UFC 144 picks

Today I'm up in El Dorado Hills, California. My client, Lennar, is hosting a Grand Opening for their new home concept Next Gen(TM) - the Home Within a Home(TM). It comes w/ a completely separate private suite that's built into the home and monthly mortgage payment. A kid moves out, a kid moves back in, or maybe your parents come live with you. You could even use it for a "mancave" or private guest suite when friends and family come visit. To learn more, visit Lennar.com/Sacramento.

Apologies for the shameless plug, now onto the picks. Given that I have to be there for 11am, I'm keeping this short and sweet.

Main Event

Frankie Edgar defeats Benson Henderson via (T)KO (strikes) in the 5th round (2:48)

Co-Main Event

*Quinton "Rampage" Jackson weighed in 6lbs over and later disclosed it was an injury in training that led to the foul on the scales

Originally, I picked "Rampage" by KO (punch) in the 2nd round - it would have been his first since 2008 at UFC 92 vs. Wanderlei Silva. However, given the circumstances of yesterday, I'm switching my pick.

Ryan Bader defeats Quinton "Rampage" Jackson via (T)KO (strikes) in the 3rd round (3:19)

"Rampage" will announce after the fight that he wants one last fight vs. "Shogun" in Japan before retiring.

Main Card

Mark Hunt defeats Cheick Kongo via KO (punch) in the 1st round (2:26)

Yoshihiro Akiyami defeats Jake Shields via (T)KO in the 1st round (4:33)

Yushin Okami defeats Tim Boetsch via decision

Hatsu Hioki defeats Bart Palaszewski via decision

Joe Lauzon defeats Anthony Pettis via submission in the 2nd round (2:29)

I'm also taking part in a UFC pool at work. Five of us submitted picks only on the seven main card fights, with the result of the main event (method and time) being the primary tiebreaker. $5 a pop, so hopefully this will help pay for the dough I'm shelling out to watch this tonight.

Enjoy the fights!

-Besse