UFc 148 is features one of the most anticipated rematches in UFC history. Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen will face off once again for the Middleweight Title. This card also features 2 other UFC legends, and some up and coming fighters. It has all the makings to be the best card of the year. It is also the main feature of the first ever International Fight Week. It takes place this Saturday July 7th. The prelims start at 8 p.m. ET on FX and the main card starts at 10 p.m. ET on PPV and features 6 fights.
Anderson Silva (Champion) vs Chael Sonnen
2 years after these two last fought they are ready to do it again. In the last fight Chael dominated the fight for 4 and half rounds. He did what no other fighter has been able to do in the UFC. He made Anderson Silva uncomfortable and came oh so close to winning. Anderson Silva has defended his title a record 9 times and has never lost in the UFC. You could pick either fighter and no one would think you are crazy. I think Chael does the same thing he did last time.
Winner – Chael Sonnen
Forrest Griffin vs Tito Ortiz
2 UFC legends go to battle for the third time in their careers. Each has one a split decision. This is also a big fight because Tito Ortiz has announced his retirement, he is also going to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame earlier in the day. This is a tough fight because both men can stand their and trade punches and both are good on the ground. Tito has a better ground game, but Forrest’s jiu jitsu is underrated. I think the deciding factor will be the amount of kicks that Forrest will throw.
Winner – Forrest Griffen
Cung Le vs Patrick Cote
Both men are strikers and on any other card this would be my pick for Fight of the Night. Cote likes to get in close and punch while in the pocket. Le likes to create distance and strike from different angles. Cung Le’s ability to create distance and strike from range will give Patrick Cote problems.
Winner – Cung Le
Dong Hyum Kim vs Demian Maia
Demian Maia will be making his welterweight debut after fighting at middleweight. Maia is a phenomenal Brazilian Jiu Jitsu artist. Both fighters will be looking to take this fight to the ground and fight for position to get a submission from there. The biggest question will be is how hard is the weight cut for Maia. He wasn’t a small middleweight, so I think it will be a hard weight cut and will take it’s toll on his body.
Winner – Dong Hyum Kim
Chad Mendes vs Cody McKenzie
Chad Mendes is looking to get back on track after losing his last fight to Jose Aldo. Mendes will look to use his wrestling and speed to keep Cody McKenzie from locking in his guillotine choke that he has become famous for. I don’t see Mendes giving McKenzie the opening to go for a guillotine choke, but I wouldn’t put it past McKenzie to try to pull something crazy and go for the choke from any position in the cage.
Winner – Chad Mendes
Ivan Menjiver vs Mike Easton
Mike Easton has so much potential and this could be the time that everything clicks and we finally get to see the real Mike Easton. Ivan Menjiver is a tough match-up. Both fighters enjoy the stand up aspect of MMA and this fight should stay off the ground. I think whoever wins this fight has a chance of moving into the top 10 in the bantamweight class in the UFC. With Menjiver’s experience it is hard to pick against a him. But with Easton looking to continue his winning streak I will.
Winner – Mike Easton
