Predictions for UFC 134 Rio: Silva vs. Okami

UFC Rio: Silva vs. Okami is live on pay-per-view tonight with a great line-up of fights. 

Anderson Silva, the greatest MMA fighter ever, is back in the Octagon to defend his middleweight title against a tough Yushin Okami. 

Mauricio “Shogun” Rua is out to avenge his upset loss to Forrest Griffin at UFC 76. 

Brendan Shaub gets the biggest test of his career as he battles the legendary “Minotauro” Nogueira. 

Those three fights alone are worth watching the pay-per-view so the others are just bonus.  A lot of Brazilians are on the card tonight and should be out to impress.  Don’t miss this card.

After a 5-0 record for UFC 133, I’m back with picks for UFC 134 in Rio.  Here they are:

Luiz Cane vs. Stanislav Nedkov (Light Heavyweight)
Cane is trying to get his career headed back in the right direction against a fighter new to the UFC making this a big fight for both.  I expect a deliberate pace to start this fight and both guys are cautious not wanting to make a big mistake early on and loosen up as the fight goes on.  Its hard to see a lot of action in this fight but hopefully I'll be surprised.
The Pick:  Cane via decision

Edson Barboza vs. Ross Pearson (Lightweight)
This has fight of the night potential.  These two are scrappers and should entertain the crowd with a fast paced fight.  I look for a lot of strikes to be thrown as these two go toe-to-toe.  I don’t see either hitting a big shot to end the fight though so look for three close rounds of action from these two.
The Pick:  Barboza via decision

Brendan Schaub vs. Antonio “Minotauro” Nogueira (Heavyweight)
Nogueira’s career is winding down and he’s got to face an up and comer in Schaub.  I think its a tough match-up for Nogueira.  I see this fight going to the same way as when Frank Mir fought and destroyed Nogueira.  I think Schaub comes out and goes right after him, landing heavy shots that turn the lights out on Minotauro. 
The Pick:  Schaub via KO in round 1

Forrest Griffin vs. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (Light Heavyweight)
Griffin shocked the world with his submission of Rua years ago and Shogun has been wanting revenge ever since.  Now he has that opportunity in his home country of Brazil tonight. 

Griffin has been complaining about fighting in Brazil and how it’s messed with his weight cut.  He also expects Shogun to come out guns blazing against him.  I look for Griffin to come out slow and throw some leg kicks but Shogun will measure him.  I think, Shogun will land some big shots and put Griffin out.  I’m a fan of Forrest don’t think we’ll see Forrest Griffin as a top tier fighter in the UFC again.
The Pick:  Shogun via KO in round 2

Main Event
Anderson Silva (Middleweight Champion) vs. Yushin Okami
Silva is also fighting at home tonight in Brazil and hopefully will be out to put on a show for the crowd, and not simply mock his opponent around the Octagon for five rounds.  I think Anderson sees his career starting to wind down and will want to show his dominance. 

Okami is a tough fighter deserving of this opportunity but I think will clearly be outmatched.  I don’t think he will be able to handle the striking ability of Anderson.  Okami will have to find a way to get this fight to the ground because standing with Anderson can get you in a lot of trouble.  He needs to come out and swing for the fences early because the longer you stay on your feet with Anderson, the greater your chance of being knocked out.  Okami holds a win over Silva after an illegal kick in a 2006 fight but Silva will make up for that loss with a win tonight.
The Pick:  Anderson Silva via TKO round 3.