UFC 126: Anderson Silva vs. Vitor Belfort Fighter, Coach, and Reporter Breakdown

UFC 126 possesses arguably the most stacked fight card since the memorable UFC 100 event in July of 2009.

The Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas will host the event live on pay-per-view, and longtime UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva will defend his title against No. 1 contender Vitor Belfort.

Ten of Silva’s 12 Octagon victories have come by way of KO/TKO or submission, and his challenger on Saturday night is nothing short of devastating with his punching power.

Bleacher Report caught up with UFC middleweight standout Mark Munoz, Alliance MMA head coach Eric Del Fierro, Heavy MMA lead staff writer Jeff Cain, and Team Quest striking coach Ed Buckley for professional analysis on the championship headliner.

B/R: You have spent time training with Anderson and you are also in the division, so how do you as a fighter picture this fight ending?

Mark Munoz (UFC Middleweight): I see this fight being a fast paced fight. Vitor is going to try to push the pace and Anderson is going to pick him apart with punches, kicks, knees, elbows. I see it as an Anderson Silva night.

B/R: As a high level coach, how do you see Vitor Belfort challenging Anderson Silva for the middleweight championship playing out?

Eric Del Fierro (Alliance MMA – Head Coach): Anderson Silva by third-round knockout. He has a mental edge over Vitor, being such a dominant champ he has the mythical pound for pound best fighter in the world. Belfort has all the tools, but sometimes the pressure of the fight will be a factor.

Question: From a journalistic standpoint, having covered both fighters throughout their careers how do you envision Anderson Silva versus Vitor Belfort?

Jeff Cain (Heavy MMA - Lead Staff Writer): I think it comes down to distance, if Vitor could get to boxing range then he has a chance. Having said that, no one in the world can win a stand-up fight with Anderson Silva. Vitor will be most dangerous early, but as the fight moves into the second and later rounds, Anderson’s superior technique will pick Vitor apart and eventually finish him by TKO.

Ed Buckley (Team Quest - Striking Coach): I have a feeling that Silva’s reign will end tomorrow. His intensity will not match what Vitor brings into the cage. Vitor’s aggressiveness will overcome any offensive or defensive strategy that Silva brings. Silva has outclassed many of his opponents without the need to feel hungry for the win. Look at Chael, he was hungry. I think Vitor will bring it.

I have a feeling that Silva's reign will end tomorrow. His intensity will not match what Belfort brings into the cage. Belfort's aggressiveness will overcome any offensive or defensive strategy that Silva brings.