UFC 159 picks from Kevin Iole, Maggie Hendricks and Cagereaders like you

The UFC 159 picks are in. Check out how Kevin Iole and I picked the fights, and who Cagereaders said will win. Thanks to everyone who weighed in on Cagewriter's Facebook page. Want to join in on the fun? Like Cagewriter on Facebook.

Kevin Iole -- Jon Jones TKO2 Chael Sonnen: I've been on a terrible run with my picks in 2013, so my choice might be the thing that helps produce one of the UFC's greatest upsets. But looking closely at the bout, I see no way Sonnen can win it. I expect Jones to get a takedown at some point, cut Sonnen open with an elbow and finish it that way.

Maggie Hendricks -- Jon Jones TKO3 Chael Sonnen: When you cut through the smack talk and look at their actual skills in the cage, Sonnen is moving up in weight to meet a fighter who is younger, faster and more skilled.

Cagereaders -- 68 percent of Cagereaders said Jones would win:
I believe that Jones has more of an arsenal and can keep sonnen guessing as to what is coming next. - Fred Mull
Sonnen never deserves this title shot. Jones by KO in 2nd by GNP elbows, or Sonnen simply quits before getting knocked out when he realizes he has no business in the octagon with Jones. - Chris Dryden

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Kevin Iole -- Michael Bisping TKO3 Alan Belcher: Both men are inconsistent and both badly need a solid win. I think Bisping gets it by staying on his feet and going back to his kick boxing background.

Maggie Hendricks -- Alan Belcher W3 Michael Bisping: This is a tight fight, but Belcher will take it by bringing the fight to the ground.

Cagereaders -- 50.8 percent of Cagereaders said Bisping will take this bout:
Belcher is more well rounded than Bisping -- Trampas Lee Fleming

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Kevin Iole -- Roy Nelson SUB2 Cheick Kongo: Roy has the power to knock Cheick out. I think he'll hurt him with one of those big windmill right hands he fires and then finish him with a choke.

Maggie Hendricks -- Roy Nelson W3 Cheick Kongo: Nelson has an iron chin, and will be able to withstand Kongo's power.

Cagereaders -- 81 percent of Cagereaders say Nelson will take this fight:
Nelson has a heavy hand and stronger chin than Kongo. -- Pinkie Aman Suarez

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Kevin Iole -- Phil Davis W3 Vinny Maghalaes: Davis will have to be careful on the ground with Maghalaes, but I believe he's the better overall fighter and that he'll score a convincing decision victory.

Maggie Hendricks -- Phil Davis W3 Vinny Magalhaes: It may not be thrilling, but it will be a wrestling-filled win for Mr. Wonderful.

Cagereaders -- 84 percent of Cagereaders said Davis will take this bout:
Potential submission of the night. Phil is too quick and talented, will submit the submission expert -- Marvin Ishmael

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Kevin Iole -- Jim Miller W3 Pat Healy: This has the potential to steal the show. It's an excellent bout and I see Miller with a very slight edge.

Maggie Hendricks -- Jim Miller SUB2 Pat Healy: It's been three years since Healy was submitted, but Miller has the skill to do it.

Cagereaders -- 92 percent of you said Miller will win:
Miller had a war against Joe last time out and will come out strong as usual -- Mike Terry

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/ufc-159-picks-kevin-iole-maggie-hendricks-cagereaders-144117921.html

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