UFC 126: Silva vs. Belfort
Saturday, February 6th at 7 p.m on PPV
Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Main Card:
Anderson Silva vs. Vitor Belfort (Middleweight Title Bout)
Mike Bohn: I have reasons for wanting both fighters to win this fight. On one hand I want Vitor to win because he is one badass mofo, on the other I want Anderson to win so I can see him get dismantled by GSP. Regardless this fight is going to be epic. I hope Vitor’s hand speed can make the difference and he can score a knockout but ultimately, I think Silva has more ways to win. Anderson Silva via Submission R3
Erik Jackson: It will be interesting to see which Anderson shows up for this one. Some people are saying Anderson is on his way down while others are saying Vitor is scared of Anderson. The longer the fight goes on, the worse it is for Vitor. Anderson Silva via TKO R3
Travis Crowe: I had a dream the other night that Vitor KO’d Silva in the first round. I guess we will find out if dreams come true. The Phenom via KO R1
Jon Gerow: The only way I see Vitor winning this fight is by perfect game planning. Since Vitor moved his training camp to extreme couture I expect he is working hard on his ground n pound skills ala Chael Sonnen. Although Vitor is a very dangerous striker specifically in the 1st round, he cannot afford to stand with Anderson for 5 rounds, and if he does I see him getting TKO’d in the 3rd. If Vitor is smart he will take this one to the ground after the first, and with his blackbelt in BJJ and underrated wrestling he will finish what Chael Sonnen couldn’t. Vitor Belfort via Unanimous Decision
Paul Curtis: The one thing I find funny about this fight, is how people are saying this is the first elite striker that Anderson has faced. While it may or may not be true, the same can definitely be said for Vitor, since really he has never beaten any notable strikers either. I see Andersons striking being more diverse, using every part of his body so effectively in his striking game. However, it wouldn't surprise me at all if Vitor tried to take Anderson down also, but IMO before that happens, it will already be over. While I do like both fighters, I gotta go with my homie. Anderson Silva via TKO R1.
Patrick Weafer: Vitor is arguably the fastest and most proficient striker that Anderson has ever faced which may give the longtime champion problems early in the fight. Silva was hit more times during the Sonnen fight than he had been in his previous UFC fights combined, and if this trend continues we may have a new champion by the end of the night. I hope Silva can pull this off because I want to see GSP vs Silva before either of them loses their aura of invincibility. Anderson Silva via TKO R3.
Forrest Griffin vs. Rich Franklin (Light Heavyweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Brock Lesnar predicted this fight to be a draw. While it will be a close fight, I think Franklin will find a way to get it done and take 2 of 3 round along with the decision victory. Rich Franklin via Unanimous Decision.
Erik Jackson: These two are very similar fighters. It will be interesting to see what the long layoff does to forrest. Either way we know this will be entertaining and in the end I’ll have to go with my ufc 115 homie. Rich Franklin via Split Decision.
Travis Crowe: I don’t even know how to call this one. Both men have very similar styles, and have the heart and will of a lion. A win here could put them very close to a title shot – perhaps Griffin vs. Rampage 2 to take on homie Shogun?? Interesting to say the least! These 2 are easily in my group of favourite fighters with one topping the list. We all know this is going to be a stand up shit show of a fight, just hope my dawg Forrest pulls through. Forrest Griffin via Split Decision
Jon Gerow: Rich is a 115 homie and has proven knockout power, while Forrest is soft as fuck and has pillow hands. WAR! Rich Franklin via Unanimous Decision
Paul Curtis: Both obviously well rounded fighters, who can compete anywhere the fight goes. I see Franklins striking being better, and with more power, which will be the key difference in this fight. FOTN candidate no doubt. Rich Franklin via Unanimous Decision.
Patrick Weafer: This will be Forrest Griffins sixth fight in a row against a former UFC champion. It will be Rich Franklin’s 5th in a row against former UFC or Pride champions. This one is a toss-up in my mind and would be happy with either one walking away with the win. Forrest Griffin via Unanimous Decision.
Jon Jones vs. Ryan Bader (Light Heavyweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: I’ve bought into the “Bones” Jones hype, I think he takes Bader out rather quickly. Jon Jones via TKO R1
Erik Jackson: I cant believe this fight is actually only a couple days away. I’m going to hate watching Ryan Bader lose but it was bound to happen eventually. It will be a closer fight then people expect but look for bones to utilize his reach and control where the fight goes. Jon Jones via Unanimous Decision.
