UFC on Fox 18 matchups

A breakdown of the fights on the main card of UFC on Fox 18 today at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.:

Anthony Johnson (20-5) vs. Ryan Bader (21-4)

• CLASS: Light heavyweight

• LINE: Johnson minus-300

• STORYLINE: This should be a pretty straightforward clash of styles. Johnson is about as powerful and lethal a striker as there is in the organization. Bader was a two-time All-America wrestler in college who has gotten better and better at incorporating that foundation into his mixed martial arts game. The Reno native has won five straight fights, all by decision. He concedes at this point of his career it's all about winning and not worrying about knockouts and submissions. That attitude will serve him well. Bader needs to try to wear down Johnson and grind him out to win this fight. It's possible. As a main event, this is a five-round affair, and it's tough to control a 25-minute fight. At some point, Bader will have to engage Johnson and the feet, and that could be trouble. Bader's only two losses in the past four years have come by knockout, and it could happen again tonight.

• PICK: Johnson by second-round knockout

Josh Barnett (34-7) vs. Ben Rothwell (35-9)

• CLASS: Heavyweight

• LINE: Barnett minus-140

• STORYLINE: Rothwell is on a great run with three straight knockouts, including two in the first round. Barnett, however, has been knocked out just once in the past 14 years. He is incredibly skilled at smothering his opponents, and that is what he will look to do with Rothwell. Barnett is 38, but he answered a great deal of questions with a terrific performance in September. After missing nearly two years, he was phenomenal in controlling Roy Nelson for 25 minutes. Instead of looking old and rusty, Barnett looked rejuvenated. That could be bad news for Rothwell, who has his eyes set on winning a title this year.

• PICK: Barnett by second-round submission

Iuri Alcantara (32-6, 1 No Contest) vs. Jimmie Rivera (18-1)

• CLASS: Bantamweight

• LINE: Rivera minus-165

• STORYLINE: Rivera is younger and probably more talented than Alcantara. This is a pretty big step up for Rivera, however. While the former Bellator standout has won both fights since coming to the UFC, a split decision win over Pedro Munhoz wasn't overly impressive. Alcantara has seven wins in 10 fights since joining the UFC and has consistently faced a higher level of competition. He has a tendency to be a little wilder with his punches than the more compact Rivera. In the end, this is a toss-up fight. Rivera certainly could win and show his 17-fight winning streak is for real. It's just as likely the veteran Alcantara will teach him a lesson and find a way to win. Take the underdog.

• PICK: Alcantara by decision

Sage Northcutt (7-0) vs. Bryan Barberena (10-2)

• CLASS: Welterweight

• LINE: Northcutt minus-320

• STORYLINE: Barberena agreed to this fight just more than a week ago, and Northcutt, a lightweight, had to switch gears and come up to 170 pounds. He was getting set to begin his cut when the change was made. He insists it won't be much of an issue as he will be stronger due to not having to go through the weight-cutting process. Fortunately for Northcutt, this is another opponent that appears to have been selected for him to provide a showcase for his talent. Northcutt is a phenom, though the hype train was nearly derailed in December when Cody Pfister was able to take him down before eventually getting knocked out. Barberena isn't likely to try to exploit that potential hole in Northcutt's game. He'll be more inclined to stand in the pocket and hope his durable chin holds up to Northcutt's fancy striking attack long enough to get in some power shots of his own on the perpetually smiling 19-year-old Texan. That's possible, but as easy as it is to laugh at Northcutt's boy band looks and over-the-top pleasant and polite attitude, he is a legitimate physical freak. Barberena will have a tough time withstanding his shots.

• PICK: Northcutt by third-round knockout