction on this one. Sylvia-Monson will go to the guy who asserts his strength. Sylvia is almost a foot taller than Monson, so if he keeps the fight standing up, he'll pick Monson apart. Monson is a world champion grappler and probably stronger than anyone in the division. If he can get past Sylvia's stand-up and take the fight to the ground, I think he'll twist Sylvia up like a pretzel and submit him easily. -- Mark, Vancouver, WA

    Matt Hughes is the champ and garners more respect than almost anyone, aside from Royce himself, in the business. He is mean, tough, hard, and athletic. But GSP (George St. Pierre), is the new breed, the hybrid. He is huge, like Hughes, for a 170 pounder, but he has some many different styles under his belt. GSP, dominated the first fight between then two, until he got lazy and left his arm hanging out like he was picking up fries at a drive through, and Hughes being the veteran, grabbed and in a swift move, had GSP in an arm bar...game over. GSP is a better and more well-rounded fighter. I think GSP wins in a close decision. -- Brett, Scottsdale, AZ

    This is another UFC classic, premier striker vs. submission expert. Actually, it's more like the Hammer v. the Anvil! The tale of the tape pretty much sums up this fight. Tim Sylvia has the height and reach. His ability to keep his opponents of balance with the jab and occasional high kick to the temple makes it nearly impossible to get close enough to do anything. On the other hand, if Monson can weather the barrage and get in close, and get a quick lock up and takedown....well, it could make for an interesting night. -- Rayzor, San Diego

    First of all NICE WORK on giving MMA recognition on FOX Sports TV and Web. As much as I like the idea of a dominating fighter like Hughes, keeping his belt (because each win legitimizes him and the sport and makes it not a "anybody can win with a lucky punch" sport), I tend to think GSP is so much better of a striker that he may be able to sprawl just enough times to throw some big bombs. Plus he seems a lot less arrogant, and lets be honest, no one likes an a-hole acting all arrogant. Okay, Hughes, we know you're tough. You don't have to be a punk as well. -- Nathan, Seattle

    Georges is definitely going to take down Matt Hughes, more talent more energy, and just a better all around fighter. I see it ending late in the 3rd round. All Matt has is a ground game, and doesn't compare to George on his feet, George will pick him apart wherever the fight may go. Go St Pierre!! -- Brian, Vancouver, Canada

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