UFC 162 is set to take place Saturday Night in Las Vegas. The main card is stacked with a talent pool that all but guarantees one of the most exciting nights of mixed martial arts ever. With a few lack luster cards in recent history, the company is betting this card will reverse that trend.
The main card is headlined by two champions, one current and one former. Both fighting to cement their respective legacies. Frankie Edgar is attempting to come back after losing his last three fights, all title fights, and in the eyes of many, he was robbed of victory not once or twice but in every fight. For the first time in years Edgar will fight in a 3 round non title bout.
Anderson Silva is the other legend fighting in the main event. I don’t think anyone would argue if you called him the greatest mixed martial arts in the history of the sport. Since joining the UFC middleweight division, Silva has rattled off 16 consecutive victories and has defended the title against all comers, including Chael Sonnen twice. Although age is creeping up on the champion, he never seems to show any cracks on fight night.
Both Charles Oliveira and Chris Weidman have been touted as the future of the sport since they began landing leather in the octagon. Oliveira started his career off strong, but has since run into a few speed bumps. However, his talent has never been in question and his pedigree certainly merits caution.
Chris Weidman, on the other hand has never lost. In fact, rarely has he even been in trouble. Weidman introduced himself as a title contender loudly with a standing elbow KO of Mark Munoz that put the entire division on alert. Like Sonnen, (the only man to ever have any measure of success against Silva in the UFC) Weidman possesses and incredible wrestling game and could stymie the striking of Silva by smothering him. However unlike Sonnen, Weidman is also a high level striker. Which creates other challenges for the champion. Many UFC fighters and professionals are picking Weidman.
MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)
Dennis Siver vs. Cub Swanson
This is an interesting match up, in the very cluttered 145 lbs division. I don’t believe the winner will get a title shot, but he will definitely be on a short list of contenders. Siver is ridiculously strong at this weight, the former 170 lbs fighter utilizes and assortment of strikes, but his best asset may be his ability to absorb punishment. Cub Swanson is one of the most dynamic strikers in all of MMA, and has been on a tear since his loss to Ricardo Lamas. Swanson will need to avoid the kicks of Siver, and bring the fight into his kitchen. The only way this fight is going to the ground, is if Siver has no other choice but to take Swanson down. Speed is going to be the difference. Winner Swanson via UD rd 3
Tim Boetsch vs. Mark Munoz
Both fighters need victories if they have any ideas at making a title run. Munoz hasn’t fought in quite some time, but his training has been well documented and he looks to be in amazing shape. Tim Boetsch may not be the most exciting fighter to watch, but he gets the job done. A true grinder, Boetsch is known for winning wars of attrition, however this will not be one of those fights. Winner Munoz via TKO rd 2
Roger Gracie vs. Tim Kennedy
Both fighters will be making their promotional debuts, after being folded into the mix when the now defunct Strikeforce promotion closed its doors. Gracie will need to utilize his submission game to control the fight. Kennedy although not primarily known as a striker, will hold a decisive advantage in this department. Kennedy does not want to try his luck inside the guard of a Gracie! Winner Kennedy via TKO rd 1
Co Main Event
Frankie Edgar vs. Charles Oliveira
Frankie Edgar has single handily ruined fight journalism. There are no more ways to describe him. Every pun, or analogy has been used and abused. So I will spare you any more Rocky references. However, the guy is not a character he is a real fighter. Edgar’s chin and ability to take and give punishment simultaneously is Gatti-esque. His fights with Gray Maynard, Benson Henderson, and Jose Aldo are three of the best fights I have ever seen!
Oliveira is the young gun. At 23 he has already accomplished so much inside the cage. His muay thai has improved tremendously, and has removed him from the ranks of the one trick pony fighters. But his former one trick, his jujitsu, may be the absolute best in the division. This fight is being billed as David vs Golliath, with Edgar being billed as David. I disagree, Oliveira is David, and unfortunately for him, this time Golliath wins! Winner Edgar via TKO rd 3
Main Event
Anderson Silva vs. Chris Weidman – for middleweight title
Many professionals and fight aficionados are picking Weidman to win this fight. On paper, his style is an absolute nightmare for a guy like Silva. Weidman is young, strong as an ox, and he has an entire workshop of tools that he can use. His striking left Mark Munoz and Uriah Hall in a heap, he has submitted Tom Lawler, and in his fight against Demian Maia he proved he could avoid the submission game, in order to grind out a victory. The man has won in every conceivable way, at every level he has competed on. However, he is fighting a man that has never lost in the UFC, in 16 fights.
Anderson Silva is not only the baddest man alive, he is an artist inside that cage. He paints the bloodiest of canvases, with the precision of a surgeon. He is coy, sometimes arrogant in the cage. Often times, he plays possum and lures his opponents into a false sense of success only to break them in an instance. However at times has also looked aloof when his competition, refused to engage or laid prone in hopes of inducing the grind. Chris Weidman will offer no such luxury for Silva. He will bring the fight from the opening bell, and will be in the champions face from the onset. However, how long he remains there is the question. Unlike many of the professionals that are picking Weidman, I am picking Silva. Why? I have 16 reasons! Winner Silva via Submission rd 3
THE CLINCH REPORT 