UFC 148: Silva vs. Sonnen II
July 7, 2012
MGM Grand Garden Arena
Las Vegas, Nevada
July 7, 2012
MGM Grand Garden Arena
Las Vegas, Nevada
Main Bouts (PPV):
Anderson Silva (31-4) vs. Chael Sonnen (27-11-1) 2 [Rematch] The biggest MMA bout of 2012 is here. The unbeatable Champion who seemed so human in the 1st meeting, getting beatdown for 23 minutes as the loud mouthed American got oh so close to toppling the “G.O.A.T.” The fight is 25 minutes though, and a deftly swift triangle along with razor sharp elbows bested Chael who tapped out moments before glory. The injured “Spider” healed his wounds while the American wrestler took his trash talk to new heights insulting Silva, Silva’s family, Silva’s fight team Black House, and the entire country of Brazil. The Sonnen hype train picked up steam while the “Spider” sat back and listened quietly until the rematch date. Now Silva almost spilling over with rage has lashed out like never before, even threatening his opponent at the press conference face off telling Sonnen, “You’re going to die.” in close quarters.
Now, Anderson’s flowing effortless stand up and in reserve Jiu-Jitsu meet Sonnen’s improved striking, solid wrestling, and TRT infused body, and undeserved confidence. The best Chael Sonnen ever, who surprised and beat up an injured Silva, still wasn't good enough to defeat the master. Now, after all the shit talk and insults do you really believe Sonnen can survive their 2nd meeting? The best Sonnen against a 70% "Spider" could not win. Now a focused like never before Anderson, who feels insulted to his very being in every way, is about to unleash hell and retribution. I also believe Sonnen knows he cannot beat Silva and has been talking up this cash payment knowing the career is about to end. Silva is simply at another level and will prove it with extreme prejudice Saturday night. Then look into Chael's eyes and know he realizes it too.
WINNER-Anderson Silva Rd.3 TKO
Forrest Griffin (18-7) vs. Tito Ortiz (16-10) 3 [Rubber Match] The unimpressive and generally uneventful trilogy of the also rans is finally here. Both men tasted UFC gold but then their respective careers began the long downward spiral. Now a shell of a former “HBBB” looks just to enter a bout with name recognition that he can retire to. Griffin looks for an easy “name” win to mask his limited ability. Well just like before, these guys will trade ugly punches but the fight is decided on the mat. Despite Tito’s always over inflated wrestling prowess, Griffin will be the one doing more damage from top employing Ortiz own game against him to end his 15 year run in the UFC. I dislike the guy intently and have found him to be a fraud for quite some time, but that is a long run and the guy has the distinction of only having fought for the UFC in his career. Interesting notes aside, Tito quite being relevant a long time ago and has done nothing short of quitting in has last two bouts and has gone 1-6-1 since the Ken Shamrock charades. That is 6 years of futility. Forrest has gone 1-1 since meeting Ortiz narrowly beating Rich Franklin and getting KO’d in the Mauricio Rua rematch. Griffin doesn’t want to fight anymore but he’ll actually get up for this fight. In so doing, Tito doesn’t have a chance in hell. Ortiz will give all he has for the 1st minute of the fight and then Griffin will put Tito and the crowd to sleep in long tedious affair in which Griffin grinds the former fighter into oblivion.
WINNER-Forrest Griffin by Decision
Cung Le (7-2) vs. Patrick Cote (17-7) The “Predator” gets the call up after rebuilding himself for two years in Canada to face the San Shou legend who is still looking for his 1st UFC win as his career fades into the movies at the age of 40. Le can kick but against a solid MMA veteran with KO skills, he’s in trouble. Cung has been hurt in many of his fights (not to mention being destroyed by Wanderlei Silva last out) and Cote has serious, brutal power. Cote also has a solid chin not that Le’s fists will test it instead throwing keep away kicks before getting hurt and taken down for a reality check in today’s MMA. Punishment ensues as a much more hungry and focused fighter gets the victory.
