Must Watch: UFC 148 - Silva vs. Sonnen + Betting Odds

I haven't been as excited for an upcoming UFC pay-per-view in a long time. UFC 148 has two marquee rematches with the second fight between UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva  vs. Chael Sonnen and a rubber match between Tito Ortiz and Forrest Griffin.

Silva and Sonnen have both been vocal about the punishment they want to give out during their fight. Silva said that he wants to break every bone in Sonnen's body and make him swallow his teeth. Sonnen has been his usual self and quick to make a snarky comeback. The fight is sure to be a bloodbath and possibly 2012's fight of the year.

I preview the the fight card for UFC 148 and the current betting odds for each fight. I'll breakdown which underdogs will impress and which fighters stand no chance of losing. It will be a fun one.

Main Card Pay-Per-View

Anderson Silva (-300) vs. Chael Sonnen (+240) - Middleweight
This fight will be ridiculously entertaining. The last fight was decided on a dumb mistake by Sonnen and if he finds himself ahead in the cards by the fourth round, he should probably retreat and stay on his feet...but that isn't Sonnen's style. Sonnen's last five losses have all been via submission. Silva has something to prove and will only be happy if he completely dominates Sonnen. I love Sonnen's style and I would love to see him win, but Silva has the edge in overall skill. A Sonnen win would be great for the UFC, because you have an English-speaking fighter who stirs the pot. If you're betting, a Silva bet doesn't carry much value and a wager on Sonnen has an outside shot of paying off. I would hold off until a few hours before the fight if you were to wager. The sharps may drive the price one way of another.
Projected Winner: Anderson Silva

Forrest Griffin (-400) vs. Tito Ortiz (+300) - Light Heavyweight
In 2006, the first time these two squared off, it received the 'Fight of the Year' accolade. Ortiz won a controversial decision, but Griffin earned the respect of the hardcore MMA fan. The two faced each other in 2009 when Griffin filled in for an injured Mark Coleman. Griffin evened up the series with a split decision. This third and final meeting between the two will also be Ortiz's final fight in the UFC. He is 1-6-1 in his last eight fights. It should be an entertaining fight, but Griffin's got this one.
Projected Winner: Forrest Griffin

Cung Le (+160) vs. Patrick Cote (-200) - Middleweight
You have a fight between two guys who haven't had much recent success in the UFC. Le is coming off a loss to Wanderlei Silva and Cote has lost his last three UFC fights (although has won his last four non-UFC MMA fights). Cote should be coming into UFC 148 with his confidence up, but he didn't face elite talent. Le has a better stand-up than Cote and will be able to land some powerful kicks. Le will bounce back and win this contest via TKO...and great value bet.
Projected Winner: Cung Le

Dong Hyun Kim (-155) vs. Demian Maia (+125) - Welterweight
You have a fighter who is moving down a weight class (Maia) and a fighter whose power at welterweight cannot be overlooked (DHK). Maia will need to focus on submissions if he wants to come out of this fight with a victory. His last eight fights have all went the distance, but he is 4-4 in those contests. He hasn't won via submission since February of 2009. DHK is a powerful fighter and wins with his stand-up. I don't usually like fighters who move down a weight class, but Maia has a tough chin. DHK is an aggressive fighter and that could leave him vulnerable to submissions. I am hoping that Maia's next fight will be the long awaited bout against Michael Bisping.
Projected Winner: Demian Maia

Chad Mendes (-625) vs. Cody McKenzie (+425) - Featherweight
For those who watch the WWE and are not knowledgeable of the UFC, this will be like Ryback facing a local jobber. Mendes is on a completely different level than McKenzie. I don't mean to completely slight McKenzie, but Mendes' wrestling ability is beyond elite. I don't look for this fight to go past the first round. There isn't much money to be made with this fight, but it will be over in no time.
Projected Winner: Chad Mendes

Ivan Menjivar (-115) vs. Mike Easton (-115) - Bantamweight
This fight is as unpredictable as they come. I can vision very plausible scenarios where either fighter could dominate if the other makes a small mistake. I love Easton's striking ability and his overall defense is better than Menjivar. Menjivar is 'good' at a lot of things, but Easton's power will be hard to overcome. This will be Easton's first appearance on the UFC PPV main card, he'll be jacked.
Projected Winner: Mike Easton

Preliminary Card on FX

Gleison Tibau (-200) vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov (+160) - Lightweight
Nurmagomedov comes into this fight with a 17-0 MMA record. The perfect record can be deceiving since most of his fights were in ProFC. He's had only one UFC fight in which he defeated Kamal Shalorus via rear-naked choke in January. Tibau has faced must stiffer competition and is justly favored in this fight. Don't get caught up on Nurmagomedov's perfect record.
Projected Winner: Gleison Tibau

