UFC 155 MATCHUPS

A breakdown of the fights on the main card of UFC 155 today at the MGM Grand:

Junior dos Santos (champion, 15-1) vs. Cain Velasquez (10-1)

■ CLASS: For heavyweight title

■ LINE: dos Santos -210

■ STORYLINE: Dos Santos handed Velasquez his first and only loss 13 months ago while taking his belt in a 64-second knockout. This one should last a bit longer. Velasquez probably hopes to get the rematch to the ground within that time frame, though. Taking down dos Santos and trying to neutralize his elite striking skills is the game plan of practically all of his opponents, but that has proven difficult. Few opponents have had the wrestling ability of Velasquez, however. Velasquez has not made excuses, but a video recently surfaced documenting a knee injury he suffered shortly before the first meeting. He looks to be at full strength now. Don't expect him to test his improving standup skills very long. He bounced back with an impressive performance against Antonio Silva in May and will continue that momentum. Velasquez has lethal ground-and-pound and he will show it, pounding out dos Santos from the top to set up a massive trilogy fight late next year.

■ PICK: Velasquez by third-round knockout

Jim Miller (21-4) vs. Joe Lauzon (22-7)

■ CLASS: Lightweight

■ LINE: Miller -220

■ STORYLINE: This is a major threat to win the fight-of-the-night bonus. Two highly skilled jiu-jitsu guys with well-rounded enough games to provide an entertaining contest no matter where the fight goes. This bout could stay on the feet longer than expected with both fighters having a healthy respect for the opponent's submission skills. When it does hit the floor, look for a creative, back-and-forth grappling display. Miller has lost two of three fights, while Lauzon has won three of four and appears on a major upswing in his career. Miller, though, might be too strong for Lauzon over 15 minutes.

■ PICK: Miller by decision

Tim Boetsch (16-4) vs. Costa Philippou (11-2, 1 NC)

■ CLASS: Middleweight

■ LINE: Boetsch -115

■ STORYLINE: This looks like a total toss-up. Somehow, some way, Boetsch is 4-0 since dropping to middleweight. He scored decisions over Kendall Grove and Nick Ring in fairly uneventful fights before getting a dramatic third-round knockout over Yushin Okami in a fight in which Boetsch was badly beaten for two rounds. Boetsch then was served up as what amounted to a sacrificial lamb for the UFC debut of heavily favored Hector Lombard in July, only to win another decision. Philippou is on a similar streak, having won four in a row with three by decision and one by knockout. This absolutely looks like it will go the distance, so take the wrestler over the striker in what could be a treacherous grind.

■ PICK: Boetsch by decision

Alan Belcher (17-5) vs. Yushin Okami (28-7)

■ CLASS: Middleweight

■ LINE: Okami -120

■ STORYLINE: Okami and Belcher made their UFC debuts against each other in 2006 with Okami claiming a unanimous decision. Now 28, Belcher is much improved. Belcher always has had a ton of skill, hence the nickname "The Talent," but it took him a while to put it all together. He was 3-3 in his first six UFC bouts, but is 6-1 since, winning four in a row. Okami quickly moved up the ranks before losing a title shot against Anderson Silva in 2011. Belcher is making his way to that level. Okami is like a workhorse fullback who isn't flashy, but helps you win. Belcher is more like the first-round stud who wows scouts at the combine. Sometimes those guys actually pan out. This could be his time.

■ PICK: Belcher by second-round submission

Chris Leben (22-8) vs. Derek Brunson (9-2)

■ CLASS: Middleweight

■ LINE: Leben -150

■ STORYLINE: The UFC turned to Brunson less than two weeks ago to replace injured Karlos Vemola. Leben said he isn't concerned by the change. He's just glad to be fighting after a one-year suspension for testing positive for pain pills following a loss to Mark Munoz in November 2011. Leben has battled drug and alcohol problems throughout his turbulent career, but insists he is clean and sober. It would be interesting to see what he can do with his talent if he's able to remain on the straight and narrow. Leben is exciting and powerful, and has a flair for the dramatic. He might need it if he falls behind early in the fight. Brunson makes his UFC debut despite back-to-back losses in Strikeforce. He is a strong college wrestler with athleticism and power, typically a good indicator of MMA success. He also works with a couple of really good fight camps. Look for Brunson to get into a rhythm early and maybe get a couple of takedowns, but Leben to find an opportunity to land his devastating left hand and end the fight late.

■ PICK: Leben by third-round knockout

ADAM HILL/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL