UFC 144: Michael Bisping says Ryan Bader will be a 'good win' for Rampage

It's always fun to make predictions, especially when those "best guesses" are being made by Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) professional fighters on behalf of their colleagues in combat.

This Saturday (Feb. 25, 2012), Quinton Jackson will return to familiar grounds when he takes on Ryan Bader at UFC 144 in Saitama, Japan.

"Rampage's" former Wolfslair training partner, UFC Middleweight Michael Bisping, spoke to ESPN recently about the upcoming bout. He was asked if he thought Bader was being handed a death sentence in the way of his fight versus Jackson:

"I'd say so. That's a very tough fight for Ryan Bader. Don't get me wrong, Bader's a tough guy and I've got a lot of respect for him, he came back from two tough losses impressively."

Check out what else "The Count" had to say after the jump:

When "Rampage" enters the Octagon at UFC 144, it will mark six years to the very day since the last time he fought in the Saitama Super Arena when he faced Yoon Dong-Sik at PRIDE 31.

He'll be looking to redeem himself from his last performance, when he was submitted by a rear-naked choke by UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones in the fourth round of their match up at UFC 135 on Sept. 24, 2011 in Denver, Colorado.

Maybe a change of scenery will be just what Jackson needs. "Rampage" was a huge fan favorite during his six-year stint in the PRIDE organization in Japan.

Bisping feels this will be just the opportunity his former stablemate needs to get back on track:

"'Rampage' is going to be excited to fight in Japan, he'll be excited to get back to winning ways, that'll be a good win for 'Rampage.'"

Jackson's opponent, Bader, has something in common with him. His name can also be found on Jon Jones' wall of victims, finding himself choked out in the second round of their fight at UFC 126 on Feb. 5, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The loss was the first of Bader's career and was followed by his second when he was choked out again by Tito Ortiz at UFC 132 on July 2, 2011 in "Sin City."

"Darth" was able to get back on the "win wagon" with a very impressive knockout victory over Jason Brilz at UFC 139 on Nov. 19, 2011 in San Jose, Calif.

When push comes to shove, who will keep the positive momentum going?

Do you Maniacs agree with Bisping's analysis? Has Bader been handed a "death sentence," or is "Rampage" in for a tough night?

Opinions, please.