Melvin Guillard (-260) vs. Fabricio Camoes (+200) - Lightweight
Guillard needs to get his confidence back and a fight against Camoes could be what the doctor ordered. Guillard has lost his last two fights in the first round and Camoes has struggled to stay in the UFC. The UFC needs Guillard to regain his past form. He will maintain his popularity in the lightweight division if he can string a few fights together. He will need to avoid getting caught in a submission, but I see Guillard walking out of UFC 148 with the win.
Projected Winner: Melvin Guillard

Constantinos Philippou (-200) vs. Riki Fukuda (+160) - Middleweight
This is the lone middleweight fight in the prelims and it's could be a long one. Philippou (boxing) and Fukuda (wrestling) have two different styles. I think this one will go the distance with Fukuda trying to shoot and Philippou trying to keep the fight on their feet. Fukuda seriously injured his knee in a car accident a year ago, but it didn't seem to bother him when he defeated Steve Cantwell earlier this year. It is still a question mark and Philippou will test the knee by making Fukuda fight on his feet.
Projected Winner: Constantinos Philippou

Shane Roller (-185) vs. John Alessio (+155) - Lightweight
I kind of hate this fight. Roller is on a major losing streak and is looking to put it to rest. I respect Alessio for being in the game for twenty years, but he hasn't impressed me since I've been an MMA fan. The loser could find himself outside of the UFC. This fight will be on the ground and Alessio's experience could pay off. I think it's a coin flip, but I'll take Roller because he doesn't have as many miles on his body.
Projected Winner: Shane Roller

Preliminary Card on Facebook

Yoislandy Izquierdo ( -185) vs. Rafaello Oliveira (+155) - Lightweight

This fight can be seen streaming on Facebook (not live streaming video of UFC 148 on an illegal feed...we frown upon that, you guys). You have Oliveira, who has lost his last two fights...versus Izquierdo, who lost to Reza Madadi in his UFC debut earlier this year. Izquierdo is expected to have success in the UFC, but will need to avoid Oliveira's submissions if he wants to win the fight. There's a lot riding on this fight for both fighters, but I'll give the edge to Izquierdo because of his well-rounded offense.
Projected Winner: Yoislandy Izquierdo

I'll leave you with an amazing video of some of Chael Sonnen's best quotes of all-time

The betting information was from Sportsbook.com as of 4pm on Thursday, July 5th 2012. The information is for entertainment purposes only.

UFC 147: Silva vs. Franklin II - Final Results

UFC 147 was supposed to be a clash of the titans, but Chael Sonnen vs. Anderson Silva II couldn't happen. The fight was supposed to take place at a soccer stadium in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

The second attempt at a mega main event card was to pair Vitor Belfort against Anderson Silva, but Belfort went down with an injury. That fight was going to be held at 60,000 seat Joao Havelange Stadium in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

The third and final attempt at a big main event put Wanderlei Silva against Rick Franklin for the second time. It wasn't the marquee fight the UFC wanted, but both of these veterans are fighting for their careers. It will be tough for the loser of this fight to keep going.

Here are the live results for UFC 147: Silva vs. Franklin II...

Felipe Arantes vs. Melton Vieira
This featherweight bout was action packed. A lot of offense with a lot of clean blocks. Vieira narrowly missed being put in an armbar in the first and won the round. In the second round, Vieira landed a spinning kick and Arantes looked hurt; the round is tough to call. The third round had a lot of offense with Vieira being the agressor. Arantes countered his offense and easily won the third round. Felipe Arantes and Milton Vieira fight to a split draw (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)


Marcos Vinicius "Vina" vs. Wagner "Galeto" Campos
Each fighter came out looking to end the fight early. Campos nearly hooked an arm-triangle choke, but Vinicius escaped. Campos appeared to win the opening round. Campos once against nearly had a submission hold (kimura), but he escaped. The second round was slow with each trying to just gain control and clearly physically spent from exurting a lot of energy in the first round. I would give Campos the second round, because he had the most control and offense. The third round started out with a front kick that landed  on the chin of Campos. Vinicius continued with a knee and pinned Campos against the cage. Herb Dean stopped the fight. Marcos Cinicius def. Wagner Campos via TKO - Round 3.


Thiago "Bodao" Perpetuo vs. Leonardo "Macarrao" Mafra
This is the first fight on FX tonight. Perpetuo and Mafra exchange early blows. Perpetuo is trying to work the body, but Mafra is countering. Mafra landed multiple combinations and wins the first round.  Perpetuo dominates the second round by having control throughout the round. Mafra didn't look good at all throughout the second. Perpetuo won the second and started the third with a big hook...Mafra never recovered. Thiago Perpetuo def. Leonardo Mafra via TKO (punches) - Round 3.


