UFC 161 Predictions: Rashad Evans vs. Dan Henderson

Light heavyweight Rashad Evans (left) will fight Dan Henderson in Winnipeg. (Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

SI.com analyst Jeff Wagenheim provides his predictions for UFC 161, which takes place Saturday (10 p.m. ET).

Rashad Evans vs. Dan Henderson

OK, let’s see. I’m already on record with a main event pick in our Crash Course feature. Think anyone would notice if I go the other way here? It’s that close of a fight, that tough for me to call. I would not be surprised to see a Henderson right hand lay out Evans, Bisping-style. I would not be surprised to see Evans beat Henderson to the punch for three rounds, and wouldn’t even be shocked if Rashad became the first to finish “Hendo.” But I’m going to stick to my eenie-meenie-miney-mo pick, which I based on Evans’ recent history of a low flame on the fire that drives fighters. Henderson by decision.

Roy Nelson vs. Stipe Miocic

Just what “Big Country” wants: an opponent who’s a standup specialist, one who’s more polished at fisticuffs than he is, one who’ll make the same thud when he hits the canvas that Roy’s past foes have. Nelson by TKO.

Ryan Jimmo vs. Igor Pokrajac

After having his 17-fight win streak snapped in his last fight, Jimmo will be eager to get back on track. And he’s just the freight train to do that, especially against a guy who''ll stand and bang with him. Jimmo by TKO.

Alexis Davis vs. Rosi Sexton

Davis is on a mission to move up in the women’s bantamweight division, and to do that she needs to move this fight down to the mat. Once she gets there, she’ll know what to do. Davis by submission.

Pat Barry vs. Shawn Jordan

Both guys have had their ups and downs, but Barry has been doing it against a higher level of competition. That will make a difference. Barry by decision.

-- Jeff Wagenheim