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| Photo from UFC.com |
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The Fight: Alexander Gustafsson vs Thiago Silva
This fight is the first back for Silva who was suspended a year, after testing positive for PED's after his fight with Brandon Vera at UFC 125. During his time off Silva said "he let his back heal up (herniated discs) and improved his lifestyle" in an interview with UFC.com. Meanwhile rising star Alexander Gustafsson has done nothing but win and impress the fans. Both fighters are well versed in BJJ with Silva holding a black belt and Gustafsson holding a purple belt. This fight has been one of the more hyped 205lb fights (in the shadow of next weeks super fight between Jones and Evans) and I do believe it will live up to the hype. This is a huge fight and don't be surprised if Dan Henderson gets the shot at Junior Dos Santos that the winner of this fight is in contention for a shot at the winner of Jones vs Evans.
video from UFC.com, ziahTaMHS (youtube user)
Alexander Gustafsson (13-1 overall 5-1 in the UFC) fights out of Stockholm Shoot and Alliance MMA. He is very well known for his stand-up game as he ended seven of his first nine by KO or TKO. Lately he has been working on his submission and ground game, finishing two of his last four fight via rear naked choke. His only loss came to Phil Davis at UFC 112 where he got caught in an anaconda choke at the end of the first round. Since then he has finished his last four fights (2 submission 2 TKO due to punches). Being a a division which many regard as one of the best in the UFC, Gustafsson's name keeps popping up as a rising star. During the UFC 145 conference call Jon Jones was asked about Alexander, he replied "he looks really good, nice hands, strong and exciting". This is just a testament to the hard work that he puts in and the fights he delivers. As the crowd always wants to see a fight finished Alexander does just that, only going to the judges once in his thirteen pro fights. A win over the well know octagon viper Thiago Silva could propel Gustafsson right into the top seven of the LHW division.
Video from UFC.com and Spiketv.com
Thaigo Silva (14-2 overall 5-2 1nc in the UFC) fights out of American Top Team and there is nothing else to say about this guy but that he is a savage. A very humble and quite man outside of the cage, when those doors close it all changes. He is always in the conversation about top five fights in the LHW division. His game is constantly evolving, he is a black belt in BJJ but is know for his vicious striking and ability to finish the fight no matter who is standing across the cage. His only losses come at the hands of former champions (and current number one contender) Rashad Evans and Lyoto Machida. He is the former Fury FC (Brazil) Grand Prix Champion where he finished each fight in the first round. He defines controlled aggression in the cage and the moment an opening presents itself its over. In the interview with UFC.com (he finally learned English!!) you could see in Silva's demeanor that he wants back in the cage and get back to winning. He is coming off of a win that was reversed due to the failed drug test and the decision loss to Rashad Evans at UFC 108. It will be very interesting to see what a year off has done to the game of Silva and just how he reacts to being back in the cage vs a very tough opponent.
Prediction: I have been going back and fourth all week on this fight watching film, talking to fighters and just seeing who is better at what. Then I watched the Thiago Silva vs Keith Jardine fight. Jardine's skills and attack methods remind me a lot of Alexander, very good stand up and attacks the head. Thiago Silva absolutely destroyed him. That was a fight many though Jardine would win. To me this fight reminds me a lot of this and I believe it will end the same way. While Alexander is 4 inches taller his reach is only 1.5inches longer and that gives Silva room to move in a punish him.
I am taking Silva by way of knockout. He will bob and weave his way in and counter all day. If it goes to the ground watch for it to end quick. If it ends in the first round it gets KO of the Night if later it will get Ko and Fight of the Night. This will be a war!!!!!
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*Erik Johnson is a writer for mmacagechatter.com. He views and predictions do not reflect those of mmacagechatter.com
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