UFC 97 Predictions

The UFC promises to deliver a knock out card for UFC 97: Redemption in April. For the two main attractions on the card we have Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell stepping back into the cage to square off against Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. The main event for the evening will be Anderson "The Spider" Silva defending the UFC MiddleWeight crown against 14-1 Thales Leites.

Chuck Liddell, coming off of a loss against Rashad Evans, is looking to fight his way back to the top of the light heavyweight division. Standing in the Iceman's way is 14-3 Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. Chuck Liddell badly needs to win this contest, and I personally think he will come out on top against Rua.

Liddell, who will turn 40 in December of 2009 wants another run at glory in the UFC. As a huge Liddell fan, I personally would love to see him climb his way back to regaining the light heavyweight belt.

My prediction for this fight: Chuck Liddell wins by TKO due to strikes late in the second or really early in the third round.

Next up is the main event of the evening, Anderson Silva going toe-to-toe with Thailes Leites.

Silva successfully defended his title against Patrick Cote at UFC 90 last October. However, Cote tested Silva longer than any fighter has ever tested Silva since he entered the UFC. Nobody has ever survived past the second round against Silva except for Cote.

The reason I bring this up is to prove a point. Silva is tough as nails, but he is not invincible. Plus, Leites is in a position to prove that Silva is indeed beatable. The 14-1 Leites will definitely be one of Silva's toughest opponents to date. I really see an upset in this fight.

My prediction: Thailes Leites wins the UFC Middleweight Title via Decision.

Other than those two fights, I am really looking forward to the Cheick Kongo vs. Antoni Hardonk fight. After that fight, I would love to see Kongo vs. Shane Carwin at a future UFC card.

Thank you, people.