World Series of Fighting (WSOF) returns this Friday (June 5, 2015) for its first event since Branch vs. McElligott back in April with a competitive card that features two champions making their first-ever title defenses.

The WSOF 21 main event on NBC Sports Network features Featherweight Lance Palmer searching for his tenth win against seasoned veteran Chris “The Polish Hammer” Horodecki. For “The Party” it’s a chance to validate his reign with a successful defense of the belt he took from Rick Glenn in Dec. 2014.

WSOF 21 also features the first title defense of inaugural Heavyweight champion Smealinho Rama since blitzing his way through Derrick Mehmen in 51 seconds in Oct. 2014. WSOF President Ray Sefo is not taking it easy on “The Prince,” though, putting the former Bellator tournament finalist Blagoi Ivanov in his way at Edmonton Expo Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Let’s break down, and predict, WSOF 21’s main card:

145 lbs.: Lance Palmer (9-1) vs. Chris Horodecki (21-5-1, 1 NC)

Palmer is practically the prototype of a Team Alpha Male-trained fighter. He has an outstanding wrestling base, is more muscular than most of his opponents in the weight class, and has that inherent confidence (some might say cockiness) to know he’s going to finish a submission if he gets a dominant position.

On paper “The Polish Hammer” looks to have an experience edge, but one has to consider the non-MMA competition experience of Palmer, including being a four time All-American at Ohio State University. Horodecki, 27, is still young and has only been submitted once (by Donald Cerrone) and his new association with the Tristar Gym is likely to pay dividends in the long run.

In the short run, however, it’s likely that Palmer will use striking as a set up for takedowns, then wear down Horodecki for another submission. Palmer made good in his second chance to claim the WSOF 145-pound title, proving that Palmer can both learn from his mistakes and handle the pressure of a big fight.

This is his time to shine.

Final prediction: Lance Palmer via third round submission.

265 lbs.: Smealinho Rama (9-1) vs. Blagoi Ivanov (11-1)

WSOF is not being shy about putting its champions’ feet to the fire.

Rama should have plenty of confidence coming in off three straight wins, including two first round finishes that barely equal a half-round worth of work combined. Rama has vowed he won’t chase the finish, though — he’ll wait until opportunities present themselves — and if he has to go the distance with Ivanov that his cardio will hold up.

He’s finished 88 percent of his wins (five knockouts, three submissions), so even if has a killer gas tank he simply hasn’t had the chance to show it off.

Ivanov can force that issue.

The Bulgarian brute is known for both his toughness and his versatility, going the distance twice in his wins. The list of people he’s faced and beaten includes former UFC champion Ricco Rodriguez and former Strikeforce/UFC prospect Lavar Johnson. Ivanov has never been knocked out in 12 fights, so there’s every reason to think his chin can hold upmeven against the destructive Rama. And with four (technical) knockout wins he’s also not an ideal man to stand and trade with.

Ivanov’s been inactive for more than one year, though, and Rama has been wrecking opponents regularly in that time. Add home homefield advantage to the equation and that puts Rama over the top.

Final prediction: Smealinho Rama via unanimous decision.

170 lbs.: Michael Hill (7-3) vs. Mark Drummond (7-2)

If the name Hill rings a bell then you undoubtedly remember The Ultimate Fighter (TUF): 16. Although he qualified for the show and survived until the second round, it didn’t ultimately lead to him getting a spot on at TUF 16’s Finale or even a cup of coffee in UFC as a whole. He’s had a mixed record since, going 3-3 in his last six fights. Drummond has only lost one fight since 2010 and likes to finish his fights (71 percent combined) so the answer seems clear.

Final prediction: Mark Drummond via second round submission.

145 lbs.: Hakeem Dawodu (4-0) vs. Chuka Willis (4-0)

The final fight on the televised main card of WSOF 21 puts two talented featherweights with a ton of potential in the spotlight. Dawodu has a chip on his shoulder as the man who has recorded a knockout or technical knockout in every professional fight to date. Willis is more of a grinder with 50 percent finishes and 50 percent decisions, but we know he’s also capable of finishing with a rear-naked choke and Dawodu has yet to be tested on the ground. If this were a bet I’d take Willis in an upset … but it’s not.

Final prediction: Dawodu via first round knockout.

That’s a wrap!

Remember: MMAmania.com will deliver live coverage of WSOF 21: “Palmer vs. Horodecki” Friday night (June 5, 2015), with the first televised fight taking place at 9 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network.

See you then!