UFC 101 Picks
UFC 101 Picks
UFC 101 features two of the best pound for pound Mixed Martial Arts fighters in the world today, BJ Penn and Anderson Silva. In fact, Anderson Silva may very well be the best MMA fighter in the world today. Both of these combatants have taken tough matches for this event with Penn facing the second best fighter in the Lightweight division, Kenny Florian; and, Silva moving up from Middleweight to face the former Light Heavyweight Champion, Forrest Griffin.
Silva Griffin
Striking X
Submissions X
Ground & Pound X
Forrest Griffin has proven his abilities to beat the best light heavyweights in the world with decisive victories over Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua, and Quentin Jackson for the Light Heavyweight Championship. Rua was considered the best light heavyweight in the world prior to his loss to Griffin. Griffin victories over both men had a similiar theme, he took them to the ground, kept them there, and pounded on them. Will this stategy result in a victory over Anderson Silva? Part of the effectiveness of this strategy is that Griffen is a huge light heavyweight. If I were Griffin's trainer for the Silva bout, I would prepare Griffin to use this same stategy of ground and pound against Silva, who normally fights at a lower weight class. Silva is a big middleweight, but he is not accustomed to fighting opponents with both the size and skill of Forrest.
Silva's best approach is to keep the fight up on the feet. While Griffin has good striking skills, Silva's are probably the best in MMA. Just ask Rich Franklin. Also, as demonstated by knockout losses to Keith Jardine and Rashad Evans, Forrest is susceptible to being knocked out and he has not been difficult to hit.
MMA Sizzle Prediction: Silva by Round 1 KO. Will be a fast, but great fight!
Penn Florian
Striking X
Submissions X
Ground & Pound - -
BJ Penn is one of the most talented fighters in MMA and probably the third most well rounded fighter behind Anderson Silva and George St. Pierre. Penn has superior skills to Florian in Striking and Submissions, and is probably even in wrestling and ground and pound area. Penn has demonstrated fast and effective hands in his picking apart of Sean Sherk and Matt Hughes. Penn biggest weakness is that he does not appear to take all of his training seriously as we seen in his last bout with George St. Pierre. Penn's most dangerous in the Lightweight division is himself. Florian on the other hand is a very dedicated MMA fighter that comes into every fight prepared and in top condition. If Penn does not take this fight seriously, it could end up like his last fight with George St. Pierre, a disappointing loss.
MMA Sizzle Prediction: Penn by TKO in round 4. Florian is tough and game, but Penn will overwhelm him with talent.
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