The Ultimate Fighting Championships will hold its first major event in Boston later this month. UFC 118 will be held at the TD Garden on August 28th. A Lightweight Championship battle headlines the four bouts on the main card.

1. Lightweight Championship bout: Frank Edgar (+250) vs. B.J. Penn (-350)

In the main event, a championship will be at stake. Despite winning the title from Penn is his last outing at UFC 112 in April, Edgar (12-1 MMA record) is the underdog in the rematch. The 28-year-old is a former college wrestler. He also trains in boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Edgar made his pro MMA debut in 2005. He joined the UFC in 2007. Edgar’s lone MMA defeat was against Gray Maynard in 2008. Penn (15-6-1) won the UFC Lightweight title in early 2008. He was able to successfully defend his belt on three occasions before falling to Edgar. The 31-year-old has also been a UFC Welterweight champion in his MMA career. Penn became an MMA pro in 2001. With revenge as some motivation, Penn regains the title in this one.

2. Heavyweight bout: James Toney (+425) vs. Randy Couture (-650)

Toney will make his MMA debut in a big way against UFC legend Couture. The 41-year-old Toney is one of the more notable boxers to make the transition into UFC. He is the current IBA Heavyweight belt holder and has posted a 72-6-3 record in the ring as a pro. Roy Jones Jr. (loss) and Evander Holyfield (win) are among the opponents that Toney has faced in his boxing career. Couture (18-10) won his last bout against Mark Coleman at UFC 109 in February. At 47, the UFC Hall of Famer is still a headline attraction even though he hasn’t held a title belt since 2007. Couture made the transition into MMA after being a college wrestler at Oklahoma State. He made his pro MMA debut in 1997. Couture captured his first UFC title in 2000. Out of his element, Toney will need to get some more experience in the MMA before he can handle a fighter of Couture’s ability.

3. Lightweight bout: Gray Maynard (+115) vs. Kenny Florian (-145)

The winner of this battle will become the #1 contender for the UFC Lightweight Championship. Maynard (9-0) is on the rise in the UFC ranks. He pulled out a split decision against Nate Diaz in his last fight in February. The 31-year-old was a college wrestling star at Michigan State. Florian (14-4) has come up short in his two bids to win a UFC Lightweight title. He fell to Sean Sherk (2006) and Penn (2009) in his two career championship matches. The 34-year-old has elements of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai in his fighting style. Maynard pulls the slight upset in this contest.

4. Middleweight bout: Rousimar Palhares (+190) vs. Nate Marquardt (-240)

Palhares (11-2) defeated Tomasz Drwal in his last effort at UFC 111 in March. However, the 30-year-old was suspended for 90 days after the match for failing to let go of a submission hold in the proper amount of time. Marquardt (29-9-2) dropped his last outing against Chael Sonnen in February at UFC 109. In his most significant fight in the UFC, the 31-year-old Marquardt fell to Anderson Silva in a Middleweight Championship match in 2007. The favorite prevails in this matchup.

5. Welterweight bout: Marcus Davis (+160) vs. Nate Diaz (-200)

After losing two straight fights, Davis (17-6) rebounded to defeat Jonathan Goulet at UFC 113 in May. The 36-year-old made his pro MMA debut in 2003. Davis made the transition to MMA after being a pro boxer. Diaz (12-5) has lost three of his five fights. The 25-year-old was able to stop Rory Markham in his last outing at UFC 111 in March. In this fight, the younger favorite emerges as the victor.

6. Lightweight bout: Terry Etim (+120) vs. Joe Lauzon (-150)

Etim (14-3) is looking to bounce back from a setback to Rafael dos Anjos in his last bout at UFC 112 in April. The 24-year-old uses elements Muay Thai, Luta Livre and wrestling in his fighting style. Lauzon (18-5) is also trying to get back on the winning track. The 26-year-old fell to Sam Stout at UFC 108 in January. Lauzon’s style is based in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In a tight battle, Lauzon gets the win.

