By Jonathan King
Dan Henderson (28-8 MMA) vs. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (20-5 MMA)
The most powerful right hand in the light heavyweight division, hangs off the end of Dan Henderson’s arm. However, it is the combination of skills, that makes him lethal at this division. Most prolific fighters at the age of 41, seem to be winding down their careers. Henderson apparently has been drinking from the same well as Randy Couture. He actually seems to get better with age. Henderson possesses world-class wrestling skills, combined with sleep inducing striking. His precision right hand knockout of Michael Bisping in 2009 is still being replayed today. After leaving the UFC for Strikeforce,Henderson continued his winning ways, capturing the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Title following his knockout of Rafael Calvacante. Then he entered the realm of immortality in the sport of MMA with an upset knockout of heavyweight Fedor Emelianeko. In 36 career fights Henderson has never been knocked out.
Mauricio Rua, is the Brazilian version of Dan Henderson. He possesses some of the best jujitsu in the division, but also has dynamite in both of his hands. Shogun can snap bones with his vicious leg kicks, or he can utilize the clinch to punish his victims with crushing knees. After losing the title to Jon Jones, Rua has returned to form as evident with his first round knockout of Forrest Griffin at UFC 134 in August, avenging an earlier loss. A fight that saw a much improved Rua, who seemed more agile, and quicker than Griffin. Rua will look to utilize good movement and leg kicks to avoid Henderson’s take-downs. Rua will try to keep this fight standing, utilizing in and out movement and capitalizing on distance.
Prediction:Henderson via KO RD.2
Cung Le (7-1 MMA) vs. Wanderlei Silva (33-11 MMA)
After an undefeated career as a kickboxer, Cung Le has since compiled a 7-1 record in MMA. His most notable win was his middleweight championship bout with Frank Shamrock. After a fantastic kicking display, Shamrock was unable to continue having sustained a broken arm, defending Le’s onslaught. That evening Cung Le won the Strikeforce title. His spinning back-kick is legendary, and his powerful strikes work faster than Ambien. After vacating his Strikeforce title to pursue acting, Le is now looking to make his Octagon debut.
Wanderlei Silva is an icon in the sport of mixed martial arts. Entering the fight having been knocked out in 4 of his last 8 fights, his retirement seemed eminent. However, Brazilian is is looking to slug out just one more bit of relevance. The free swinging Silva is still a threat to anyone at 205 lbs, let along anyone at 185lbs, so even at this stage he is quite dangerous. Silva will have to get close to Le, where he can utilize his savage muay thai clinch, that has created a highlight reel of knockouts caused by knees, and elbows. Silva, is also particularly ferocious exiting the clinch, with his fierce free swinging hooks.
Predictions: Le via KO RD.2
Brian Bowles (10-1 MMA) vs. Urijah Faber (25-5 MMA)
Brian Bowles is entering his third UFC fight looking to continue his winning streak. The former WEC Bantamweight champion is an accomplished wrestler, with incredible striking. His rabid fire punches have overwhelmed fighters such as Marcus Galvao and Miguel Torres. However, his wrestling has also led to slick submission victories as well. A win over Urijah Faber will land Bowles a shot at the UFC Bantamweight Title.
Once again Urijah Faber finds himself fighting another world class mixed martial artist. Having already fought Jose Aldo, Mike Brown(x2), Jens Pulver, Dominick Cruz(x2), Jeff Curran and many others; Faber is not only looking to remain a title contender, he just always seems to be in tough fights. Faber will look to utilize his high energy wrestling, and unorthodox striking to contain the smaller Bowles. If he is able to take Bowles down, he will attempt to pepper the face of his opponent with his thunderous ground and pound.
Prediction: Faber via Decision
THE CLINCH REPORT 