FightTicker.com's guest panel is back to break down two UFC 88 bouts -- Chuck Liddell vs. Rashad Evans and Rich Franklin vs. Matt Hamill.

The members of the panel are Tom Kim of the Seattle PI, Jared Barnes of the Houston Chronicle and Mark Chalifoux of The Baltimore Sun.

Chuck Liddell vs. Rashad Evans

Tom Kim (Ultimate Fan blog): Liddell by TKO in Round 2

"Talk about an opponent tailor-made for a Liddell KO. I’m not trying to bash Rashad in any way. I think he’s a good fighter and a threat to anyone, but this fight has stunning Liddell highlight written all over it. Chuck’s made his living beating strong wrestlers with less than limited striking (Couture, Horn, Babalu, Tito, etc.) so I don’t think Evans is going to pose any real threat to him standing. I think after a few unsuccessful takedown attempts by Rashad and a relatively dull first round, Chuck’s hands will finally find their mark, right on Rashad’s face."

Jared Barnes (Brawl Sports blog): Liddell by TKO in Round 2

"The main event Saturday night is going to come down to Rashad Evans' takedowns vs. Chuck Liddell's takedown defense. Evans takedowns are some of the best in the division, bu, if Liddell can neutralize them Evans won't stand much of a chance against the former champion.

"Evans may seem to be quicker and more athletic than Liddell, but his striking isn't comparable. If Evans is unable to take Liddell down and is forced to stand and bang with him, Evans' chin is going to be tested like never before. Evans' chances of winning a stand up battle are just about zero, unless he can pull another KO head kick out of nowhere like he did against Sean Salmon, but I wouldn't bet on it.

"The only way Evans has a chance against Liddell is with takedowns and lay-and-pray. If he can't keep Liddell on his back for the majority of 2 rounds to squeak out a decision he will not win this fight."

Mark Chalifoux (MMA Stomping Ground blog): Liddell by TKO in Round 2

"The thing is, Liddell really needs this win and he looked good against Wanderlei Silva when his back was against the wall. After his loss to Jardine there was plenty of talk of a potential retirement and a number of people questioned his commitment. Then he came out and had a terrific slugfest with Silva. I feel like Liddell should still have his back against the wall in this fight. Evans is a capable fighter but not one that should be too tough for Liddell to handle. With a title shot on the horizon, I’m sure Liddell’s focus won’t even be a question here. And with the money that could be made on the Liddell v. Griffin, then a Liddell v. Anderson Silva or a Liddell v. Couture match, I’m sure the UFC is trying to keep 'The Iceman' focused on the task at hand. To me, that should be enough to neuter 'The Neutralizer' and come out with a win. Evans can move well and should try to take this fight to the ground but I think Liddell will catch him and knock him out in the second."

Verdict: Liddell wins 3-0

Rich Franklin vs. Matt Hamill

Tom Kim (Ultimate Fan blog): Franklin by Unanimous Decision

"Pretty clear here what both fighters want to do. Rich will try and keep it standing and Hamill will try to take it to the ground. Even though Hamill is bigger and a much better wrestler, Rich is a veteran who’s been there and done that. I’m also skeptical about Hamill’s striking and more importantly, his striking defense. Guys like Michael Bisping and Tim Boetsch have hurt Matt standing and Rich is far better than either one of those guys on his feet. However, Hamill is a tough dude and I don’t know if Rich has the power (especially at 205 pounds) to finish Hamill."

Jared Barnes (Brawl Sports blog): Franklin by Decision

"Matt Hamill has shown improvement every time he's stepped into the Octagon and, like Franklin he likes to put on exciting fights. I wouldn't be surprised if he tried to stand and bang with Franklin a little, but after standing and banging with Michael Bisping and getting robbed of a victory by the judges, he's going to want to try and finish Franklin and the best place for him to do that is on the ground with some old fashion ground-and-pound.

"On paper Franklin should win this one -- he's a better striker, better at submissions and better at submission defense, but Hamill is a game fighter and I expect to see a very competitive fight.

"The biggest question going into this fight is will Franklin be able to handle Hamill's size and strength advantage?"

Mark Chalifoux (MMA Stomping Ground blog): Franklin by Unanimous Decision

"I don’t think this one will be as close as many think. The move up in weight shouldn't affect this fight and when I talked to Franklin he said it may be more of an issue if the fight goes longer. It takes a superior fighter to defeat Franklin and while Hamill is very good in my eyes (let’s face it, his loss to Bisping was a joke even if he didn’t have the smartest plan of attack), he’s not elite. Not yet at least. While Franklin does give up a little weight he should be a little quicker and his striking will be too much for Hamill. I really like Hamill’s upside but I think this is a bad fight for both fighters. Hamill certainly has the tools to defeat Franklin and could take the decision if he fully utilizes his wrestling. I don’t think he will though, and 'Ace' will come away with a convincing win against an up-and-comer."

Verdict: Franklin wins 3-0