On Saturday night from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Chris Weidman will attempt to validate his spot at the top of the UFC’s middleweight division at UFC 168. He already knocked out Anderson “The Spider” Silva in their first meeting at UFC 162 in July.
However, Silva was clowning, and his lack of seriousness cost him. That’s not Weidman’s fault, but to some degree, the former champ’s tactics have cast a cloud over the American’s accomplishment.
This fight will end in a knockout and win one of the three fight night bonuses for the event. Here’s a look at the fights that will earn four fighters some extra cash.
KO of the Night: Uriah Hall
Though he hasn’t shown it yet in official UFC competition, Uriah Hall is a devastating striker. His explosive ability was on full display during The Ultimate Fighter 17.
Pitting Hall against a straight-ahead, no-defense fighter like Chris Leben is the perfect setup for the 29-year-old to shine. Leben is 33 years old, but he is likely much older in the Octagon because of the wars and beatings he’s experienced over the course of his career.
It seems inevitable that this one ends with a quick and hard head kick from Hall.
Submission of the Night: Ronda Rousey
Miesha Tate can work on her takedown defense until her heart desires, but it’s almost impossible for her to counter the huge edge in grappling experience that Ronda Rousey holds over her—and every other woman at 135 pounds.
Tate has stopped just 20 percent of the takedowns attempted against her, per Fight Metric.
To put it plainly, if she can’t stop Rousey from taking her down, she won’t be able to keep her arm out of the champion’s clutches. Rousey will retain her UFC women’s bantamweight title and take home her first Submission of the Night honor.
Fight of the Night: Anderson Silva vs. Chris Weidman
Anderson Silva is going to regain his title by way of TKO/KO. That said, Weidman will probably have his moments as he attempts to take Silva to the mat.
The Spider should be ready for this strategy as it is still the most common method of attack against him. Once Silva has staved off Weidman’s aggression in the first round, look for a well-placed knee or kick to send the champion down.
Silva will finish him to win an exciting fight and set up a rubber match.
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