Travis Crowe: Nothing against Bader but, I hope my homie Bones cautiously utilizes the jab before throwing some bows in a little dirty boxing and eventually connects with a devastating right hook that sends Darth out of the top 10. Jon Jones via KO R2
Jon Gerow: It’s going to be very difficult for Bader to stop the Jonny “bones” Jones train. Bader needs to land a phantom punch that either stops Jones or one that will hurt him enough for him to not recover in 3 rounds. Although I am pulling for Bader to pull the upset, I find it stupid to go choose against Jones in this fight, or any fight in that matter (minus Mauricio!). Jon Jones via Unanimous Decision
Paul Curtis: Both fighters could very well be the future of the LHW division. Dominating it in the very near future. The key to this fight will be who can win the wrestling battle. We have never really seen Jon Jones on his back, or seen how well he can take a shot. I think whoever lands the first takedown will control the rest of the fight. I believe Bader will be successful in his wrestling game, and control Jones for 3 rounds. Ryan Bader via Unanimous Decision.
Patrick Weafer: Jon Jones has continued to impress during his time in the Octagon, shortening his fighting time in each of his finish victories. His actions have perpetuated the Bones Jones hype train to new heights and until he tastes legitimate defeat it will be full steam ahead. Jon Jones via (T)KO R2
Miguel Torres vs. Antonio Banuelos (Featherweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Happy to see Miguel finally make debut in the octagon, he drew a tought test in Banuelos. Torres is a slow starter but he will pick up steam and put this away in the second round. Miguel Torres via Submission R2
Erik Jackson: Everyone is saying Miguel should have no problem in this fight. I agree. Miguel Torres via TKO R2
Travis Crowe: This should be an interesting fight. I don’t think Banuelos will test his luck on the ground considering Torres superior BJJ, instead I think this will be a stand up battle in which I hope Miguel can utilize vicious kicks and knees and end this fight early. Miguel Torres via TKO R2
Jon Gerow: Banuelos is a game opponent, but IMO he will get outclassed in every area by Miguel. Miguel Torres via Unanimous Decision
Paul Curtis: Torres is on the climb back to the top, and his striking will be the deciding factor in the fight. Miguel Torres via TKO R1.
Patrick Weafer: Torres should have this fight; he is extremely talented and is now in a position to reach his full potential while training with Zahabi and GSP in Montreal. Miguel Torres via Submission R2.
Jake Ellenberger vs. Carlos Eduardo Rocha (Welterweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Ellenberger only really needs to worry about the ground game in this one, and even there he might have the advantage if he can take top control. I expect Rocha to stick around and make it a scrap but Ellenberger will win and move on to bigger and better things. Jake Ellenberger via TKO R3
Erik Jackson: Carlos looked good in his debut winning via Kneebar vs Kris McCray but I believe in this one he might be a bit over matched against Jake Ellenberger. Look for Jake to continue on his winning ways. Jake Ellenberger via TKO R3
Travis Crowe: Well this seems like the perfect fight for Ellenberger, baring Rocha doesn’t have some incredible takedown that leads to an unprecedented submission. Hopefully this fight reveals either the complete fighter that Rocha needs to become or that Ellenberger is a top 10 welterweight. Jake Ellenberger via TKO R2
Saturday, February 6th at 7 p.m on PPV
Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Main Card:
Anderson Silva vs. Vitor Belfort (Middleweight Title Bout)
Mike Bohn: I have reasons for wanting both fighters to win this fight. On one hand I want Vitor to win because he is one badass mofo, on the other I want Anderson to win so I can see him get dismantled by GSP. Regardless this fight is going to be epic. I hope Vitor’s hand speed can make the difference and he can score a knockout but ultimately, I think Silva has more ways to win. Anderson Silva via Submission R3
Erik Jackson: It will be interesting to see which Anderson shows up for this one. Some people are saying Anderson is on his way down while others are saying Vitor is scared of Anderson. The longer the fight goes on, the worse it is for Vitor. Anderson Silva via TKO R3
Travis Crowe: I had a dream the other night that Vitor KO’d Silva in the first round. I guess we will find out if dreams come true. The Phenom via KO R1
Jon Gerow: The only way I see Vitor winning this fight is by perfect game planning. Since Vitor moved his training camp to extreme couture I expect he is working hard on his ground n pound skills ala Chael Sonnen. Although Vitor is a very dangerous striker specifically in the 1st round, he cannot afford to stand with Anderson for 5 rounds, and if he does I see him getting TKO’d in the 3rd. If Vitor is smart he will take this one to the ground after the first, and with his blackbelt in BJJ and underrated wrestling he will finish what Chael Sonnen couldn’t. Vitor Belfort via Unanimous Decision
Paul Curtis: The one thing I find funny about this fight, is how people are saying this is the first elite striker that Anderson has faced. While it may or may not be true, the same can definitely be said for Vitor, since really he has never beaten any notable strikers either. I see Andersons striking being more diverse, using every part of his body so effectively in his striking game. However, it wouldn't surprise me at all if Vitor tried to take Anderson down also, but IMO before that happens, it will already be over. While I do like both fighters, I gotta go with my homie. Anderson Silva via TKO R1.