7. Welterweight bout: Greg Soto (+105) vs. Nick Osipczak (-135)

After winning his first seven fights as an MMA pro, Soto (7-1) dropped his UFC debut against Matthew Riddle at UFC 111 in March. He was disqualified in the match for an illegal upkick. Soto has a background in wrestling that has helped him make the transition to MMA. Osipczak (5-1) lost for the first time as a pro to Rick Story at UFC 112 in April in his last outing. The 25-year-old has a fighting style that is based in Shaolin Kung Fu. The underdog gains a victory in this fight.

8. Middleweight bout: Alessio Sakara (+220) vs. Gerald Harris (-300)

Sakara (15-7) has won his last three fights heading into this battle. He stopped James Irvin in his last bout in March. The 28-year-old made the transition to MMA after stepping into the ring for nine fights as a professional boxer. Harris (17-2) has won ten straight fights since his last defeat in 2007. The 30-year-old handled Dave Branch last month at UFC 116. Harris has a background in wrestling. In this matchup, the favorite steps up to win.

9. Lightweight bout: Nick Lentz (+115) vs. Andre Winner (-145)

Lentz (18-3-2) hasn’t lost an MMA fight since March of 2007. He stopped Rob Emerson is his last outing in March of this year. The 25-year-old made his UFC debut last year after beginning his pro MMA career in 2005. Lentz has a background in wrestling that helps him in his MMA bouts. Winner (11-3) defeated Rafaello Oliveira in his last fight in March. The 28-year-old made his pro MMA debut in 2006. In a close fight, Winner gets the victory.

After UFC 116 in July, the next major UFC event will head to the Bay Area. UFC 117 will be held at the Oracle Arena in Oakland on August 7th. It will mark the first time that the city has hosted a UFC card. The lineup features six preliminary matches with five bouts on the main card.

A couple of countries will be seeking bragging rights on the main card. All five bouts will feature fighters from the United States against Brazilian opponents. In a heavyweight bout, American Roy Nelson will take on Junior Dos Santos. A lightweight fight will feature Brazil’s Rafael dos Anjos versus Clay Guida. In a welterweight battle, Matt Hughes from the United State will square off against Ricardo Almeida. Another welterweight bout, Brazil’s Thiago Alves will tangle with Jon Fitch. In the headline affair, American Chael Sonnen will attempt to take the middleweight title away from Anderson Silva.

Middleweight Championship Fight: Chael Sonnen (+350) vs. Anderson Silva (-500)

In the marquee bout of the evening, Sonnen (24-10-1 MMA record) will try to pull a significant upset. The 33-year-old has posted a 10-2 mark in his last 12 fights to get a crack at the title. Sonnen made the transition to MMA after being an All-American wrestler at the University of Oregon. His initial pro MMA fight was in 2002. In his last bout, he defeated Nate Marquardt at UFC 109 in February. Silva (26-4) has become a dominant force in UFC. He has won 12 straight matches since his last defeat in early 2006. Silva captured the UFC title with a victory over Rich Franklin in October of 2006. Since that win, the 35-year-old has successfully defended his belt on six other occasions. In his last fight in April at UFC 112, Silva handled Demian Maia. His versatility in a variety of mixed martial arts has helped Silva greatly in the UFC. Silva is experienced in Boxing, Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, Tae Kwon Do, Judo and Capoeira. He has been a pro MMA fighter since 2000. In this matchup, Silva’s dominant run continues. (Collect Your MMA Betting Bonus!)

Welterweight Fight: Jon Fitch (+110) vs. Thiago Alves (-140)

Fitch (22-3) has lost only once in his last 21 bouts. The 32-year-old moved into MMA after being a wrestler in college for the Purdue Boilermakers. He made his pro MMA debut back in 2002. Fitch came up short in his bid for the UFC Welterweight Championship two years ago. At UFC 87, he lost to Georges St-Pierre in a title bout. In his last fight, Fitch defeated Ben Saunders at UFC 111 in March. Alves (16-6) will be looking for some revenge in this matchup. He lost to Fitch back in 2006. After that defeat, the 26-year-old reeled off seven straight wins to get a title match against St-Pierre. At UFC 100 last July, Alves dropped a unanimous decision to the Canadian. With a background in Jiu-Jitsu, he made his MMA debut in 2001. In the rematch against Fitch, the younger Alves prevails. (Collect Your MMA Betting Bonus!)