WINNER-Patrick Cote by Rd.2 TKO
Dong Hyun Kim (6-1-1) vs. Demian Maia (15-4) The “Mat Magician” makes his 170 lb. debut against the “Donger” who has only truly lost to Interim Welterweight Champion Carlos Condit. The “Stun Gun” can scramble with Maia but will most likely avoid it all together keeping the striking limited Maia away with length and speed. Demian never quite put it all together yet and now he’s rebuilding at a new weight against an ever improving “Stun Gun.” “Donger” is growing while Maia is regressing as Kim catches Demian on the way down as he is on the way up.
Upset Pick WINNER-Dong Hyun Kim by Decision
Chad Mendes (11-1) vs. Cody McKenzie (13-2) If I were a betting man, I’d put about everything on this bout and on the “Money.” Cody is a tough dude but he has but one weapon. Its a great weapon and one he destroys with, but one weapon none the less. Mendes is a well rounded top tier fighter who can do it all. Chad is strong, durable, and an athlete. McKenzie is tough but nothing else in a junior high kid’s body. This has disaster written all over it as the Team Alpha Male fighter annihilates Cody in the most lopsided bout of the evening.
WINNER-Chad Mendes by Rd.1 TKO
Ivan Menjivar (24-8) vs. Mike Easton (12-1) 2-0 for Easton who took two years off from the sport, meeting the “Pride of El Salvador” who is looking to make a run at the crown. The “Mini Hulk” has a 6 inch reach advantage for his power striking but Ivan can scramble better than almost anybody employing his uber-well rounded attack. If, IF, Ivan can avoid the power, he will out smart Mike keeping him guessing all the way to a judges loss in a very close fight.
Upset Pick WINNER-Ivan Menjivar by Split-Decision
Anderson Silva (31-4) vs. Chael Sonnen (27-11-1) 2 [Rematch] The biggest MMA bout of 2012 is here. The unbeatable Champion who seemed so human in the 1st meeting, getting beatdown for 23 minutes as the loud mouthed American got oh so close to toppling the “G.O.A.T.” The fight is 25 minutes though, and a deftly swift triangle along with razor sharp elbows bested Chael who tapped out moments before glory. The injured “Spider” healed his wounds while the American wrestler took his trash talk to new heights insulting Silva, Silva’s family, Silva’s fight team Black House, and the entire country of Brazil. The Sonnen hype train picked up steam while the “Spider” sat back and listened quietly until the rematch date. Now Silva almost spilling over with rage has lashed out like never before, even threatening his opponent at the press conference face off telling Sonnen, “You’re going to die.” in close quarters.
Now, Anderson’s flowing effortless stand up and in reserve Jiu-Jitsu meet Sonnen’s improved striking, solid wrestling, and TRT infused body, and undeserved confidence. The best Chael Sonnen ever, who surprised and beat up an injured Silva, still wasn't good enough to defeat the master. Now, after all the shit talk and insults do you really believe Sonnen can survive their 2nd meeting? The best Sonnen against a 70% "Spider" could not win. Now a focused like never before Anderson, who feels insulted to his very being in every way, is about to unleash hell and retribution. I also believe Sonnen knows he cannot beat Silva and has been talking up this cash payment knowing the career is about to end. Silva is simply at another level and will prove it with extreme prejudice Saturday night. Then look into Chael's eyes and know he realizes it too.
WINNER-Anderson Silva Rd.3 TKO
Forrest Griffin (18-7) vs. Tito Ortiz (16-10) 3 [Rubber Match] The unimpressive and generally uneventful trilogy of the also rans is finally here. Both men tasted UFC gold but then their respective careers began the long downward spiral. Now a shell of a former “HBBB” looks just to enter a bout with name recognition that he can retire to. Griffin looks for an easy “name” win to mask his limited ability. Well just like before, these guys will trade ugly punches but the fight is decided on the mat. Despite Tito’s always over inflated wrestling prowess, Griffin will be the one doing more damage from top employing Ortiz own game against him to end his 15 year run in the UFC. I dislike the guy intently and have found him to be a fraud for quite some time, but that is a long run and the guy has the distinction of only having fought for the UFC in his career. Interesting notes aside, Tito quite being relevant a long time ago and has done nothing short of quitting in has last two bouts and has gone 1-6-1 since the Ken Shamrock charades. That is 6 years of futility. Forrest has gone 1-1 since meeting Ortiz narrowly beating Rich Franklin and getting KO’d in the Mauricio Rua rematch. Griffin doesn’t want to fight anymore but he’ll actually get up for this fight. In so doing, Tito doesn’t have a chance in hell. Ortiz will give all he has for the 1st minute of the fight and then Griffin will put Tito and the crowd to sleep in long tedious affair in which Griffin grinds the former fighter into oblivion.
