UFC 134 Rio: Silva vs. Okami
August 27, 2011
HSBC Arena
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
When was the last time you saw a UFC card with two rematches as the main points of interest? Hell, when was the last time the UFC went to Brasil? We may be seeing the final installment of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Anderson Silva turning into Muhammad Ali, and "coming out" parties for Edson Barboza Jr. and Erick Silva!
Main Bouts (PPV):
Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva (28-4) [-500] vs. Yushin Okami 2 (26-5) [+400] [Rematch] It has taken the UFC five years to rightfully give "Thunder" his title shot. After all this time, they put the bout in Brazil where the "Spider's" popularity just exploded after he routed the countries hero Vitor Belfort, and is now looking to establish himself as the best fighter in the world. The press is on in Brazil as Anderson Silva with Burger King and Bud Light commercials are everywhere. You cannot discount how much pride the Brazilian fighters feel fighting at home as the UFC returns for the 1st time since 1998! Okami has been training with the infamous Chael Sonnen who did quite well with a similar style as Yushin. "Thunder" loves the G&P but his stand up will not be on par with Chael who tagged Silva more than anyone thought possible. Yushin is tough as they come but lacks the offense to threaten Anderson while the "Spider" picks him apart from distance. A stoppage is not a guarantee here but the victory (most likely) is. The 1st bout has zero relevance this time around save that the "Spider" takes his past losses very seriously and wants vengeance.
Mauricio Rua (19-5) [-240] vs. Forrest Griffin 2 (18-6) [+200] [Rematch] I like "Shogun" here for many reasons. First, people remember that Forrest won the 1st meeting. What they forget, is Griffin was getting his ass handed to him by a guy on injured knees and who had not trained because of a recent marriage until he simply ran out of breath. For this camp, OG great Rafael Corderio returned to his protege who made it through injury free and looks to be in great shape. Forrest has told everyone that at this point MMA is a job and he's in it for the money. Not great motivation especially when facing a guy you already beat. Rua is just a better fighter and Forrest is just an average guy who did above average things in the past. Notice the key word, past. Griffin stopped evolving as a fighter long ago and I fully expect that to show here. Hopefully Forrest runs crying from the Octagon for the 3rd time.
Main Bouts (PPV):
Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva (28-4) [-500] vs. Yushin Okami 2 (26-5) [+400] [Rematch] It has taken the UFC five years to rightfully give "Thunder" his title shot. After all this time, they put the bout in Brazil where the "Spider's" popularity just exploded after he routed the countries hero Vitor Belfort, and is now looking to establish himself as the best fighter in the world. The press is on in Brazil as Anderson Silva with Burger King and Bud Light commercials are everywhere. You cannot discount how much pride the Brazilian fighters feel fighting at home as the UFC returns for the 1st time since 1998! Okami has been training with the infamous Chael Sonnen who did quite well with a similar style as Yushin. "Thunder" loves the G&P but his stand up will not be on par with Chael who tagged Silva more than anyone thought possible. Yushin is tough as they come but lacks the offense to threaten Anderson while the "Spider" picks him apart from distance. A stoppage is not a guarantee here but the victory (most likely) is. The 1st bout has zero relevance this time around save that the "Spider" takes his past losses very seriously and wants vengeance.
WINNER-Anderson Silva by Rd.4 Submission
Mauricio Rua (19-5) [-240] vs. Forrest Griffin 2 (18-6) [+200] [Rematch] I like "Shogun" here for many reasons. First, people remember that Forrest won the 1st meeting. What they forget, is Griffin was getting his ass handed to him by a guy on injured knees and who had not trained because of a recent marriage until he simply ran out of breath. For this camp, OG great Rafael Corderio returned to his protege who made it through injury free and looks to be in great shape. Forrest has told everyone that at this point MMA is a job and he's in it for the money. Not great motivation especially when facing a guy you already beat. Rua is just a better fighter and Forrest is just an average guy who did above average things in the past. Notice the key word, past. Griffin stopped evolving as a fighter long ago and I fully expect that to show here. Hopefully Forrest runs crying from the Octagon for the 3rd time.
