science of violence - mma, boxing, and anything beautifully violent

Anderson Silva vs Chael Sonnen 2 – After 2 years the time for talk is almost over as UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva will defend his title for the second time against the man who was moments away from defeating him the first time they met in the octagon, Chael Sonnen. Usually when I do these prediction articles I give a background or lead up to the fight but since I recently finished an article detailing the history between these two I’m going to be relatively brief with my preview. The thing that makes this rematch so intriguing is the way the first fight unfolded. If anyone predicted that either Sonnen would dominate Silva for 4 plus rounds or that “The Spider” would need a late submission to save his title I would be as shocked as everyone watching was when said sub took place. I’m not sure much has changed for either heading into this bout so it may come down to whether or not Anderson was indeed injured and it affected his performance or if Chael has the style to ground and possibly beat the longstanding champ. Regardless of how well he did previously Sonnen is once again the underdog, will Chael finish what he started or will Silva add yet another victim to his list? Again.

916Chris’ pick - How do you pick against a guy who one could argue lost by a fluke? When he’s facing the pound for pound best fighter in the sport, that’s how. On Silvas worst day and Sonnens best the champ still found a way to get it done and he’s alot more motivated this time around. Chaels wrestling definitely can give Anderson fits as we’ve seen but Anderson only needs one brief moment to end a fight, as we’ve also seen. It’s just hard for me to envision Chael being able to duplicate that same performance whereas The Spider can only improve. I won’t be nearly as surprised if Sonnen is able take down the champ again but I see Silva timing a counter, perhaps a knee, to stun Chael and then finish him in authorative fashion.

 

Duc’s pick - I love havoc and that is why I am rooting for Chael to win this fight.   A victory by the American Gangster would turn the MMA world upside down, imagine a guy with a sensitive curl haircut who likes to tuck his t shirts into his pants destroying the baddest man on the planet via wrestle-rape.  Glorious.  However, in my head I see an angry Anderson playing it safe for the first couple of rounds to avoid being taken down and finally landing a devastating strike around the 3rd round to finish the fight.  The ref better be on high alert because I have a feeling some extra punches might be flying around after the knock out.

Tito Ortiz vs Forrest Griffin – In what is scheduled to be Tito Ortiz’ last fight in the sport he will face a familiar opponent in Forrest Griffin. These two have battled twice before splitting victories though coincidentally enough both ended in split decision. This might be a case where if Ortiz and Griffin fought one another 100 times they’d each win 50. The difference this time is that Tito knows this is his last time competing inside the octagon so he’ll either be inspired by the moment or content with career and resigned to the fact that he’s at the end of the road. Forrest may not be too far away from calling it a day himself but considering he said he’d “retire from life” if he lost you can bet he’s not gonna lay down for Tito to go out on a high note. Based on the first two fights it’s safe to assume this one will be close as well, spli decision close? To be determined.

916Chris’ pick - Outside of the rare occasion it is not often a fighter exits on his terms and with a win, see Randy Couture and Chuck Liddell. I don’t think Tito is the one to buck this trend given his recent history. Mind you Forrest will likely never capture the UFC 205 pound championship again but I think he’s got enough to get it done here. I do feel safe in saying one of them will cry after the contest.

 

Duc’s pick - Literally everyone and their momma are picking Forrest Griffin to win this fight.   I ain’t seeing it.   Forrest’s heart is not in MMA anymore, he has a daughter, he has a best selling book, and he is busy writing “50 shades of red” or some shit to be bothered with the likes of Tito.   I like Tito to pull off another Ryan Bader special here and I am putting my damn $$$ on it.

Wladimir Klitschko vs Tony Thompson 2 - You might be wondering why I would bother to make a predictiion for this fight as the result seems pretty clear cut, well it was either this or Nonito Donaire vs Jeffrey Mathebula. Jeffrey who? Exactly. That and the fact that I figured I’d stick to the rematch theme. In regards to the matchup itself, what’s to say, the only noticeable difference from their initial contest 4 years ago, which Klitschko won by 11th round TKO, is that they’re both older. I mention that because Tony Thompson will be stepping into the ring at age 40. I know, try and contain your enthusiasm. Breaking things down on paper I think this bout can go one of two ways. Who am I kidding, lets get this over with already.

916Chris’ pick - In actuality I do think this will end in one of two ways, Klitschko by decision or knock out. I’ll go with TKO as although Wladimir has been hesitant to engage in some fights, having been in there with him before he already knows what Thompson has to offer, which is not much. Wlad stops him in less time here, fingers crossed, Klitschko in 8.

 

Duc’s pick - I had no idea this fight was happening.  Who in their right mind is picking Tony Thompson?

I can be reached at ScienceOfViolence@Gmail.com & https://twitter.com/916Chris