Filed under: MMA/UFC | Tags: Anderson Silva, B.J. Penn, Forrest Griffin, Kenny Florian, UFC 101
They say that size beats talent more often but today, talent clearly whooped the living hell out of size.
After his last two lackluster title defenses, UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva bounced back big time by knocking out former Light Heavyweight Champion Forrest Griffin in stunning fashion at 3:23 of the first round in their light heavyweight bout at UFC 101.
The Brazilian Champion wowed the crowd and enthusiasts as he picked Griffin apart knocking him down twice before delivering an overhand right straight that put Griffin down for good. Silva has been criticized in his last two fights for not letting his hands go and being too conservative in his fighting approach. This time, he made sure all the doubters (even yours truly) shut up with an amazing display.
Everyone knew how talented Silva is but his last two fights made a lot of doubters. After today though, no one would doubt who the pound-for-pound king is in the world of mixed martial arts. Including me.
I am a huge Georges St. Pierre fan and I do believe (along with some fighting websites) he is the world’s best but after today, I admit it just had to be Silva. Griffin is a very capable opponent but Silva made him look like a first timer.
He manhandled Griffin that the latter got so ashamed of his performance. Griffin ran right to the locker room after getting his senses back because of the humiliating shocker. I never thought the fight would end that quick and that easy knowing Griffin’s caliber but Silva is just in another planet.
His stunning win extended his record of 10-fight winning streak in the UFC. He is set to go back to middleweight and defend his title in a rematch with Dan Henderson whom he already defeated via rare naked choke.
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Lightweight Champion B.J. Penn awakened everyone that he is still the man at 155 pounds as he tops Kenny Florian via his trademark rear naked choke at 3:54 of the fourth round in their championship bout also at UFC 101.
After his humbling defeat at the hands of Georges St. Pierre last February, fight fans disclosed Penn as an elite fighter but the Prodigy once again proved that he can still dominate. Florian presented a game plan and strategy to neutralize Penn’s striking and ground game but to no avail.
Florian forced most of the action onto the cage and trying to take the champion down but Penn’s takedown defense is just unbelievable. All of the challenger’s attempts to take him down went to waste and Penn made him pay with his counter striking and an explosive takedown that sealed the deal via submission.
Penn is expected to fight Diego Sanchez for his next title defense at 155 pounds.
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Okay okay, I was 0-5 on my UFC 101 predictions. I didn’t see that coming. Come on man, I didn’t get a single prediction right. I hope that won’t happen again. Hopefully my UAAP predictions for today would be right on cue.
Filed under: MMA/UFC | Tags: Anderson Silva, B.J. Penn, Forrest Griffin, Kenny Florian, UFC 101
Hardcore fighting fans await tomorrow’s UFC 101 (Declaration) as it is sure to present a slam-bang affair with its hyped up card. Two super fights supported by quality bouts will surely give us what we deserve—–non-stop action. Here are my predictions for tomorrow’s UFC 101.
Lightweight Championship Bout: B.J. “The Prodigy” Penn (Champion) vs. Kenny “Ken-Flo” Florian
The Champion Penn is heavily favored to retain his title because of his versatility but I do feel Florian has the tools to pull off an upset. Penn will push the tempo at the start but we all know about his weak cardio. If Florian survives an early storm and makes it to the fourth round onwards, I see him winning in a close decision. Florian over Penn via split decision.
Light Heavyweight Bout: Anderson “The Spider” Silva vs. Forrest Griffin
Arguably the world’s number one pound for pound fighter, Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva steps up a weight class to challenge former Light Heavyweight Champion Forrest Griffin in their much awaited fight. As expected, Silva is heavily favored as they say he is in a different league. I tend to agree but I do think that Griffin has a legit shot at giving Silva his first defeat in the octagon. He’ll caught Silva with one of those hooks. Griffin over Silva via second round TKO.
Middleweight Bout: Kendall Grove vs. Ricardo Almeida
This is a pretty even fight but I think Grove’s hunger will get him through. Grove over Almeida via split decision.
Lightweight Bout: Josh Neer vs. Kurt Pellegrino
Neer via first round TKO.
Welterweight Bout: Amir Sadollah vs. Johny Hendricks
Only his second pro fight but I’ll go with Amir via unanimous decision.
Triangle Offense 