WINNER-Mauricio Rua by Rd.3 TKO
Brendan Schaub (8-1) [-250] vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (32-6-1) [+210] I don't particularly like the "Hybrid" and believe he is "building" his reputation on fading fighters but, "Big Nog" has obviously been deteriorating and facing a younger, stronger, faster opponent will not help. "Minotauro" has been shelved for a year and six months with hip surgery and recovering from the shellacking given by now Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez. Ring rust and the whispers that Nogueira returned too quickly from surgery to fight in the homeland doesn't bestow confidence. "Big Nog" also says he is 35 years old which is most likely a lie but in fight years he's still 84. Brendan will most likely win on points but hopefully the former Pride & UFC Heavyweight Champion can give a memorable effort.
Ross Pearson (12-4) [+260] vs. Edson Barboza Jr. (8-0) [-320] I don't like this bout for the "Real Deal" of whom I'm a big fan. Ross showed he was very hittable lately against average strikers where as now he is facing a little known super-striker looking to disrupt the Lightweight picture. Edson is ridiculously fast and will tear Pearson up on the feet as the "Real Deal" finds himself unable to get a takedown for respite. Barboza makes a statement in the homeland opening peoples eyes and closing Pearson's.
Luis Cane (11-3) [-220] vs. Stanislav Nedkov (11-0) [+180] There was a lot of hype on Nedkov coming over but its just that. Hype. Stanislav is far too small for Light Heavyweight and is about to be introduced to a level of striking he is not aware of. "Banha" is an elite dude but people have forgotten after he lost to Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (no shame there) and then got upset by Cyrille Diabate. Cane got back on track last time out and is going to steamroll Stanislav sending him to Middleweight where he belongs.
Rousimar Palhares (12-3) [-290] vs. Dan Miller (13-5) [+245] I'll be interested to see what game plane Dan comes in with because I don't see him doing much. If ever there was a guy that could literally take a limb home like a Grizzly bear versus Timothy Treadwill, it would be "Toquinho." I know everyone and their dog likes Dan, but I find him to be one dimensional at best.
Raphael Assuncao (16-4) [-165] vs. Johnny Eduardo (25-8) [+145] Though both are Brazilian, Johnny will be the hometown boy as Assuncao is considered "Americanized." I find the Ninja Turtle to be a more complete fighter but there is no denying "Johnny Wad's" athleticism. A coin flip match.
Erick Silva (12-1) [-280] vs. Luis Ramos (19-6) [+240] Erick cannot spell his name but is a beloved protege of Anderson Silva and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira which is high praise indeed. I gots yet another Silva all day here and am interested to see how this blue chipper develops.
Yuri Alcantara (24-3) [-460] vs. Felipe Arantes (13-4) [+365] It should be noted that Yuri got hit by a truck in Brazil this week but he's still fighting. That's a true story. It should also be noted that Felipe wore an "I'm a douche bag" hat to the weigh-ins.
Yves Jabouin (15-7) [+175] vs. Ian Loveland (14-8) [-210] I'll take the "Barn Owl" for the block.
Brendan Schaub (8-1) [-250] vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (32-6-1) [+210] I don't particularly like the "Hybrid" and believe he is "building" his reputation on fading fighters but, "Big Nog" has obviously been deteriorating and facing a younger, stronger, faster opponent will not help. "Minotauro" has been shelved for a year and six months with hip surgery and recovering from the shellacking given by now Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez. Ring rust and the whispers that Nogueira returned too quickly from surgery to fight in the homeland doesn't bestow confidence. "Big Nog" also says he is 35 years old which is most likely a lie but in fight years he's still 84. Brendan will most likely win on points but hopefully the former Pride & UFC Heavyweight Champion can give a memorable effort.
It is quite laughable that Brendan believes that if he wins this bout he should face the winner of Velasquez/dos Santos. He's taking the proper steps, but lets not get ahead of ourselves before the elite of the Heavyweight division comes calling. The best Schaub has faced to date was Roy Nelson who rendered him unconscious in 1 round.
WINNER-Brendan Schaub by Rd.2 TKO
* "Big Nog" is the most beloved fighter in all of Brazil (Wand is #2). The appreciative crowd exploded for his entrance at the weigh-ins and vehemently boo'd the "Hybrid" and chanted "You're gonna die! You're gonna die!" which I found hilarious.
