MMA predictions for 2008

A new year brings fresh faces and new life.

For MMA, it brings a new host of challenges and expectations that could put it into contention for (more) record-breaking numbers.

Here are my predictions for 2008:

1. UFC regains PPV sales title

Boxing overtook the UFC in 2007 with $255 million in PPV buys. Could the UFC surpass $300 million? Lofty goal, but attainable...especially if the posterboys get title shots.

2. Roger Huerta wins UFC Lightweight title

Ever since I first saw Huerta fight, I knew he'd amount to something. A lot of people, including most all of sherdog.com, a MMA ranking site, find him overrated. Sure, he's had a few sugar-coated fights, but he just took out Clay Guida in late 2007. He's got a granite chin and great ring awareness. Give him time, lads. He'll take the gold in '08.

3. North Carolina hosts major MMA event

It didn't take precedence on Shelbystar.com, but I'm telling you, MMA is going to blow up in everyone's face, like it or not. Whether it be WEC, IFL or other outlet, Charlotte or Raleigh will host it, and people will freak out. Then, when the money starts rolling in, they'll praise the sport and become bandwagon fans (...now I'm stretching it).

4. "Kimbo" joins UFC

Yes, the underground street fighter has joined the ranks of MMA in EliteXC. If you haven't heard of this guy, you obviously haven't been using this "Internet" thing for long. Watch a few clips of the guy in action if you haven't already. It's scary.

At any rate, he's busy preparing for a February fight against Tank Abbott, a washed-up lump of lard that is basically about as useful and talented as a pound of wet mice.

Kimbo will rip Abbott apart and join the UFC in late 2008. Can you picture Brock Lesnar versus Kimbo Slice in December? It could happen.

I'd hate to see what kind of truck it'll take to knock one of these guys out. No, wait, I'd love it.