Chuck Liddell vs. Wanderlei Silva

This is going to be a war! Mixed Martial Arts fans have been salivating over this matchup for years. Tomorrow night, two of the most devastating strikers square off in UFC 79 Nemesis, which is arguably the best fight card overall in the UFC’s fourteen year history.

Chuck is a great counter puncher. He loves to lure his opponents toward him, wait for a mistake, then go in for the kill. I’ve watched it time and time again. Silva on the other hand moves like the wind. He is explosive and is always on the attack.

What does Chuck need to do? Wait for the moment to strike and get it done in the early rounds. I think Silva is better conditioned than Chuck, and if Chuck waits too long Silva will get the TKO. Silva is relentless and will attack Chuck with reckless abandon. This will allow Chuck several opportunities to counter and connect with his “fabled” right hook.

What does Silva need to do? Keep on the attack and stay away from that right hand. Silva’s speed and agility are much better than Chuck’s, and if he can keep the attack going I believe Chuck will tire in the later rounds and Silva can get the TKO. He needs to stay off the cage and control the octagon.

I really don’t see this fight going the distance. Someone is going to slip up and it boils down to who makes the fewer mistakes. I’m sure each fighter is anxious to prove they are better than the other, but whomever comes in calm and collected will get this win. Both of these fighters desperately need a “W” after back to back losses, so this fight is perhaps the biggest of their phenomenal careers.

My personal prediction? I going with Wanderlei by TKO. I’ve never liked Chuck and have always been a fan of Wanderlei and his aggressive style in the ring. I’m rooting for the Axe Murderer to bring the heat and put a end to the argument about who’s the greatest striker in the light heavyweight division.

OT: Check out this topic on shoyoroll regarding this epic battle.