The card for UFC 97 is stacked! Anytime a card includes Anderson Silva AND Chuck Liddell, you can pretty much guarantee that I'm there. Here's the way I see most of the fights going down.
These aren't all the fights but they are the fights I feel like I can make some kind of prediction on the outcome. I went 4-5 at the last UFC event so maybe I'm starting to get on a roll.
Reason: Silva's last "win" against Patrick Cote has been mocked, his performance derided. I believe Anderson Silva wants to silence his critics and stand alone as the best fighter in the world. He can do that by knocking Leites out in convincing fashion.
Reason: The Iceman knows how important this fight is, I think he's going to demonstrate more of his skills aside from his scary striking and, when the moment is right, is going to knock Rua out cold. At least I hope so.
Reason: Hardonk is excellent at the submission game but he takes a beating getting there. Kongo can dish out a serious beating in a short period of time.
Reason: I don't know Cantwell or Cane too well but I've done a little reading and the odds makers are going with Cane so that makes sense to me.
Reason: Since these two are both jiu-jitsu stars, this might turn into a war on the feet. In which case, the edge goes to Marshall as he's got the reach and Magalhaes doesn't particularly enjoy getting punched in the face since he's so purty.
Reason: I like both these fighters but think Nate Quarry's got a better game including some really devastating striking.
Reason: Both are fighting to stay in the UFC. I just see Loiseau wanting it more. Plus, I tend to think Ed Herman's a douchebag.
Reason: This fight could go either way, Stout is better on his feet but Wiman's a pretty game fighter and is better on the ground. I think Wiman may have the overall edge and squeak out a victory.