UFC London Predictions
Anderson Silva vs. Michael Bisping:
Mike Drahota:
There’s no doubt that Silva certainly deserves a spot among the fight game’s greats for his record-setting title reign and unparalleled knockout prowess in the Octagon. However, weighing in his recent drug test failures and suspensions, his injury, and th fact that he doesn’t have an official win since 2012, I was actually leaning towards Bisping. That changed when the two were face-to-face, as Silva undoubtedly got the better of the loudmouth ‘Count,’ who seemingly reverted back to his more brash heel ways for this bout. While the Cypriot has looked very serviceable during his recent two-fight win streak, Silva seems motivated and angry like he was against Chael Sonnen, and that should spell trouble for Bisping. Silva via round two TKO.
Rory Kernaghan:
I can’t say it was difficult picking this fight at all. Outside his high pace and cardio-based gameplan, there’s unfortunately not much more I can say Michael Bisping offers Anderson Silva. The former middleweight champion has the footwork, the striking power and speed advantage, the height and reach advantage, and the Jiu-jitsu advantage. It would be foolish to think this fight would go any other way except ‘The Spider’s’ in such a pairing, Anderson Silva by knockout round one.
Mike Henken:
I completely understand that “The Spider” is not the same version of himself that once ruled the middleweight division for nearly seven years. Winless since 2012, Silva suffered a gruesome broken leg back in 2013, and is now returning after a yearlong layoff after testing positive for steroids in a fight that he didn’t look amazing in anyway. However, I just have a feeling in my gut that we may see some glimpses of vintage Silva and his elite level Muay Thai on display in London. Bisping has looked good on his recent two-fight win streak, and has always possessed solid footwork, crisp combos, and strong cardio. At the end of the day, however, I see the man many consider the greatest of all-time getting it done early. Silva by second round TKO.
Gegard Mousasi vs. Thales Leites:
Mike Drahota:
The middleweight co-main event may not have anywhere near the amount of attention the main event is generating, but it’s nonetheless a pivotal affair for both ranked fighters. Mousasi should look to keep this one standing and use his laser-precise jab to pick Leites apart on the feet, but if the Brazilian learned anything from his split decision loss to Bisping, he’ll look to drag this fight to the ground and utilize his world champion-level BJJ skills. I feel like he’ll be able to at some point, and while it may not lead to a stoppage, I still feel Leites gets the win. I’m taking Leites by unanimous decision.
Rory Kernaghan:
Gegard Mousasi and Thales Leites is a great match for the grappling fans, but one I feel will play out on the feet. With the Brazilian looking to showcase his striking a lot more in his latest fights, I feel he’ll look to capitalize on the openings that Mousasi has shown in his recent outings ‘The Dreamcatcher’ has experienced mixed results since joining the UFC, but this could well motivate him to pull a performance out of the bag here. It’s a tough one but I’m going to pick Leites by decision.
Mike Henken:
This is an interesting clash between two dangerous fighters who are both coming off of losses. Mousasi hasn’t lived up to his hype in the UFC in my opinion, but I still feel as if he has a lot of a potential to do so. An experienced kickboxer, “The Dreamcatcher” has a wide array of striking attacks in his arsenal to go along with a slick and sneaky submission game. Leites, on the other hand, is a strong Brazilian Jiu-jitsu artist with serious power in his hands. I don’t see “The Dreamcatcher” getting submitted here, and if he can avoid the big shots standing, it’s his fight to lose. Expect Mousasi to pick apart Leites on the outside to earn a decision victory.
