UFC 153 ‘Silva vs. Bonnar’ Preview

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Welterweights

Jon Fitch (23-4-1, 13-2-1 UFC) vs. Erick Silva (14-2, 2-1 UFC)

The Matchup: What makes MMA so enjoyable is the potential for significant contrasts in styles, which is what we have with the pairing of Silva, one of the welterweight division’s most tantalizing prospects, and Fitch, an established member of the old guard. The Brazilian has aggressive standup, slick submission skills and a penchant for finishing. The American is a grinding wrestler with a much-bemoaned tendency to go the distance. In short, while the presence of Fitch on a fight card does not always get the blood pumping, he is the perfect counter for an opponent as explosive as Silva.

At UFC 141, a left hook from Johny Hendricks handed Fitch his first knockout loss since 2002, when Wilson Gouveia stopped the American Kickboxing Academy product in the opening frame at a regional event. Seeing the usually durable Fitch crumple to the canvas in just 12 seconds in December was certainly shocking, but considering the gap between knockout defeats, it hardly represents a trend. While the former Purdue Boilermaker is 34 years old and has struggled with injury issues the past couple years, there is nothing to suggest that Fitch’s chin is suddenly questionable.

All three of Silva’s Octagon appearances have been abbreviated affairs, but he will have to be prepared for a drawn-out battle against Fitch, as the chances of a Hendricks-esque stoppage are slim. Of his three UFC bouts, his June meeting with the wrestling-based Charlie Brenneman probably best prepared Silva for Fitch. The Team Nogueira member was twice able to return to his feet following takedowns from “The Spaniard,” and, after sprawling successfully on Brenneman’s final attempt, Silva took his opponent’s back for the fight-ending choke.

While the recently released Brenneman is known for his relentless pursuit of takedowns, he simply is not on the level of Fitch, who is an expert at forcing clinches and grinding his foes down from there. While not aesthetically pleasing, Fitch’s ability to stick to Silva will go a long way in determining how much offense the young Brazilian can unleash. Fitch understands how to use his striking to close distance, and once he gets top control, he stays busy with elbows, punches and hammerfists.

A black belt in both Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo, Silva has the skills necessary to combat a Fitch grinder, but he would be much better served to sprawl and keep the action standing. Of course, doing this consistently will tax anyone’s cardio, and Fitch rarely allows an opponent an opportunity to catch his breath.

The Pick: Expect some boos from the partisan Brazilian crowd as Fitch attempts to implement his game plan. While this certainly will not deter the former title challenger, it will be interesting to see if it affects referee restarts. In any event, Fitch will neutralize Silva for most of the bout before claiming a decision victory.

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