Ross Pearson (12-4) [+260] vs. Edson Barboza Jr. (8-0) [-320] I don't like this bout for the "Real Deal" of whom I'm a big fan. Ross showed he was very hittable lately against average strikers where as now he is facing a little known super-striker looking to disrupt the Lightweight picture. Edson is ridiculously fast and will tear Pearson up on the feet as the "Real Deal" finds himself unable to get a takedown for respite. Barboza makes a statement in the homeland opening peoples eyes and closing Pearson's.
WINNER-Edson Barboza Jr. by Rd.3 TKO
Luis Cane (11-3) [-220] vs. Stanislav Nedkov (11-0) [+180] There was a lot of hype on Nedkov coming over but its just that. Hype. Stanislav is far too small for Light Heavyweight and is about to be introduced to a level of striking he is not aware of. "Banha" is an elite dude but people have forgotten after he lost to Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (no shame there) and then got upset by Cyrille Diabate. Cane got back on track last time out and is going to steamroll Stanislav sending him to Middleweight where he belongs.
WINNER-Luis Cane by Rd.1 KO
* There are no guarantees in gambling but this one is very close.
Prelims (Spike TV):
Thiago Tavares (15-4-1) [-225] vs. Spencer Fisher (24-7) [+185] I am a proud "King" supporter but I have seen the skills sliding as age catches the Ric Flair fanatic. That being said, nobody knows how to lose fights they are winning more than Thiago. He has snatched defeat from the jaws of victory more than I care to count. He should still win and especially at home against a shop worn fighter.
Prelims (Spike TV):
Thiago Tavares (15-4-1) [-225] vs. Spencer Fisher (24-7) [+185] I am a proud "King" supporter but I have seen the skills sliding as age catches the Ric Flair fanatic. That being said, nobody knows how to lose fights they are winning more than Thiago. He has snatched defeat from the jaws of victory more than I care to count. He should still win and especially at home against a shop worn fighter.
WINNER-Thiago Tavares by Decision
Rousimar Palhares (12-3) [-290] vs. Dan Miller (13-5) [+245] I'll be interested to see what game plane Dan comes in with because I don't see him doing much. If ever there was a guy that could literally take a limb home like a Grizzly bear versus Timothy Treadwill, it would be "Toquinho." I know everyone and their dog likes Dan, but I find him to be one dimensional at best.
WINNER-Rousimar Palhares by Rd.1 Submission
Prelims:
Paulo Thiago (13-3) [-400] vs. David Mitchell (11-1) [+325] If I made a "lock of the night," this would be it. Mitchell doesn't belong and Zuffa knows this. They are sacrificing David to rebuild the Brazilian Special Forces Officer and it will work.
Prelims:
Paulo Thiago (13-3) [-400] vs. David Mitchell (11-1) [+325] If I made a "lock of the night," this would be it. Mitchell doesn't belong and Zuffa knows this. They are sacrificing David to rebuild the Brazilian Special Forces Officer and it will work.
WINNER-Paulo Thiago by Rd.2 Submission
* Betcha money here!$!
Raphael Assuncao (16-4) [-165] vs. Johnny Eduardo (25-8) [+145] Though both are Brazilian, Johnny will be the hometown boy as Assuncao is considered "Americanized." I find the Ninja Turtle to be a more complete fighter but there is no denying "Johnny Wad's" athleticism. A coin flip match.
WINNER-Raphael Assuncao by Decision
* This is a close fight and not worth the betting risk.
Erick Silva (12-1) [-280] vs. Luis Ramos (19-6) [+240] Erick cannot spell his name but is a beloved protege of Anderson Silva and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira which is high praise indeed. I gots yet another Silva all day here and am interested to see how this blue chipper develops.
WINNER-Erick Silva by Decision
Yuri Alcantara (24-3) [-460] vs. Felipe Arantes (13-4) [+365] It should be noted that Yuri got hit by a truck in Brazil this week but he's still fighting. That's a true story. It should also be noted that Felipe wore an "I'm a douche bag" hat to the weigh-ins.
Upset Pick WINNER-Felipe Arantes?
Yves Jabouin (15-7) [+175] vs. Ian Loveland (14-8) [-210] I'll take the "Barn Owl" for the block.
WINNER-Ian Loveland by Decision
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