Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva (34-11-1) vs. Rich Franklin (28-6-0)
I am usually not a fan of the older fighters that are legends, still fighting. There is usually nothing to prove, and they are past their prime. I don’t feel that way about this one. These two match up very well and have battled it out once before. Silva is a technical brawler that really throws with bad intentions. Franklin is much more of a precision striker that seems to find his target. These two will not run from each other and dance around the cage. They will stand in front of each other and bang. Franklin was able to etch out a decision in the first one and I think he will do it again here. Both are past their prime, but Silva is more past it! Scary Jim Carrey over the Axe Murderer via TKO in the third round. No decision this time.
Fabricio “Vai Cavalo” Werdum (15-5-1) vs. Mike Russow (15-1-0)
This could be fight of the night! Werdum is a beast with a lot of experience against top heavyweights! His only recent loss was against Alistair OveROID, who is a cheater. He beat the once thought to be unbeatable Fedor. But then you have Russow. This guy is a very good wrestler who is on a 10 fight win streak and has beaten some pretty tough dudes along the way. These cats match up very well against each other as Werdum has great Jiu Jitsu. Werdum should also be the more technical striker with Russow being more powerful. I see Russow pushing for the takedown after being clipped a few times in their standing exchanges. I think he will succeed in several takedowns but Werdum will win via sub in the second round.
Yuri “Marajo” Alcantara (26-3-0) vs. Hacran Dias (15-2-0)
Two weird named, relative newcomers to the UFC will square off in what I predict will be a great fight. They are both Brazilian so look for their ground game to be on point. Dias is a beast on the ground with great Judo skills to help him get the fight on the mat. Yuri is the more complete fighter and has the UFC experience under his belt. He should have the advantage in the striking department as well. It will be key for him to keep this fight standing. I predict that Dias will be able to win the clinch and takedown battle as well as the ground war. Dias via sub in the second round.
