WSOF 22 predictions

WSOF is in Sin City this time with their controversial welterweight champion defending his title against another elite grappler. The bantamweight champion also has his hands full on this card while a host of top prospects look to add to their resume.

What: WSOF 22: Palhares vs. Shields

Where: Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada

When: Saturday, the five-fight preliminary card streams live on MMA Fighting at 8 p.m. ET and the five-fight main card goes live on NBC at 10:30 p.m. ET.

Rousimar Palhares vs. Jake Shields

Hindsight's always 20/20, but when you go back and watch Jon Fitch's fight with Palhares, you notice he took a lot of unnecessary liberties with dangerous positions. I just don't buy Shields will do the same. Palhares can catch just about anyone with his heel hook set-ups, but Shields is also good enough and patient enough to take the time to dismantle the structures Palhares builds to set them up. I'm not saying there won't be tense moments, but I'd frankly be a bit surprised to see Shields lose this one.

Pick: Shields

Marlon Moraes vs. Sheymon Moraes

This is a tough fight for Marlon. Sheymon is a no-joke prospect who can strike with the best of them. He's quick, possesses good power and is aggressive on the attack. Marlon, however, is a bit more well-rounded, can thunderclap himself and has much more experience. Sheymon catching him should surprise no one, but I still don't see that as the most probable outcome. Marlon should be able to use some of his wrestling and control positions to take away Sheymon's best weapons. It may not be the prettiest fight, but the champion has the skils required to retain his title.

Pick: Marlon Moraes

Mike Kyle vs. Clifford Starks

Starks is coming in on insanely short notice and yet I still like his chances. He might gas, obviously, so it's a risky pick in that sense, but I like his ability to get takedowns as often as he needs them and punish Kyle on the floor from there. If Starks gasses, he's cooked. If he's slow to entry on a takedown, Kyle can hammer him rather easily. There's plenty of reason to think I'm overlooking Kyle, but Starks presents a formidable challenge for him even on short notice.

Pick: Starks

Abubakar Nurmagomedov vs. Jorge Moreno

A Nurmagomedov brother is fighting. Enough said.

Pick: Nurmagomedov

Jimmy Spicuzza vs. Islam Mamedov

Mamedov is another of one of these Russians who can seemingly do it all. He can strike, has appropriate use of a variety of takedowns and a wide arsenal of submissions. Spicuzza has some talents, but not enough specialization anywhere to be a true threat.

Pick: Mamedov