UFC 126: Predicting the Best Card of Early 2011
The UFC has more momentum than ever before as we get into the second Pay-Per View of 2011. The fastest-growing promotion in the world has its sights set higher than ever before.
In many ways, MMA has forever changed the way that the world views combat sports as it's now becoming more of a global phenomenon. Credit Dana White for taking the UFC to a whole new level in many ways. In particular though, globally, where they've become a strong leader.
The UFC of course has been instrumental in this concept as being the most recognizable promotion in fighting today. With now seven weight-classes, the UFC promises to continue to set up more and more intriguing fights for fans in the future. They recently added their affiliate WEC to their core and now all fight under the same UFC banner.
At UFC 126, we will continue to see more and more smaller guys (formerly of WEC) make their UFC debuts. Among them are "Cowboy" Donald Cerrone and Miguel Angel Torres as well as several others. However, names like Anderson Silva, Vitor Belfort, Ryan Bader and Jon Jones highlight this card. But there are many other reasons why you should pay your hard-earned $40 to see this event on Saturday night.
If we learned anything from UFC 125, remember to expect the unexpected. Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar valiantly fought back to earn a draw against cagey No. 1 contender Gray Maynard. This is already a strong candidate for Fight of The Year Honors. Remember too that this fight took place on the very first day of 2011. Whoa, if that doesn't tell you what type of year we're in store for from the UFC in 2011.
Here are predictions for each main card bout on Saturday.
Miguel Angel Torres Vs. Antonio Banuelos
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Miguel Angel Torres is one of many big names coming over from the WEC. Torres' name was synonymous with the Bantamweight Title for quite some time as he was one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Torres has since slipped off but should enjoy his time in the UFC now and regain his status at 135.
Antonio Banuelos is an opponent that Torres can't overlook. A lot more may be at stake in this bout than meets the eye. Torres is hoping to bolt back to the top of the Bantamweight rankings and challenge for Dominic Cruz's title again. Banuelos was impressive in the WEC with his lone loss coming against Scott Jorgensen.
Torres has to be the clear favorite going in unless Banuelos shocks the MMA world and starts Torres' 2011 off poorly. Before his downturn that started in late 2009, Torres was one of the best fighters in the world. Torres' record stands at 38-3, but he's lost two of his last three fights. These were back-to-back losses against Brian Bowles and Joseph Benavidez.
The Pick: Torres via 2nd round Submission.
Jake Ellenberger Vs. Carlos Eduardo Rocha
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Jake Ellenberger is moving up the Welterweight ranks little by little. He's approaching his fourth UFC fight and already has impressive wins over John Howard and Mike Pyle. Ellenberger is a very well-rounded fighter that's on the rise in the UFC.
Carlos Eduardo Rocha is likely a fighter that most haven't heard of. But you will certainly know his name in the near future. Rocha's already been known to consistently finish fights quickly. All but one of his fights have ended in the first round. Keep in mind that this is just his second UFC fight to date.
The Pick: Ellenberger via Unanimous Decision.
Jon Jones Vs. Ryan Bader
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This is the fight that everyone has been waiting for. Two of the fastest rising stars in MMA do battle in Las Vegas on Saturday night. These are two of the very best MMA prospects in quite some time; both with very different styles too. Jon Jones is a flashy, stand-up fighter that dazzles with his moves and quickness. On the other hand, Ryan Bader is a former D-1 wrestler at Arizona St. University.
Jon Jones has evolved into a very popular fighter whose style is quite difficult to prepare for. That being said, his opponent Ryan Bader is a wrestler that presents the toughest challenge for Jones in his young career. Jones' assortment of spinning elbows and other dynamic strikes are highlight-worthy. To say that Jones has been dominant in his short career is an understatement as he's run through the 205-pound division.
Bader is undefeated at 12-0 in his career and as a strong wrestler may be able to wear "Bones" down. His style may be boring to some but it wins fights so he'll continue to perfect it in the octagon. Bader, the Season 8 TUF winner has all the tools to make a major splash at 205 for years to come. However, standing in his way at the moment is Jon "Bones" Jones.
I expect that each of these men will hold the Light Heavyweight Title at some point down the line. For now though, Jones is better equipped for this meeting.
The Pick: Jones via 3rd Round TKO.
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Rich Franklin Vs. Forrest Griffin
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To many, Forrest Griffin is the embodiment of Ultimate Fighting Championship. Rich "Ace" Franklin appears to be back on track after a come-from-behind victory against Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell. This fight pits two of the tougher fighters in the world that are very identical to one another. They are also two of the most popular fighters in recent history.
Forrest Griffin hasn't fought in about 15 months so it will be interesting to see how he comes out for this fight. Griffin needs this win badly to start his trek back up to the top of the Light Heavyweight rankings. Having not fought in quite some time, it's possible that Griffin could indeed come out rusty against Rich Franklin. Remember though, the more tired and beat up Griffin gets, the better he fights.
Rich Franklin is ready for the brawl that this fight is liable to become. Franklin is equally as impressive in the stand-up as Griffin and knows that that's likely the route that this bout will go. These two former champions finally meet for the first time in their careers this Saturday night.
The Pick: Griffin via Split Decision.
Middleweight Championship: Anderson Silva Vs. Vitor Belfort
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This is really the fight that the entire world has been waiting for for so long. Vitor Belfort and Anderson Silva for the Middleweight crown. Many have said that if any man can beat Silva, it's fellow Brazilian striker Belfort. These are two of the most precise and explosive strikers in the world so expect the fireworks to be supplied in this main event.
Anderson Silva is still the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. He's probably the most well-rounded fighter ever and escaped by the narrowest of margins against Chael Sonnen back in August. Silva showed his true fighting spirit on that night by submitting Sonnen despite being dominated for a good 23 minutes or so.
Vitor Belfort hasn't fought in a while which puts him a disadvantage against Silva in this title fight. He hasn't fought in nearly a year and a half when he mauled Rich Franklin in his return. Belfort is a violent striker
Silva may take a while to figure Belfort out, but once he does, expect him to open up like never before. Silva usually feels the opponent out for a while before he unleashes his lethal strikes. It's strategic and works for him as we've seen in the past.
Silva's a very smart fighter and knows that he ought to finish this fight quickly. This is a fight that many people feel will be his greatest challenge yet in the octagon. That's a pretty tough assumption considering that Silva has run through all of his opponents thus far.
The Pick: Silva via 4th Round TKO.
Awards
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Submission of The Night: Donald Cerrone
Knockout of The Night: Jon Jones
Fight of The Night: Forrest Griffin-Rich Franklin
Predictions
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Feel free to leave your own predictions in the comments section below. As always, thanks for reading.
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