Silva vs. Bonnar: Why Every MMA Fan Should Watch UFC 153

Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

It may not be the fight card fans want but UFC 153 could be a lot worse. 

What we thought was going to be Frankie Edgar making his featherweight debut by challenging champion Jose Aldo has turned into what could be another Anderson Silva beat down on a light heavyweight fighter. 

Yes Silva is 2-0 at light heavyweight and he embarrassed both James Irvin and Forrest Griffin in those fights. 

But Stephan Bonnar is different. He has never been knocked out or submitted. When he goes out, he always puts everything on the line. 

While many are banking on a spectacular Silva knockout, the fight is being hyped as if Bonnar has a chance to score what should become the biggest upset in MMA history. 

That alone is not enough to get fans interested in tomorrow's fights, though. 

Here is why MMA fans should be tuned in for UFC 153.

Brazil Cards Always Have Exciting Moments

Whenever the UFC is in Brazil, there is always an exciting moment. 

In the first UFC Brazil event, Vitor Belfort knocked out Wanderlei Silva in just 44 seconds. 

When the UFC returned last year for UFC 134, there were many memorable moments including Erick Silva's UFC debut, Antonio Nogueira knocking out Brendan Schaub, Rousimar Palhares almost getting knocked out after a premature fight celebration, and Silva defending his title against Yushin Okami. 

UFC 142 will be remembered for every main card fight ending by knockout or submission.

In fact only three of the 10 fights went the distance. The most memorable moment came when featherweight champ Aldo ran into the crowd after his KO victory over Chad Mendes. 

UFC 147 may have been more like The Ultimate Fighter Brazil finale and it underwent many card changes. 

But the main event between Rich Franklin and Wanderlei Silva was still an exciting scrap. 

Erick Silva Could Have a Highlight Reel KO Against Jon Fitch

Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

Rising Brazilian welterweight Erick Silva has been a beast since debuting at UFC 134. 

Silva is 2-1 with his loss coming by DQ after a questionable call by the ref. 

Before the fight was stopped, Silva was on his way to a knockout victory. 

Silva is taking a big step up in competition against Jon Fitch. 

But if he can use his speed and power, he could very well earn another knock out victory and move up the welterweight rankings. 

Glover Teixeira Could Prove He's Ready for a Top Opponent

Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE

With an 18-2 record and a 16-fight winning streak, Glover Teixeira has all the hype coming into UFC 153. 

The problem is he has never faced a top caliber fighter. 

Teixeira is a huge threat for anybody in the division, but until he fights one of the best, he will just be looked at as hype. 

After failed attempts to fight Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, Quinton Jackson, and Rashad Evans, Teixeira will finally take on Fabio Maldonado. 

While Maldonado is not a top 10 caliber fighter, Teixeira will need to win and win big if he wants everyone to continue to believe the hype. 

Minotauro Will Return

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The last time we saw Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in the Octagon, Frank Mir snapped his arm. 

Nogueira could have easily retired after that fight and we would have been OK with that. 

The former Pride and UFC heavyweight champ has nothing left to prove. 

Instead, Nogueira is returning to his home of Brazil to take on Dave Herman. 

Win, lose or draw, Nogueira will have the home crowd advantage and should put on a great show. 

Great Silva KO vs. Biggest Upset in MMA History

Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

Will Bonnar shock the world? 

Or will he just become another one of Silva's victims. 

Bonnar will have the Brazilian crowd and pretty much the world betting against him.

Bonnar has never defeated a top 10 fighter in his career. Yet he has never been knocked out or submitted, and his heart is second to none.

But Silva has made far better fighters look sub par. 

Bonnar does have a size advantage, but Silva may prove to be too fast, too accurate and just flat out too good for him.