Patrick Weafer: Vitor is arguably the fastest and most proficient striker that Anderson has ever faced which may give the longtime champion problems early in the fight. Silva was hit more times during the Sonnen fight than he had been in his previous UFC fights combined, and if this trend continues we may have a new champion by the end of the night. I hope Silva can pull this off because I want to see GSP vs Silva before either of them loses their aura of invincibility. Anderson Silva via TKO R3.
Forrest Griffin vs. Rich Franklin (Light Heavyweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Brock Lesnar predicted this fight to be a draw. While it will be a close fight, I think Franklin will find a way to get it done and take 2 of 3 round along with the decision victory. Rich Franklin via Unanimous Decision.
Erik Jackson: These two are very similar fighters. It will be interesting to see what the long layoff does to forrest. Either way we know this will be entertaining and in the end I’ll have to go with my ufc 115 homie. Rich Franklin via Split Decision.
Travis Crowe: I don’t even know how to call this one. Both men have very similar styles, and have the heart and will of a lion. A win here could put them very close to a title shot – perhaps Griffin vs. Rampage 2 to take on homie Shogun?? Interesting to say the least! These 2 are easily in my group of favourite fighters with one topping the list. We all know this is going to be a stand up shit show of a fight, just hope my dawg Forrest pulls through. Forrest Griffin via Split Decision
Jon Gerow: Rich is a 115 homie and has proven knockout power, while Forrest is soft as fuck and has pillow hands. WAR! Rich Franklin via Unanimous Decision
Paul Curtis: Both obviously well rounded fighters, who can compete anywhere the fight goes. I see Franklins striking being better, and with more power, which will be the key difference in this fight. FOTN candidate no doubt. Rich Franklin via Unanimous Decision.
Patrick Weafer: This will be Forrest Griffins sixth fight in a row against a former UFC champion. It will be Rich Franklin’s 5th in a row against former UFC or Pride champions. This one is a toss-up in my mind and would be happy with either one walking away with the win. Forrest Griffin via Unanimous Decision.
Jon Jones vs. Ryan Bader (Light Heavyweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: I’ve bought into the “Bones” Jones hype, I think he takes Bader out rather quickly. Jon Jones via TKO R1
Erik Jackson: I cant believe this fight is actually only a couple days away. I’m going to hate watching Ryan Bader lose but it was bound to happen eventually. It will be a closer fight then people expect but look for bones to utilize his reach and control where the fight goes. Jon Jones via Unanimous Decision.
Travis Crowe: Nothing against Bader but, I hope my homie Bones cautiously utilizes the jab before throwing some bows in a little dirty boxing and eventually connects with a devastating right hook that sends Darth out of the top 10. Jon Jones via KO R2
Jon Gerow: It’s going to be very difficult for Bader to stop the Jonny “bones” Jones train. Bader needs to land a phantom punch that either stops Jones or one that will hurt him enough for him to not recover in 3 rounds. Although I am pulling for Bader to pull the upset, I find it stupid to go choose against Jones in this fight, or any fight in that matter (minus Mauricio!). Jon Jones via Unanimous Decision
Paul Curtis: Both fighters could very well be the future of the LHW division. Dominating it in the very near future. The key to this fight will be who can win the wrestling battle. We have never really seen Jon Jones on his back, or seen how well he can take a shot. I think whoever lands the first takedown will control the rest of the fight. I believe Bader will be successful in his wrestling game, and control Jones for 3 rounds. Ryan Bader via Unanimous Decision.