Lightweight Bout: Rafael Dos Anjos (-115) vs. Clay Guida (-125)

Dos Anjos (14-4) has won his last three bouts heading into this matchup. In his last outing, the 25-year-old stopped Terry Etim at UFC 112. Dos Anjos has a style of fighting that is based in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He made his UFC debut in November of 2008. In that bout, Dos Anjos lost to Jeremy Stephens at UFC 91. Guida (26-11) defeated Shannon Gugerty in his last fight in March. The 28-year-old made the transition into MMA after being a wrestler in high school and college. Guida made his professional debut back in 2003. He began his run in the UFC three years later. In a tight battle, Dos Anjos pulls this one out. (Collect Your MMA Betting Bonus!)

Welterweight bout: Matt Hughes (+140) vs. Ricardo Almeida (-170)

Hughes (44-7) is just 3-3 in his last six fights. He was able to handle Renzo Gracie in his last outing at UFC 112. The UFC Hall of Famer and two-time Welterweight champion is trying to get back on top at the age of 36. Hughes had a background in wrestling before getting involved in MMA. He made his pro debut in 1998 before joining the UFC a year later. Hughes captured the UFC Welterweight championship with a victory over Carlos Newton. He defended his belt in five straight title bouts before losing the crown to B.J. Penn at UFC 46 in 2004. Hughes was able to regain his title at UFC 50 with a win over Georges St-Pierre. After being able to defend his championship twice, Hughes dropped a rematch to St-Pierre at UFC 65 in 2006. Almeida (12-3) defeated Matt Brown in his most recent bout at UFC 111 in March. The 33-year-old uses elements of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, wrestling and boxing in his fighting style. Almeida made his pro MMA debut back in 2000. He joined the UFC ranks two years ago. In this matchup, the younger Almeida prevails. (Collect Your MMA Betting Bonus!)

Heavyweight bout: Roy Nelson (+250) vs. Junior Dos Santos (-350)

Nelson (15-4) will be making his initial appearance at one of the UFC’s marquee events. The bout against Dos Santos will determine who will become the #1 contender for the UFC Heavyweight championship. The 34-year-old Nelson won his UFC debut against Stefan Struve in March. His fighting background features elements of boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Shaolin Kung Fu. Nelson was able to move into the UFC after winning the Ultimate Fighter title. His exhibition victory over Kimbo Slice was one of the highest rated telecasts in MMA history. Dos Santos (11-1) is an emerging force on the UFC circuit. He has won his last six bouts heading into this matchup. In his last fight, Dos Santos stopped Gabriel Gonzaga in March. The 25-year-old made his MMA debut in 2006. He made his UFC debut at UFC 90 in 2008. Dos Santos has a style that is based in boxing, kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The heavy favorite continues his roll in this one. (Collect Your MMA Betting Bonus!)

The next major UFC event is set to take place on July 3rd at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The lineup will feature six preliminary bouts before the main card of five fights. A heavyweight championship battle including Brock Lesnar is the marquee event.

Heavyweight Championship Fight: Shane Carwin (+160) vs. Brock Lesnar (-200)

Carwin (12-0 MMA record) captured the interim heavyweight belt in his last fight at UFC 111 in March. The 35-year-old can really make a name for himself with an upset in UFC 116. Lesnar (4-1) has emerged as one of the top draws in the UFC ranks. He made a name for himself in the early part of last decade as a wrestler for WWE. In 2004, Lesnar attempted to begin a career in the NFL. He played in some preseason games for the Minnesota Vikings but couldn’t make the regular season roster. Lesnar captured the heavyweight title with a victory over MMA legend Randy Couture at UFC 91 in 2008. In his first defense of the title last year, the 32-year-old Lesnar defeated Frank Mir at UFC 100 to retain his belt. His only MMA defeat had been to Mir at UFC 81. Lesnar defends his title again versus Carwin. (Bet on UFC 116 Today)

