Pros Picks: Griffin vs. Evans

UFC 92 is one of the most stacked cards in the organization’s history. It’s a showcase of some of the world’s greatest fighters, which culminates with the light heavyweight championship between Forrest Griffin and challenger Rashad Evans. Both men are coming off sensational victories over two of the biggest names in the sport, but who actually will win this showdown is anybody’s guess.

Sherdog.com spoke with dozens of professional fighters and trainers to get their take on the clash between “The Ultimate Fighter” season one and two winners. Who will get it right?

CB Dollaway: I don’t know how that one’s going to go. I can see Rashad starting off and dominating a little. But obviously Forrest’s conditioning and will to win… you know, it’s going to be hard (for Rashad). So I don’t know how that one’s going to go, but if I had to pick a guy, I’m going to say that Forrest is going to end up winning later in the rounds.

Krzysztof Soszynski: Ah, that’s a good one, yes. I’m trying to follow in the footsteps of those boys. My dream! That’s another tough one (to pick). Forrest is a conditioning machine. If he can get Rashad tired, he will win that fight. It’s a five-round fight and it’s going to be a war. But Rashad, man, his hands have gotten so much better since being on the show and working with Team Jackson. He looked great against Chuck Liddell; that knockout was unbelievable. He’s got a lot of pop in his hands now. He’s got the kicks, too. It’s going to be a really tough fight. To be honest with you, I don’t know who to pick. I’m just going to watch a very entertaining fight that can go either way.

Marcus Davis: Rashad’s my buddy, a real good friend of mine. Forrest Griffin is also a buddy but I’m real close with Rashad. My heart’s with Rashad a little bit. It’s going to be a fight, man. Rashad just keeps getting better and better so if I had to choose, I’m going to pick Rashad.

Kit Cope: Although I think Forrest is one of the hardest-working men in the sport, I think that Rashad has more natural talent and creativity. I say Rashad takes this one on style.

Scott Bieri: The champ retains! Our working class hero, Griffin, uses his range to thwart the best-laid plans from Jackson's camp. Both fighters are improving fast, but when the going gets tough, Forrest gets going.

Rory Markham: I will take Forrest by decision. He will outwork Evans.

Pete Sell: I got to go with Forrest. He stays humble and I'm sure he is going to come with a great gameplan. Griffin by decision.

Cung Le: Forrest by decision.

John Hackleman: Griffin by Steven Seagal wristlock.

Marvin Eastman: Evans by decision.

Nick Thompson: Griffin (will win) because he makes me laugh. Also, I bested Derrick Noble in shuffleboard.

Zac George: Evans G-n-Ps Griffin to a judges' nod.

Micah Miller: Can't ever pick against Forrest in a five-round fight.

Luigi Fioravanti: I like Forrest but Rashad's wrestling might be too strong. Evans by decision.

Paul Buentello: Evans will work all the angles and keep Griffin guessing the whole fight. I see Evans winning a decision.

Shawn Tompkins: Griffin is going to tough out a decision over Rashad Evans. As long as he plays safe with a good boxing guard and dictates the pace, Rashad will just be too defensive.

Randy Couture: I pick Griffin by decision. Griffin will have to chase him down without getting caught in the process, but the bigger more aggressive fighter should win.

Scott Lighty: Forrest.

Eddy Millis: I think Rashad will come out with a big KO.

Rick Roufus: Rashad wins (via) TKO.

Mac Danzig: Both Griffin and Evans are great fighters with a lot of heart and great work ethic. Rashad has the edge in natural ability, but counting Forrest out of any fight is stupid. This one is too close to call. I think it's either man's fight. It all depends on who rises to the occasion and both guys have already proven they can do that.

Frank Shamrock: I like Griffin as a fighter but think Evans will win by decision.

Nate Marquardt: I believe this is a great matchup for Rashad. Forrest's strength is his toughness and endurance -- two things he'll need to survive against Rashad. Rashad is quicker and a better wrestler and Forrest has problems with wrestlers. I say Evans by decision.

Johny Hendricks: I have to go with Griffin, man; he has been trying so hard and I know he will be his best when he walks into the cage. Griffin has been in those tough fights and Evans has been in one, so Forrest Griffin wins.

Stephane Vigneault: I am a very big fan of Forrest and that fight’s gonna be a good one. I think the size, the chin of Forrest is gonna be a factor in this fight. I don’t think one of them can finish the other but I see Forrest win a very close decision… Forrest by split decision.

Pete Spratt: Tough one to call for me but I am gonna lean toward the underdog Rashad Evans. Time and time again he comes in as an underdog and impresses. He has no losses in his career and I don’t think this will be his first one. If he can utilize his movement and frustrate Griffin, I think he can pull off the decision.

James Thompson: I think Rashad is a bad matchup for Forrest. I think it will be close, but I see Rashad controlling the fight and edging out the decision. Rashad by decision.

James Zikic: Rashad and Forrest are both well-rounded fighters, but Rashad has the wrestling edge. I don't think Forrest has the KO power to get Rashad out of there, so I see Rashad taking it with a unanimous decision.

Gabe Ruediger: Both guys are really improved and I think will nullify each other. I’m going with Rashad by decision because of his wrestling ability.

Gary Goodridge: Griffin will win this one. I am not sure why, but he will win. Griffin is on a roll and a huge high.

Kevin Burns: Griffin will win by sub or decision. I anticipate it to be a great fight.

Ricardo Liborio: Griffin by decision.

Ron Frazier: I have been with Forrest a long time now. All aspects of his game have improved. Rashad is an explosive, talented athlete and comes from a great camp with Greg Jackson. With that being said, Forrest by late rounds sub or decision.

Final tallies:
Pros who picked Griffin: 17
Pros who picked Evans: 14
Pros who couldn’t decide: 2