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Helwani picks winners in upcoming fights

Ariel Helwani looks at recently announced fights and gives his predictions

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MMA Beat
By Ariel Helwani
updated 5:54 p.m. ET March 9, 2012

Lots of fights have been announced over the past week, so it's time to get you caught up on all of them. Plus, just for kicks, I'll give you my quick prediction for each bout. Here. We. Go.

Alexander Gustafsson will now face Thiago Silva in his native Sweden at UFC on FUEL TV 2 on April 14 after Antonio Rogerio Nogueira pulled out due to an injury.

Prediction: Gustafsson.

Eddie Alvarez will meet Japanese standout Shinya Aoki at Bellator 66 on April 20 in a rematch of their December 2008 fight, which was won by Aoki.

Prediction: Alvarez.

Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler will face former UFC veteran Akihiro Gono at Bellator 67 on May 4 in a non-title bout.

Prediction: Chandler.

Canadian Ryan Ford will make his Bellator debut on the same Bellator 67 card against Luis "Sapo" Santos.

Prediction: Santos.

The finals of the Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix will finally take place May 19, as Josh Barnett meets Daniel Cormier.

Prediction: Cormier.

Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva will meet Roy Nelson in his Octagon debut at UFC 146 on May 26.

Prediction: Silva.

Also at UFC 146, Cain Velasquez will look to get back on track against Frank Mir.

Prediction: Velasquez, if healthy.

While not officially announced, Fabricio Werdum is expected to meet Mike Russow on the UFC's return to Brazil in June.

Prediction: Werdum.

And the all-female Invicta Fighting Championships announced its inaugural card for April 28 at Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kan. Below is a look at the lineup, headlined by former Strikeforce champion Marloes Coenen vs. Romy Ruyssen. Lots of solid talent on this card.

Marloes Coenen vs. Romy Ruyssen
Jessica Penne vs. Lisa Ellis-Ward
Liz Carmouche vs. Ashleigh Curry
Sarah D’Alelio vs. Shana Nelson
Leslie Smith vs. Kaitlin Young
Sally Krumdiack vs. Sarah Schneider
Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc vs. Amy Davis
Sarah Maloy vs. Michele Gutierrez
Mollie Estes vs. Randi Miller
Ashley Cummins vs. Sofia Bagherdai
Jessica Philippus vs. Meghan Wright


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