These “Quick Breaks” are short breakdowns of upcoming fights. In a summed-up focus of strengths, weaknesses and variables, this will analyze what could happen in the fight and end with this writer’s prediction.
Now that the UFC is done with its latest Fuel installment, the promotion will now turn to FOX’s other branch and put on its fifth event on FX.
Headlining this card is a heavyweight showdown that will hopefully put one of these fighters back into the top mix of contenders.
In the blue corner you have Antonio Silva. “Bigfoot” has made a name for himself in Strikeforce defeating the likes of Andrei Arlovski and Fedor Emelianenko, but he has come up short recently. His is currently 16-4 and on a two-fight losing streak, the last of which he took a bloody beating at the hands Cain Velasquez. It was a harsh welcome into the UFC and puts him in a dire position with the company.
In the red corner you have Travis Browne. Browne may not be taking out big names like Fedor, but he is undefeated and on a 13-fight winning streak, if you don’t count his draw with Cheick Kongo. Regardless, he still is on at least a three-fight win streak anyway you look at it. He is not as marketed as other heavyweights, but a win over Silva would do wonders for his career and his time in the limelight.
The standup will be the deciding factor, even though both men are versed on the ground. Both men tend to rely on their hands to win their fights, and both are heavy hitters. This is a fight that many MMA fans like to see: two big guys with power in their hands providing a fight where the potential for a KO or a beating is high.
If Browne can use his stature to avoid the ground, he has the advantage on the feet. Silva may have a reach advantage on him, but his weight, cardio and chin will be tested by Browne. Based on the skills of each fighter, Silva does have a much better chance on the ground, but every fight starts standing. Browne may very well hand Silva his third loss in a row, and a possible pink slip from the UFC brass.
Prediction: Travis Browne wins via TKO/KO in the first round.
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