OT - UFC 148 Silva/Sonnen

Submitted by clarkiefromcanada on

On the eve of the "biggest fight of the year" of the moment perhaps some discussion on where the blogosphere sees this going tomorrow night. The matchup is interesting and the subplots varied: Muay Thai/BJJ/Striking (Silva) vs. Good ol' American Wrestling (Sonnen); Silva's ego vs. Sonnen's mouth. 

Current betting odds

Silva -280

Sonnen +255

I expect to see a lot of late money to come in on Sonnen such that the +255, presently, represents a reasonable value.

Prediction: Day before the fight...I'll take Sonnen via decision perceiving that he closes the distance, continues to enjoy success in takedowns and grinds out five rounds. 

Hoping for the intelligent mma discussion versus the Sherdog fighter nut hugging/screaming...

Never

July 6th, 2012 at 10:23 PM ^

Both's weaknesses I believe are the other's strengths - Sonnen's submission defense (duh) and Silva's problems vs. wrestlers. What did surprise me was the striking success that Sonnen had vs Silva, considering Silva is one of the most feared strikers in all of MMA.

I *want* to believe that Silva has adequately prepared to counter that same tactic (and I definitely am assuming that Sonnen will try the same thing; hell, it worked for 4 3/4 rounds). Yet...precisely how much did SIlva's injury affect him and how much did Sonnen's, ahm, testosterone replacement therapy affect HIM?

As usual, I want to see an exciting match. But definitely pulling for Silva FTW.

 

theyellowdart

July 6th, 2012 at 10:25 PM ^

 

I'm one of those types that buy into the thought that Silva was pretty injured going into their last fight which was the prime reason that Silva flat out got beat up.  At the end of the day I really think that Silva is a far better fighter than Sonnen.   I think that Sonnen looked pretty flat against Bisping (I personally had Bisping winning that one, but understood why Sonnen took the decision.)   I'm also still wary about sonnen's submission defense... as Silva's camp kept saying on the preview show... he did get beat up, and he still won the fight.  In a 25 minute fight it's pretty easy to imagine a scenario where Sonnen's focus slips for a few seconds again.

 

 So... for the fight I really do think that Silva will win.   However it's pretty tough to pass up a +255 line on sonnen.   Not to mention... I'm one of those idiots that kinda like Sonnen's act.... and I also wouldn't mind seeing Silva finally lose.

I Bleed Maize N Blue

July 6th, 2012 at 10:29 PM ^

I thought Sonnen would have won the previous fight if he had kept it standing.  Instead he stayed with the ground and pound and ultimately got caught.  So I think Sonnen on the feet, Silva on the ground.

ILMichFan70

July 6th, 2012 at 10:40 PM ^

Really can't stand Sonnen and his comments about Silva and the Brazaillan people. I really really hope Silva wins tomorrow. His comments in the press conference were very offensive and appalling. Silva all the way!

Fhshockey112002

July 6th, 2012 at 10:46 PM ^

Huge Chael Sonnen fan, if people actually take the pre-fight hype serious you are simple minded.  Additionally today Silva Showed his true colors, taking a cheap shot at Sonnen at the weigh ins.  

 

Woodson2daHouse

July 6th, 2012 at 11:00 PM ^

What a bitch move.  I think Sonnen is in Silva's head.  I've never seen another guy take a shoulder to the chin in a weigh-in staredown.  I've seen guys get slapped before, hell, I've seen a guy kiss his opponent but never a shoulder to the chin.  If it wasn't such a big fight I could see him getting suspended, but of course Silva is UFC's crown jewel so he'll just get fined a penny or two.

Thatguy2525

July 7th, 2012 at 10:42 AM ^

It was sort of a cheap shot, but it wasn't like it was hard. It was a love tap. Anyway, Sonnen is in his head. If someone talked shit about your family (wife) and your country wouldn't you be a little more than pissed off. There is hyping a fight up and talking trash and there is personal attacks. This isn't WWE, this is real life combat. I love some trash talk, but the moment you talk shit about my wife or family it's personal.

Darth Wolverine

July 7th, 2012 at 9:38 AM ^

This is going to be awesome. I like both fighters, so I'm just hoping to see a good one.

Super J

July 7th, 2012 at 11:12 AM ^

My friend and his wife used to babysit Chael Sonnen when he was a baby.  I don't thing he would remember them though because he was to young.

clarkiefromcanada

July 7th, 2012 at 11:25 AM ^

Got an early start in life by offending your friend's wife, demanding a snack 'medium rare', fighting with the other kids by taking them to the floor and then laying on them with a boring wrestling style that didn't let them up, didn't advance his position much, didn't do any harm to them and didn't concern the parents too much so they didn't intervene...

Some things never change.