Breaking Down the Upcoming Keith Jardine Vs. Thiago Silva Fight

UFC 102 will be featuring a match-up between two top LHWs, Keith Jardine and Thiago Silva. This will be a chance for both men to get back on track and make a run at the title.

Jardine is coming off a close decision loss to Rampage Jackson, while Silva is looking to rebound after a first round KO at the hands of Lyoto Machida.

Both fighters train at great camps, Jardine from Jackson Submission Fighting and Silva from American Top Team. Both fighters are going to come into this fight prepared to make a statement and turn some heads.

Keith Jardine 14-5-1

Jardine is a terrific fighter and has been on the cusp of earning a title shot for quite some time now. Jardine is dangerous and always comes ready for a war.

The main worry for Jardine is his questionable chin. He has been KO'd three times in his five losses, twice in the UFC. That being said, Jardine is a difficult fighter to prepare for. He has a unique stance and style. He attacks from awkward angles with devastating leg and body kicks.

Thiago Silva 13-1

Silva is as difficult a match-up as they come. He is a BJJ black belt, and is an upper echelon striker. Only one of his fights has made it to the judges’ scorecards. Coming off the loss to Machida, Silva needs to put a few wins together to get into the title picture.

The main concern for Silva is he has not been in any wars. Silva has shown that he is a finisher, but there is a lot to be said about a fighter who can grind their opponents down and win fights late. Silva has only gone past the first round four times as a professional.

Breakdown and Prediction

Both of these fighters like to stand and trade, and that is where we are going to see this fight take place. Look for Jardine to try to break Silva down with vicious leg kicks. Silva should look to get inside on Jardine and beat him up in the clinch.

If this fight does go to the ground, Silva has the advantage. He has good BJJ with devastating ground and pound.

I do not see this fight going past the second round. I think Silva will be able to get into the clinch, throw some knees and dirty box Jardine to the ground.

Winner: Thiago Silva by second round TKO.

What's Next

If Jardine loses this fight he is completely out of the title picture. The LHW division is just too deep and too good. The loss would solidify Jardine as a gatekeeper of sorts for the division. He will become the fighter the UFC uses to test whether or not a young guy is ready for that next level of competition.

If Jardine wins he is still at least two wins away from a shot at the title. A fight with Rua would be one I see happening (I just don't see Rua beating Machida).

If Thiago Silva wins he will still have some more work to do. A fight with the loser of the Evans v. Jackson fight seems like his next logical fight. Silva, like Jardine, will need at least two more wins to get a crack at the title.

If Silva loses he will be sent down to the middle of the pack. A loss would mean a long road back into title contention.

Who do you see winning this fight and why?