The UFC holds several shows each month, and some have a tendency of getting lost in the shuffle, but the vast amount of mainstream notoriety that UFC 168 has garnered thus far indicates this is not your typical pay-per-view.
With co-main events featuring middleweight champion Chris Weidman going against Anderson Silva in one of the most anticipated rematches in years and the women’s bantamweight title being contested by Ultimate Fighter 18 coaches Ronda Rousey and Miesha Tate, this show will appeal to every kind of MMA fan.
Here is all the vital viewing information for the event, a full slate of predictions and a quick preview of the two headlining bouts.
Where: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas
When: Saturday, Dec. 28, at 10 p.m. EST
Watch: Pay-per-view
Live Stream: UFC.com
Chris Weidman (10-0) vs. Anderson Silva (33-5)
Weidman won the UFC Middleweight Championship from Silva in July to end the longest title reign in the history of the company. The victory came as a shock, but it was the manner in which it happened that was most stunning.
Silva was caught taunting, and Weidman made him pay with a KO.
Saturday’s rematch is what MMA fans dream about. Silva is one of the most dangerous men in the world, and the fire under him has been re-lit. He will challenge one of the brightest rising stars in the sport for the championship he feels he should have never lost.
The stakes are as high as they can get.
While Weidman deserves immense credit for seeing through the mental games of Silva and fighting his game plan regardless of what happens, the No. 1 contender is the better all-around competitor in the sport and has the distinct experience advantage.
Silva will avenge his loss and take back his belt.
Predicted Winner: Silva via TKO
Ronda Rousey (7-0) vs. Miesha Tate (13-4)
Women’s champion Ronda Rousey is the most dangerous woman in the world right now. With seven career victories coming via seven armbar submissions, there are few in the division who think they can stand toe-to-toe with the titleholder.
Miesha Tate believes she can win, though.
Tate and Rousey have had a bitter war of words on The Ultimate Fighter season 18 as the dueling coaches, and the culminating battle at UFC 168 will result in fierce in-ring display of the true animosity between the two combatants.
While Tate has fought well over the course of her career, using her wrestling skills to her advantage, Rousey’s previous victory in the duo’s first bout in March of 2012 proved she is the superior fighter.
Add in her Olympic-caliber judo prowess, and there is no question that the champion has the technical advantage.
Rousey’s desire and ability to finish the fight early will result in first-round submission.
Predicted Winner: Rousey via Submission
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