Patrick Weafer: Jon Jones has continued to impress during his time in the Octagon, shortening his fighting time in each of his finish victories. His actions have perpetuated the Bones Jones hype train to new heights and until he tastes legitimate defeat it will be full steam ahead. Jon Jones via (T)KO R2
Miguel Torres vs. Antonio Banuelos (Featherweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Happy to see Miguel finally make debut in the octagon, he drew a tought test in Banuelos. Torres is a slow starter but he will pick up steam and put this away in the second round. Miguel Torres via Submission R2
Erik Jackson: Everyone is saying Miguel should have no problem in this fight. I agree. Miguel Torres via TKO R2
Travis Crowe: This should be an interesting fight. I don’t think Banuelos will test his luck on the ground considering Torres superior BJJ, instead I think this will be a stand up battle in which I hope Miguel can utilize vicious kicks and knees and end this fight early. Miguel Torres via TKO R2
Jon Gerow: Banuelos is a game opponent, but IMO he will get outclassed in every area by Miguel. Miguel Torres via Unanimous Decision
Paul Curtis: Torres is on the climb back to the top, and his striking will be the deciding factor in the fight. Miguel Torres via TKO R1.
Patrick Weafer: Torres should have this fight; he is extremely talented and is now in a position to reach his full potential while training with Zahabi and GSP in Montreal. Miguel Torres via Submission R2.
Jake Ellenberger vs. Carlos Eduardo Rocha (Welterweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Ellenberger only really needs to worry about the ground game in this one, and even there he might have the advantage if he can take top control. I expect Rocha to stick around and make it a scrap but Ellenberger will win and move on to bigger and better things. Jake Ellenberger via TKO R3
Erik Jackson: Carlos looked good in his debut winning via Kneebar vs Kris McCray but I believe in this one he might be a bit over matched against Jake Ellenberger. Look for Jake to continue on his winning ways. Jake Ellenberger via TKO R3
Travis Crowe: Well this seems like the perfect fight for Ellenberger, baring Rocha doesn’t have some incredible takedown that leads to an unprecedented submission. Hopefully this fight reveals either the complete fighter that Rocha needs to become or that Ellenberger is a top 10 welterweight. Jake Ellenberger via TKO R2
Jon Gerow: Always been a big fan of Jake. I don’t really know anything about his opponent, but I do know that Jake has a very winnable style in any fight, and has a good mindset going into this one. Jake Ellenberger via TKO R1
Paul Curtis: Rocha will clearly want to take this fight to the mat as early as possible and submit Ellenberger. I do not think he'll be successful, and we will see Ellenberger use his excellent standup to his advantage. Jake Ellenberger via TKO R2.
Patrick Weafer: This is the fight I’m least excited about on the card, as a BloodyElbow reader commented the ‘black jellybean’ of the night. Barring a submission from the Brazilian, I expect Jake to ride out a UD victory. Jake Ellenberger via Unanimous Decision.
Spike TV Prelims:
Preliminary Bouts (Spike TV):
Chad Mendes vs. Michihiro Omigawa (Featherweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Omigawa seems fired up and confident for his return to the UFC but Mendes will stifle him for 3 rounds. Chad Mendes via Unanimous Decision
Erik Jackson: Chad Mendes via Unanimous Decision.
Travis Crowe: Although I have not personally watched Omigawa’s last few fights in Dream and other organizations I can speculate that his 5 fight win streak isn’t just luck. That being said, Chad Mendes has looked unreal as of late against Cub Swanson and reently Javier Vazquez. I anticipate the undefeated Mendes to control this fight using his wrestling and ultimately win with a decision. Chad Mendes via Unanimous Decision
Jon Gerow: Chad Mendes via (Boring) Unanimous Decision.
Paul Curtis: Chad Mendes via Unanimous Decision
Patrick Weafer: It would be nice to see Omigawa do well here and help advance UFC expansion plans into Asia, but I see the American wrestler controlling Omigawa to a decision. Chad Mendes keeps his undefeated streak alive and wins via UD.
Donald Cerrone vs. Paul Kelly (Lightweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: This should be a great fight, I’m a Cerrone fan and I hope he can impress in his UFC debut. Donald Cerrone via Submission R2
Erik Jackson: The cowboy doesn’t have Jamie Varner to motivate him in this one but I don’t think that will be a problem. Look for him to impress in his UFC debut as he moves towards the title picture. Donald Cerrone via Unanimous Decision
Travis Crowe: Not much to say about this fight. I anticipate Cerrone winning by submission. Donald Cerrone via Submission (RNC) R2
Jon Gerow: Should be a war. Kelly will probably look to take it to the ground after Donald starts blasting him with his vicious Muay Thai. Even if Kelly does succeed in getting it to the mat Donald will prove his submission game once again. Donald Cerrone via TKO R2
Paul Curtis: Donald Cerrone via Submission R2
Patrick Weafer: A solid WEC vs UFC match-up. I’ll take the Jackson fighter winning this one. Donald Cerrone via Submission R2
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