UFC 126 Preview: SB Nation Breaks Down The Main Fight Card

This fight should be interesting as Silva is fighting someone who is extremely dangerous in every facet. Belfort’s moniker as ‘the Phenom’ has endeared him to diehards who remember his record-breaking knockouts, but people need to remember how strong a top game jiu jitsu player he still is. I wouldn’t be surprised if he takes a page out of Chael Sonnen’s book and tries to keep Silva working off his back for five rounds. If Sonnen can make Silva look as bad as he did with that strategy, Belfort can, too.

Silva takes this fight if he can keep it standing. If he can stifle takedowns for the first three rounds, he can open up a bit more in rounds four and five. He needs to keep Vitor moving and exchanging, tiring him out. Belfort tweeted fans yesterday that he cut 30 pounds for this fight, so Silva is really going to work on keeping him from resting in his guard. I know Belfort has the power to end this fight with one punch, but I just don’t see him being able to land clean on Silva. Anderson better be on his game, though.

My pick: Ellenberger

I think he should look better prepared for this fight. Not to sound too negative regarding Jones’ past opponents, but none of them have been world beaters. I don’t believe Jones will be able to buzzsaw someone like Ryan Bader. This fight is going to be closer than many people are forecasting. Bader has the power to end this fight with one punch, something Jones had better be cognizant of the entire time he’s in the octagon.

My pick: Bader

Torres is probably the more talented of the two, but Banuelos is more blue collar. Antonio doesn’t win pretty fights and his brawling and grinding style make him work for everything. The 5’9 Torres will enjoy a sizable reach advantage over Banuelos, who, at only 5’3, is going to have to close the gap to get his shots in. Torres will want to keep this fight standing, but he’s going to need to be on point with his leg kicks. If Torres can use them effectively to keep his distance — along with a stiff jab — and avoid being taken down he should win this fight. Banuelos wants to get inside and take Torres to the ground. If Torres gets lazy with his kicks and allows his opponent to catch one, that’s exactly where he will end up.