UFC 94: Possible Predictions and the Aftermath

UFC 94 will probably be the most successful UFC card regarding PPV sales, the matchup between welterweight champion St-Pierre and lightweight champion Penn is a “fan's dream come true”. Jan. 31 will a very interesting night for the different UFC championships and the light heavyweight division. 

A victory for either St-Pierre or Penn will have an exceptional impact in four different divisions. The Machida - Silva outcome will have significant impact in the 205 division, but more about this in the aftermath section.


Possible predictions regarding UFC 94

Georges St-Pierre vs. BJ Penn 2

This fight has the potential to be one of the best fights of the year and of the decade. St-Pierre has become a complete fighter, he has evolved a lot since his loss against Matt Serra. I think he is now more focused than ever.

The best options for St-Pierre to win are his cardio and his take-down game. If he can keep the fight going until round four or five, than he can finish Penn, probably by grounding and pounding or maybe via submission, because I don’t think St-Pierre will stand and trade punches with Penn. 

His strength can also be a powerful tool against Penn, in order to win he has to control the fight and execute his game plan.

BJ is very talented fighter with exceptional speed and powerful punches, Penn has also evolved greatly since his loss against Matt Hughes. His head is in the right place and his cardio is way better since he started taking his training seriously.

BJ has speed and his standup game is excellent, I think he wants a standup fight because on the ground St-Pierre can out power him and maybe also out wrestle him.

The best way for Penn to win the match is with his punches, like he did with Sean Shirk, he could also try to use his BJJ but for BJ who is the faster fighter the ground game will disables his speed advantage.

The outcome
I am a firm believer that fight predictions are very difficult because there are different variables such as a good game plan, new or unexpected fighting style (Mir vs. Nogueira) and utilizing opponents’ weakness are very important in a fight.

Even if it’s hard to predict who will win, if it’s a standing fight PJ will win, on the ground St-Pierre will be victorious.

I will pick Georges St-Pierre as the winner, because PJ is an excellent fighter in the lightweight division but I think St-Pierre will be too much for him, then again I could be wrong.

The winner: St-Pierre.


Lyoto Machida vs. Thiago Silva

This match is also very interesting, because a win for Machida could be a ticket to a fight for the light heavyweight championship. Machidas and Silvas different fighting styles play a great importance for the two fighters.

Machida is a very elusive fighter, with exceptional karate, a very good standup game and a good ground game. He started training karate at the age of three, has a black belt in BJJ. Lyoto is all-around a complete fighter, with a very good game plan for all his fights, and a superb counterstrike ability.

If Machida can take the fight were he wants he can easily win the fight.

Silva is a tough ruthless cage fighter with an aggressive style that people like. His Muay Thai and his ground and pound game are very good, but sometimes he is just too eager and exposes himself. Silva also has a good BJJ back ground that he can use to his advantage combined with his strength.

The outcome
I think Machida will win the fight based on his elusiveness and standup skills, in the Mendes fight Silva showed that he has some weaknesses and almost lost the fight, Lyoto is no Mendes so if he gets the chance he will finish Thiago, a decision victory is also possible for Machida.

The only way Silva will win is via knockout or by his ground game, but Machida has victories over top fighters like Rich Franklin, B.J. Penn, Tito Ortiz and Stephan Bonnar therefore Silva with his style brings nothing new to the game.

In the end, Machida will be too much for Silva to handle.

The winner: Machida


The aftermath

A win for either St-Pierre or Penn will be huge, a win for St-Pierre would open the possibility for a match with Anderson Silva. A super match that would be greater than St-Pierre vs. BJ Penn 2, a super match live from Brazil, what a matchup that would be.

If Penn wins he will try to dominate the welterweight division, because Dena White has nixed a BJ Penn vs. Anderson Silva fight, either way I think Silva would be too much for Penn.

A win for Machida almost guaranties a title match, but people don’t like his decision victories. A title match with either Rashad Evans or Quinton Jackson would be incredible.  I think he has the tools to beat anyone in the 205 division.

If Silva wins I think he will have to fight another top contender (Forrest Griffin, Wanderlei Silva) before he gets his title shot. Both Jackson and Evans can probably beat him.

There you have it folks, pleas fill free to leave any comments.