Middleweight Fight: Yoshihiro Akiyama (+140) vs. Wanderlei Silva (-170)

After beginning his MMA career on the K-1 circuit in Japan, Akiyama (13-1) pulled out a win over Alan Belcher in his UFC debut last July. The 34-year-old made the transition to MMA from Judo. Silva (33-10-1) will celebrate his 34th birthday in the cage against Akiyama. His most notable bout came back in 2000. Silva fell to Tito Ortiz for the light heavyweight crown at UFC 25 in Tokyo. Recently, he has dropped five of his last seven bouts. During the stretch, Sliva has lost to Chuck Liddell and Quinton Jackson. Look for Akiyama to pull the upset in this one. (Bet on UFC 116 Today)

Light Heavyweight Fightt: Stephan Bonnar (+185) vs. Krzysztof Soszynski (-235)

In a rematch from UFC 110 in Sydney, Australia from earlier this year, Bonnar (11-7) will be seeking some revenge against Soszynski. In their last bout, Soszynski scored a 3rd round TKO over Bonnar. The 33-year-old Bonnar is just 2-5 in his last seven fights. While Bonnar hasn’t had much success recently, Soszynski (19-9-1) has been on a good run. The 32-year-old has won seven of his last eight matches. Soszynski holds off Bonnar again. (Bet on UFC 116 Today)

Heavyweight Fight: Chris Tuchscherer (+250) vs. Brendan Schaub (-350)

After dropping his UFC debut last August, Tuchscherer (18-2) rebounded to defeat Tim Hague in his last outing at UFC 109 earlier this year. The 34-year-old began his pro MMA career back in 2004. Schaub (5-1) has made the transition to MMA after a football background. The 27-year-old was a fullback for the Colorado Buffaloes in college. In the pro ranks, he was member of the Buffalo Bills practice squad and played in the AFL. In his last UFC match, Schaub defeated Chase Gormley in March. The favorite rolls in this matchup. (Bet on UFC 116 Today)

The next marquee UFC event is set to take place this Saturday at the General Motors Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This will be just the fourth time that UFC has held one of its major numbered cards north of the border.

UFC’s 83, 97 and 113 were also held in Canada. UFC 115 will feature six preliminary bouts before the main card of five fights. The marquee bout was originally set to feature Chuck Liddell against Tito Ortiz. Two of the biggest names in UFC have met on two previous occasions. However, a neck injury will keep Ortiz out of UFC 115. Rich Franklin will now square off against Liddell.

Light Heavyweight bout: Chuck Liddell (+115) vs. Rich Franklin (-145)

In the headline bout on the card, the 40-year-old Liddell (21-7 MMA record) will try to recapture some of his old glory in the underdog role. While Liddell is a UFC legend, he has dropped four of his last five matches. Liddell will be entering the cage for the first time since a defeat against Mauricio Rua in April of 2009. He became a household name in the MMA world by defeating Randy Couture for the UFC Light Heavyweight crown back in 2005. He was able to defend the title in four matches. The run included another win against Couture and a victory over Ortiz.

Liddell finally lost his title belt in 2007 at the hands of Quinton Jackson. He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame last year. Franklin (26-5) isn’t as well known as Liddell but he is a former UFC Middleweight champion. Franklin has lost two of his last three bouts. In his last outing, Franklin lost to Vitor Belfort at UFC 103 last September. The 35-year-old Franklin made his pro MMA debut back in 1999. In a mild upset, we expect Liddell to pull this one out.

Heavyweight bout: Marko Filipovic (+120) vs. Patrick Barry (-150)

Filipovic (26-7-2) has moved to the UFC in recent years after fighting primarily in Japan during the early portions of his MMA career. In his last bout, he stopped Anthony Perosh at UFC 110 in February. The 35-year-old Filipovic began his pro fighting career as a kickboxer in 1996. Barry (5-1) has joined the UFC circuit after beginning his pro fighting career in kickboxing. He was able to handle Antoni Hardonk in his last bout in October. The 30-year-old won the Combat USA Heavyweight title in 2008. We expect the favorite to come through in this matchup.

