Anderson Silva vs Chris Weidman UFC 162 PREVIEW and PICKS



UFC 162 is 2 weeks out. As Las Vegas readies itself to once again host the GOAT in Anderson Silva, I give my take on this Independence day weekend card and tell you what way to expect the fights to go. 

I can't hide my disappointment with this card. Last year's Independence weekend's event saw the most anticipated fight of all time pitting the unceremonious Chael Sonnen against Anderson Silva for the rematch everyone wanted to see. The undeniable significance of this fight was reflected in the record breaking PPV and gate sales. So what's changed with this years card? For one, the main event is decidedly less interesting this time around. Not wanting to derail the speeding locomotive of the Chris Weidman hype train, but I can't see him posing the same issue to Silva as Chael. While he may be unbeaten in his professional MMA career, I am highly dubious about the roster of fighters he's overcome. The highest ranked fighter Weidman has added to his trophy cabinet is Mark Munoz who now finds himself opening the PPV section of the card - he is yet to face any Top 5 fighter such as Vitor Belfort, Michael Bisping or Okami. Indeed, Weidman finds himself with a title shot in one of the UFC's deepest weight divisions on a relatively simple series of fights. I would have loved to have seen Weidman matched up against Bisping who has for so long slaved for his shot at the big time. The world-class striking, grappling and championship experience will mean that Silva should be able to overwhelm the new comer. Don't be fooled by those decrying that Weidman has a great chance of defeating the champion of 6 years - Silva wins this fight standing or on top or on his back. The bookmakers have put Silva to win at -274 (4/11) which I think presents fairly good value. Perhaps field it as part of your parlay. If you want something more juicy, Silva to win via submission is an astounding +800 (8/1). If Weidman tries to mimic Chael and impose his superior strength and wrestling on Silva, Silva has a great chance of forcing him to tap from his back. 

Anderson Silva's triangle choke/arm bar  combination
The rest of the card...
The rest of the card is relatively uninteresting to me. Surprisingly some of the most exciting fights feature on the undercard, with Edson Barboza and Gabriel Gonzaga being two high profile fighters who find themselves demoted to regular television. How the mighty have fallen. I'm expecting both these guys to get back in the W column after this event. Perhaps consider adding them to a parlay with Silva.

Barboza displays his diverse and devastating striking abilities

Disagree with my thoughts on the card?! Think Weidman can pull off the upset?! Think Barboza is overrated  Let me know through a comment below.


3 comments:

  1. UFC Community Day and culminates with one of the biggest pay-per-view (PPV) cards of the year when the promotion presents UFC 162: Silva vs Weidman live from MGM Grand Garden Arena, which features a championship fight between current UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva against Chris Weidman, on Sat., July 6, 2013.

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