WINNER-Forrest Griffin by Decision
Cung Le (7-2) vs. Patrick Cote (17-7) The “Predator” gets the call up after rebuilding himself for two years in Canada to face the San Shou legend who is still looking for his 1st UFC win as his career fades into the movies at the age of 40. Le can kick but against a solid MMA veteran with KO skills, he’s in trouble. Cung has been hurt in many of his fights (not to mention being destroyed by Wanderlei Silva last out) and Cote has serious, brutal power. Cote also has a solid chin not that Le’s fists will test it instead throwing keep away kicks before getting hurt and taken down for a reality check in today’s MMA. Punishment ensues as a much more hungry and focused fighter gets the victory.
WINNER-Patrick Cote by Rd.2 TKO
Dong Hyun Kim (6-1-1) vs. Demian Maia (15-4) The “Mat Magician” makes his 170 lb. debut against the “Donger” who has only truly lost to Interim Welterweight Champion Carlos Condit. The “Stun Gun” can scramble with Maia but will most likely avoid it all together keeping the striking limited Maia away with length and speed. Demian never quite put it all together yet and now he’s rebuilding at a new weight against an ever improving “Stun Gun.” “Donger” is growing while Maia is regressing as Kim catches Demian on the way down as he is on the way up.
Upset Pick WINNER-Dong Hyun Kim by Decision
Chad Mendes (11-1) vs. Cody McKenzie (13-2) If I were a betting man, I’d put about everything on this bout and on the “Money.” Cody is a tough dude but he has but one weapon. Its a great weapon and one he destroys with, but one weapon none the less. Mendes is a well rounded top tier fighter who can do it all. Chad is strong, durable, and an athlete. McKenzie is tough but nothing else in a junior high kid’s body. This has disaster written all over it as the Team Alpha Male fighter annihilates Cody in the most lopsided bout of the evening.
WINNER-Chad Mendes by Rd.1 TKO
Ivan Menjivar (24-8) vs. Mike Easton (12-1) 2-0 for Easton who took two years off from the sport, meeting the “Pride of El Salvador” who is looking to make a run at the crown. The “Mini Hulk” has a 6 inch reach advantage for his power striking but Ivan can scramble better than almost anybody employing his uber-well rounded attack. If, IF, Ivan can avoid the power, he will out smart Mike keeping him guessing all the way to a judges loss in a very close fight.
Upset Pick WINNER-Ivan Menjivar by Split-Decision
Prelims (FX):
Gleison Tibau (25-7) vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov (17-0) One of the largest 155ers in Tibau meets the 155er with the longest name. The undefeated Nurmagomdevodovemnobengomdedov impressed me with how he handled Kamal Shalorus in his UFC debut. Tibau is always going to be a solid test for anyone but the glass ceiling will also always keep him down if ever he nears the top contenders. The “Eagle” has been impressive but he is at another level here. Khabib will find frustration under the power and skill of Gleison in what may not be exciting for fans, but equals a chess match for educated MMA aficionado. Rumors swirl that Tibau has come into this match overconfident and out of shape! If true, anything can happen but check the weigh-ins and go with your gut.
WINNER-Gleison Tibau by Decision
Melvin Guillard (29-10-2) vs. Fabricio Camoes (14-6-1) “Mistaken” Melvin needed but one win yet again to reach for the Lightweight title, and let it slip away, again, after Joe Lauzon knocked him silly and tapped him out. Then Guillard met the buzzsaw that is Jim Miller who promptly tapped him out again in the very 1st round shattering Melvin’s title hopes, possibly for good. Now the not so young “Assassin” meets his achilles heel once more. “Morango” is a Jiu-Jitsu machine who is looking to trip up the accident making professional Guillard into another embarrassing loss. It won’t happen as the Blackzilian stays patient and careful, awaiting the opportunity to strike and when he does, Camoes night is over in emphatic fashion.