Lightweight bout: Matt Wiman (-110) vs. Mac Danzig (-120)

Wiman (11-5) has dropped two of his last three bouts entering this fight. He was able to defeat Shane Nelson in his last outing at UFC 107 in December. The 26-year-old Wiman began his pro MMA career back in 2004. Danzig (19-7-1) is just 3-5 in his last eight fights. He did handle Justin Buchholz at UFC 109 in February. The 30-year-old is a former King of the Cage champion. In a tight match, Danzig prevails.

Quinton Jackson vs. Rashad Evans UFC 114 Odds

Sportsbook.com Odds

• Jackson (-130
• Evans (even)

Betus.com Odds

• Jackson (-125)
• Evans (-105)

Amir Sadollah vs. Dong Hyun Kim UFC 114 Odds

Sportsbook.com Odds

• Sadollah (-150)
• Kim (+120)

BetUs.com Odds

• Sadollah (-140)
• Kim (+110)

Efrain Escudero vs. Dan Lauzon UFC 114 Odds

Sportsbook.com Odds

• Escudero (-350)
• Lauzon (+275)

BetUs.com Odds

• Escudero (-400)
• Lauzon (+300)

Aaron Simpson vs. Chris Leben UFC 114 Odds

Sportsbook.com Odds

• Simpson (-340)
• Leben (+260)

BetUs.com Odds

• Simpson (waiting on line)
• Leben (waiting on line)

Sportsbook.com Odds

• Machida   (-185)
• Rua             (+155)

Betus.com Odds

• Machida  (-200)
• Rua            (+160)

Paul Daley vs. Josh Koscheck

Sportsbook.com Odds

• Daley          (+190)
• Koscheck  (-240)

BetUs.com Odds

• Daley          (+190)
• Koscheck  (-240)

Kimbo Slice vs. Matt Mitrione

Sportsbook.com Odds

• Slice           (-115)
• Mitrione   (-115)

BetUs.com Odds

• Slice           (-115)
• Mitrione   (-115)

Jeremy Stephens vs. Sam Stout

Sportsbook.com Odds

• Stephens  (+180)
• Stout          (-220)

BetUs.com Odds

• Stephens  (+180)
• Stout          (-220)

Alan Belcher vs. Patrick Cote

Sportsbook.com Odds

• Belcher  (-125)
• Cote        (-105)

BetUs.com Odds

• Belcher  (-125)
• Cote        (-105)

The next big UFC event is set to take place on Saturday, May 8th in Montreal. The Bell Centre will host UFC 113. On the slate, there will be six preliminary bouts before the main card of five fights. On the main card, Kimbo Slice will be looking for another UFC win leading up to the marquee bout for the Light Heavyweight title.

Light Heavyweight Championship bout: Mauricio Rua (+160) vs. Lyoto Machida (-200)

A couple of Brazilian fighters will square off again after meeting in UFC 104 last October. In that bout, Machida retained his belt in a controversial decision. Rua (18-4) hasn’t fought since that bout but his last victory in the cage was a notable one. Last April in UFC 97 at Montreal, Rua defeated MMA legend Chuck Liddell by a TKO. Machida is a perfect 16-0 in his pro MMA career. He has notable victories over B.J. Penn and Tito Ortiz. Look for Rua to gain some revenge this time around.

Welterweight bout: Paul Daley (+215) vs. Josh Koscheck (-275)

Daley (23-8-2) made his UFC debut last September with a TKO of Martin Kampmann. He followed up that victory with a win over Dustin Hazelett in his last bout in UFC 108. Koscheck (16-4) handled Anthony Johnson in his last fight back in November. With a little more experience in UFC bouts, Koscheck pulls this one out.

