A star studded card is set for Saturday night in Vegas for UFC 126. One current champion and 2 former champs will be in the octagon.
Anderson Silva vs Vitor Belfort – I am seriously torn on this all Brazilian showdown and have gone back and forth all week. Chael Sonnen made Silva look like a mere mortal the last time he got in the cage eventhough Silva survived with an 11th hour submission. From PRIDE to Strikeforce to Affliction Belfort has fought with all the big name “companies”. His resume includes wins over Rich Franklin, Randy Couture and even Wanderlei Silva. But the former pro boxer also has his share of losses going down to Dan Henderson, Chuck Liddell, Allistair Overeem and yes Tito Ortiz. So which Belfort will get in the cage on Saturday. Belfort is riding a 5 fight win streak and hasn’t lost since 2006. Silva on the other hand has been less than impressive despite a 13 fight win streak. (And if not for an illegal kick against Yushin Okami his streak would be even longer). 24 hours ago I was going with Belfort. But Silva has survived bigger and badder opponents. Maybe I just want to see Silva vs GSP later this year to determine the top pound for pound fighter once and for all so I’m taking Silva in a 5 round all out brawl.
Forrest Griffin vs Rich Franklin – Forrest will definetly have some cage rust after sitting out since November of 2009. I almost forget he beat Shogun Rua that year. But after a small slump Franklin has come back bigger and better, He KO’d Liddell in the 1st round and I could see Griffin suffering the same fate. Franklin by 2nd Round TKO.
Jon Jones vs Ryan Bader – This is the fight I’m most excited to see. 2 guys who love to go in and just bang. Jones is 11 and 1 while Bader is 12 and 0. I have a feeling Bader is due for his 1st loss. Jones by unanimous decision.
Jake Ellenberger vs Carlos Eduardo Rocha – Rocha is 9 and 0 and won his only fight in the UFC over Kris McCray. and he’s only been pushed to the 2nd round ONCE. Its a tough one to call but I’m going with the Brazilian Rocha by a 1st round armbar submission.
Donald Cerrone vs Paul Kelly – This is one of two fights that will be free Live on Spike. Cowboy Cerrone is making his UFC debut after the end of the WEC. Paul Kelly is definetly a step up and he’ll win by a unanimous decision.
Chad Mendes vs Michihiro Omigawa – Omigawa is a legend in Japan but Mendes is a 25-year-old up and comer thats yet to be stopped. Mendes by way of KO punches.
Norifumi Yamamoto vs Demetrious Johnson – This is a fight that will be streamed live on facebook. Yamamoto has a win over Bibiano Fernandez but Johnson is 8 and 1 for a reason. Take Johnson in a fight that could go the distance.
Paul Taylor vs Gabe Ruediger – Taylor has lost 3 of his last 4 and another loss will spell the end of his time in the UFC. A desperate fighter can be dangerous and Ruediger’s best days could be in the rear view mirror. Its a toss up – go with Ruediger.
Kyle Kingsbury vs Ricardo Romero – Romero has some sick submissions. Romero by sub.
Mike Pierce vs Kenny Robertson – Never seen nor heard of Robertson but Pierce has won 3 of his 4 fights in the UFC and I’ll take Pierce for that reason.
Enjoy the fights and Good Luck
Russ Hobson
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