WINNER-Melvin Guillard by Rd.2 TKO
Costa Philippou (10-2) vs. Riki Fukuda (18-5) “Polis” lost his UFC debut but has since won 3 in a row in Upset fashion. Fukuda has gone 1-1 in Zuffa but I can’t say he has impressed in any fashion to lower level competition. The Serra-Longo product will punish and out brawl Riki flirting with a TKO but ending with his hand raised on points.
WINNER-Costa Philippou by Decision
John Alessio (34-15) vs. Shane Roller (10-6) Alessio gets another 2nd shot after coming in on short notice to give a spirited loss but great bout with the durable Mark Bocek. Roller has lost 3 in a row to decent talent and though he does have finishing power with the fists, he is just as inconsistent as they come in every other facet of the game. The “Natural” looked good last out, more mature and focused but the ground game hinders Alessio which is Roller’s game. If John learned how to stay up from Bocek he can take this bout. If grounded, the L&P favors Roller.
Upset Pick WINNER-John Alessio by Decision
Gleison Tibau (25-7) vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov (17-0) One of the largest 155ers in Tibau meets the 155er with the longest name. The undefeated Nurmagomdevodovemnobengomdedov impressed me with how he handled Kamal Shalorus in his UFC debut. Tibau is always going to be a solid test for anyone but the glass ceiling will also always keep him down if ever he nears the top contenders. The “Eagle” has been impressive but he is at another level here. Khabib will find frustration under the power and skill of Gleison in what may not be exciting for fans, but equals a chess match for educated MMA aficionado. Rumors swirl that Tibau has come into this match overconfident and out of shape! If true, anything can happen but check the weigh-ins and go with your gut.
WINNER-Gleison Tibau by Decision
Melvin Guillard (29-10-2) vs. Fabricio Camoes (14-6-1) “Mistaken” Melvin needed but one win yet again to reach for the Lightweight title, and let it slip away, again, after Joe Lauzon knocked him silly and tapped him out. Then Guillard met the buzzsaw that is Jim Miller who promptly tapped him out again in the very 1st round shattering Melvin’s title hopes, possibly for good. Now the not so young “Assassin” meets his achilles heel once more. “Morango” is a Jiu-Jitsu machine who is looking to trip up the accident making professional Guillard into another embarrassing loss. It won’t happen as the Blackzilian stays patient and careful, awaiting the opportunity to strike and when he does, Camoes night is over in emphatic fashion.
WINNER-Melvin Guillard by Rd.2 TKO
Costa Philippou (10-2) vs. Riki Fukuda (18-5) “Polis” lost his UFC debut but has since won 3 in a row in Upset fashion. Fukuda has gone 1-1 in Zuffa but I can’t say he has impressed in any fashion to lower level competition. The Serra-Longo product will punish and out brawl Riki flirting with a TKO but ending with his hand raised on points.
WINNER-Costa Philippou by Decision
John Alessio (34-15) vs. Shane Roller (10-6) Alessio gets another 2nd shot after coming in on short notice to give a spirited loss but great bout with the durable Mark Bocek. Roller has lost 3 in a row to decent talent and though he does have finishing power with the fists, he is just as inconsistent as they come in every other facet of the game. The “Natural” looked good last out, more mature and focused but the ground game hinders Alessio which is Roller’s game. If John learned how to stay up from Bocek he can take this bout. If grounded, the L&P favors Roller.
Upset Pick WINNER-John Alessio by Decision
Prelim (Facebook):
Rafaello Oliveira (14-5) vs. Yoislandy Izquierdo (6-1) The “Tractor” has lost two in a row to top tier UFC talent while “Cuba” is still getting his feet wet at the real dance. Wrestler vs Striker here but also experience on Oliveira’s side as he out grapples and makes the fight dirty to wear down his opponent and get the judges favor.
Upset Pick WINNER-Rafaello Oliveira by Decision
Rafaello Oliveira (14-5) vs. Yoislandy Izquierdo (6-1) The “Tractor” has lost two in a row to top tier UFC talent while “Cuba” is still getting his feet wet at the real dance. Wrestler vs Striker here but also experience on Oliveira’s side as he out grapples and makes the fight dirty to wear down his opponent and get the judges favor.
Upset Pick WINNER-Rafaello Oliveira by Decision
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