Lightweight bout: Jeremy Stephens (+160) vs. Sam Stout (-200)

Stephens (16-5) has dropped three of his last five bouts entering this matchup. He was able to stop Justin Buchholz in his last fight in September. Stout (15-5-1) will be fighting in his home country against the American Stephens. He defeated Joe Lauzon at UFC 108 in his most recent bout. With some support from the Canadian fans, Stout wins a close bout.

Heavyweight bout: Matt Mitrione (+110) vs. Kimbo Slice (-140)

Mitrione is a former NFL player who is getting prepared to fight professionally in an MMA bout for just the second time. He played briefly for the New York Giants (2002) and Minnesota Vikings (2005). In his MMA pro debut, Mitrione defeated Marcus Jones in December. Slice (4-1) became a household name a few years ago after some his street fights became an Internet sensation. After winning his first three pro bouts, Slice was embarrassed by Seth Petruzelli in 2008. Slice bounced back to win his UFC debut last December against Houston Alexander. Slice wins again in UFC 113.

Middleweight bout: Patrick Cote (-105) vs. Alan Belcher (-125)

Like Stout, Cote (13-5) will have some fan support in Montreal. The Canadian hasn’t fought since in 2008. In October of that year, Cote fell to Anderson Silva in a Middleweight title bout at UFC 90. He was the first fighter to make it into the third round against Silva in a UFC match. Belcher (15-6) was able to handle Wilson Gouveia in his last effort at UFC 107 in December. Cote pulls this slight upset in this one.

UFC 112 is set to take place on April 10th at Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The event is set to take place at an outdoor venue for the first time in UFC history. The card has been billed as “Invincible” and will feature a pair of title matchups. Here’s a look at some of the top bouts on the card:

Middleweight Championship Bout : Demian Maia (+400) vs. Anderson Silva (-600)

Vitor Belfort was originally slated to appear in this title bout but a shoulder injury forced him to pull out of the match. Silva (25-4 record) has won ten straight bouts in the ring. His last defeat was over four years ago. Silva has been able to successfully defend his UFC title in six previous championship bouts. He defeated Forrest Griffin in his last bout in August. Maia (12-1) won a unanimous decision over Dan Miller in his last outing at UFC 109 in Las Vegas in February. In UFC 112, Silva retains his title belt over Maia.

Lightweight Championship Bout : Frankie Edgar (+500) vs. B.J. Penn (-800)

Penn (21-5-1) will be defending his Lightweight title for the fourth time against Edgar. In January of 2009, he lost in a Welterweight championship bout to Georges St-Pierre. Penn handled Diego Sanchez in his last match in December at UFC 107 in Memphis. Edgar (11-1) will be seeking the upset in his first title bout. His lone pro defeat was to Gary Maynard in 2008. Edgar stopped Matt Veach in his last fight in December. In this matchup, Penn has too much of an edge.

Welterweight Bout : Renzie Gracie (+350) vs. Matt Hughes (-500)

Hughes (43-7) has dropped three of his last five bouts heading into this fight. The former two-time UFC Welterweight champ was able to stop Matt Serra at UFC 98 in his last fight in May of last year. Gracie (13-6-2) will be making his debut in a UFC event against Hughes. He hasn’t fought in any MMA bout since 2007. The experience of Hughes is the difference in this matchup.

Lightweight Bout : Rafael Dos Anjos (+145) vs. Terry Etim (-175)

Etim (14-2) is an emerging young fighter in the UFC. He has won his last four bouts heading into UFC 112. The 24-year-old fighter stopped Shannon Gugerty at UFC 105 in England in his last bout in November. Dos Anjos (13-4) is another youngster on the circuit looking to move forward. In his most recent fight in January, he scored a unanimous decision over Kyle Bradley. In a tight match, Etim prevails.

Middleweight Bout : Kendall Grove (+115) vs. Mark Munoz (-145)

Munoz (7-1) was a college wrestling standout at Oklahoma State. In his last bout at UFC 108 in January, he stopped Ryan Jensen. Grove (11-6-1) is just 3-3 in his last six fights. He was able to handle Jake Rosholt in his last bout at UFC 106 in November. Munoz gets the win in this Middleweight battle.