UFC Fight Night 29: Maia vs Shields predictions and preview

Rousimar Palhares vs Mike Pierce

Jul 5, 2013; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Mike Pierce weighs-in for his UFC fight at the Mandalay Bay Event Center. Pierce takes on David Mitchell at the MGM Grand Garden Arena July 6 Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

AS: Very intriguing matchup here by Joe Silva. With Pierce you have a much improved striker and fantastic wrestler. Palhares brings arguably the most ferocious offensive jui-jitsu in the UFC to the table. Palhares is a really porous striker, however, and that leads me to believe Pierce will keep it that way and knock him out.
Prediction: Mike Pierce by TKO round 2

JS: Palhares has been embarrassed in his past two bouts and coming off of a nine-month suspension for elevated testosterone will only add cage rust. Pierce, on the other hand, has been on a tear with four straight wins and there is no reason to believe he will slow down against Palhares. This is one that I think will end rather quickly, with Palhares earning his pink slip after the bout.
Prediction: Mike Pierce via TKO, Round 1