The second edition of the UFC Live on Versus will take place Sunday, August 1st from San Diego, California and will kick start a month filled with great MMA action.

The card showcases many rising talents and features some competitive bouts throughout. There are some tough picks to make but it has to be done. So without further adieu, here are the Prime Picks for UFC Live on Versus 2.

Jon Jones vs Vladimir Matyushenko

Jones is facing a very talented veteran whom possesses good strength and wrestling skills which should make for a nice test for one of the biggest prospects in MMA. An overwhelming majority of people are picking Jones without a doubt, however I think this will be his closest fought battle in the Octagon yet.

Matyushenko is on a 3 fight winning streak and is 11-1 in his last 12 bouts, losing only to Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in that time. Jones, at 10-1, is virtually undefeated with his only loss coming via disqualification against Matt Hamill due to illegal elbows. Both fighters have great wrestling skill, but Jones has a striking advantage and an impressive ability to get creative in the Octagon.

This should be a close one but I am picking Jon Jones via decision; a very close decision. JONES VIA DECISION.

Mark Munoz vs Yushin Okami

Mark Munoz is one of the best up and coming prospects in the middleweight division while Yushin Okami is one of the most underrated fighters in the weight class. That sounds like a formula for a great fight.

This is another close one. We have Munoz at an impressive 8-1, his only loss coming when Matt Hamill KO’d him with a vicious head kick.  On the other side, the more experienced Okami is a solid 24-5 with wins over Nick Thompson, Alan Belcher, Mike Swick, Evan Tanner and even Anderson Silva (fyi – he won via DQ).

I see an even battle taking place more on the ground before Munoz finds a way to TKO Okami via some ground and pound. MUNOZ VIA TKO, ROUND 3.

John Howard vs Jake Ellenberger

Another set of rising stars makes for another tough call, but Ellenberger has the KO power to crush Howard unless “Doomsday” can control where the fight is waged. I think Ellenberger’s wrestling will come into play and help him score a decision victory where he at least stuns Howard with a punch or two. ELLENBERGER VIA DECISION.

Tyson Griffin vs Takanori Gomi

The days of Gomi being a highly ranked fighter are over and after Griffin finishes him the same will most likely be said about his UFC career. GRIFFIN VIA KO, RD 2.

…and some quick picks for the undercard:

Paul Kelly to def Jacob Volkmann via Decision

DaMarques Johnson to def Matthew Riddle via Submission, Rd 2

Igor Pokrajac to def James Irvin via Decision

Mike Massenzio to def Brian Stann via Submission, Rd 2

Charles Oliveira to def Darren Elkins via Submission, Rd 1

Rob Kimmons to def Steve Steinbeiss via Submission, Rd 3