We're just a few days away from Saturday's UFC 85: Bedlam. Because the UFC is once again taking their show across the pond to London, fans here will be able to enjoy the event during the early afternoon. While some fans don't like the early start time, I think it provides the perfect excuse to start drinking early ; ) The event may lack a true marquee matchup, but it's solid from top to bottom and should be quite entertaining. Here's what to look for.

Matt Hughes vs. Thiago Alves

The main event features two welterweights seemingly headed in opposite directions in their respective careers. The long-time king of the division Hughes, has lost two out of his last three fights (at the hands of GSP). Alves meanwhile, is riding a five fight win streak, including an impressive TKO finish of Karo Parisyan. Unlike a lot of fans however, I'm not ready to count Hughes out as a fighter just because of his lack of success against GSP. While Alves may be the best striker in the entire division, I think Hughes' experience, wrestling, and submissions will be too much for "The Pitbull" to handle. Look for Hughes to expose Thiago's takedown defense, put him on his back and wear him out on the ground before finally finishing the fight.

Prediction: Hughes by submission in round 2.

Michael Bisping vs. Jason Day

This middleweight bout features two up and comers who should be in great shape, considering both fought less than 2 months ago. The London native Bisping, is coming off a destruction of Charles McCarthy back at UFC 83. Day is coming off his own impressive win over Alan Belcher at the same event. While Day shocked many fans with some surprising stand up skills in his UFC debut, he'd be wise to try and take it to the ground against "The Count." Bisping however, has displayed enough skill on the ground, to keep most of his fights standing, where he is extremely dangerous. His experience, striking and the hometown advantage should be enough for Bisping to beat Day, in what I expect to be an entertaining bout.

Prediction: Bisping by TKO in round 2.

Marcus Davis vs. Mike Swick

This welterweight bout features two of the biggest hitters in the division. After getting off to a rocky start in the UFC, Davis has caught fire lately winning his last 11 fights. Swick had an immediate impact in the UFC, but seems to have lost some steam lately, winning a lackluster decision in his last fight against Josh Burkman. Both guys have a history of winning fights via devastating strikes so look for both to fling the leather early. Look for Swick to come out with the same aggressiveness that made him such a promising star early on and put an end to "The Irish Hand Grenade's" remarkable run.

Prediction: Swick by KO in round 3.

Nate Marquardt vs. Thales Leites

This middleweight bout features two of the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighters in the UFC. After falling victim to the viciousness that is Anderson Silva, Marquardt bounced back nicely with a guillotine win over fellow submission specialist Jeremy Horn. Leites has run off three impressive victories and appears to be on the verge of "legit contender" status. While both guys are BJJ black belts, Nate is the more well rounded and experienced fighter. Expect Nate to use those advantages to get a hard fought victory.

Prediction: Marquardt by decision.

Fabricio Werdum vs. Brandon Vera

The heavyweight division is probably the weakest in the UFC, but this bout features two of the best. Werdum is coming off a TKO win over fellow Brazilian standout Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 80. Vera was on his way towards a title shot, until former champion Tim Sylvia used his size and strength to hand "The Truth" his first career loss. Werdum won't have the same kind of advantage over Vera. Instead, he'll look to use his world class BJJ to try and neutralize Vera's dangerous Muay Thai skills. While Werdum isn't the most exciting fighter, expect him to grind out a victory.

Prediction: Werdum by decision.

There are several other promising matchups on this event's undercard. Here's my quick picks for the rest of the scheduled fights.

Martin Kampmann via 1st round KO over Jorge Rivera.

Thiago Tavares via 2nd round TKO over Matt Wiman.

Roan Carneiro via 1st round submission win over Kevin Burns.

Jason Lambert via 2nd round TKO win over Luiz Cane.

Jess Liaudin via 1st round KO over Paul Taylor.

Antoni Hardonk via 1st round KO over Eddie Sanchez.