John "Macapa" Teixeira vs. Hugo "Wolverine" Viana
This is a catchweight fight with each fight coming in around 150 pounds. Viana lands a few big rights early on, but Teixeira is well enough to exchange a furry of punches. The first round was pretty even, but I'd give the edge to Viana. The second round was slow and spent mostly on the mat. Teixeira had the most offense that round. Teixeira and Viana are both tired going into the third and Teixeira takes the fight to the mat. Viana keeps getting back up. I would give the third round to Viana just because he showed preserverance. Hugo Viana def. John Teixeira via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)


Francisco "Massaranduba" Drinaldo vs. Delson "Pe De Chumbo" Heleno
Here's Herb Dean again to referee this middleweight contest. Drinaldo had control of this fight the entire time. Heleno looks like he bit off more than he can chew. Drinaldo gets Heleno to the mat and nails him with a batch of hammerfists. Heleno couldn't get up and Dean calls the fight. Francisco Drinaldo def. Delson Heleno via TKO (punches) - Round 1.


Rodrigo Damm vs. Anistavio "Gasparzinho" Medeiros
Medeiros and Damm exchange punches, but neither of them do any damage early. Medeiros misses a leaping knee and Damm gets back control on the mat. It took a few seconds, but Damm gets his rear-naked choke in and Medeiros taps. Rodrigo Damm def. Anistavio Medeiros via submission (rear-naked choke) - Round 1.


Yuri Alcantara vs. Hacran Dias
This is the first fight of the pay-per-view. Dias is on the offense with Alcantara scrambling. Dias looks like the better fighter early on. He landed big knees and controls Alcantara's back.  Dias locks in a kimura in a late, but Alcantara is saved by the bell. I would give the first round to Dias. The secound round is more like the first, but with Dias having control throughout the second round. Dias keeps rolling and coasts in the third and this contest goes the distance, but with Dias looking dominant. Hacran Dias def. Yuri Alcantara via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27).


Mike Russow vs. Fabricio Werdum
This heavyweight fight will definitely be a good one. Werdum starts off with blows to Russow's face. His face is as red as a cherry. Russow already looks done and then Werdum lands an uppercut that sends Russow to the mat. Werdum continues with rapid-fire punches and the match is called. Fabricio Werdum def. Mike Russow via TKO (punches) - Round 1.


Rony "Jason" Mariano Bezerra vs. Godofredo "Pepey" De Oliveira
This is the featherweight final of the Ultimate Fighter. The first round was used to feel each other out. Jason scored an early takedown, but Pepey reversed it and controlled most of the first round. I would score the first round for Pepey. The second round was used to catch their breath, but Jason landed a leaping left and barely won the second round. The third round was ugly, but Jason had control after Pepey was clipped by a knee early in the round. There were attempts at submission holds, but none of them were ever hooked. I would give the third round to Jason, but it was pretty even. Rony Mariano Bezerra def. Godofredo De Oliveira via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)


Cezar "Mutante" Ferreira vs. Sergio "Serginho" Moraes
This fight is for the Ultimate Fighter Middleweight winner. This fight had its fair share of low blows and eye pokes. The first round was sloppy, but Ferreira wins the round, even with a blatant low-blow. The second round has more weirdness with unsportsmanlike conduct. The crowd is confused at who to root for, since the fight is so dirty. The third round is fairly even with each fighter having their moments. When the bell rings, they want to fight some more. Each fighter climbs the cage thinking they have won this decision. This could be the fight of the night. Cezar Ferreira def. Sergio Moraes via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27).


Wanderlei Silva vs. Rich Franklin
The crowd went crazy when Silva makes his way to the octagon. This is the first time he has fought in his home country (Brazil) in twelve years. He is looking to avenge his loss to Franklin in Germany a few years ago. The first round was even, but Silva did connect with a high leg kick to the left side of Franklin's face. I would give the first round to Silva. The second round started out very slow. Franklin connected with a hard kick to the body, but Silva connected with a huge leg and followed it by a barrage of punches. The referee did not stop the fight and Franklin survived the second round...barely. In the third round, Silva expends a lot of energy and looks gassed. Franklin connects with a leg and gains half-guard. Franklin drops a lot of elbows and win the third round. The fourth round was uneventful until Silva connected with a brutal low kick with a minute left in the fourth (don't YouTube or stream this video, it will make your stomach hurt). I would give this round to Franklin, barely. These fighters are saving it all for the fifth round. The fighters waste most of the round saving energy. Silva lands with a few big rights and the last 25 seconds were a tornado. Franklin got a lot of blows in and even landed a straight as the final bell rang that sent Silva to one knee. This fight will be close in the cards. Rich "Ace" Franklin def. Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46).