In an incredible atmosphere in their home country the Brazilian representatives did not disappoint the rousing crowd. "Team Brazil" went an impressive 7-1 against foreigners while 3 other bouts had Brazilians facing each other. Perhaps one of the liveliest crowds in UFC history saw 5 of the fights being finished by way of TKO but perhaps surprisingly in the birth place of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu not one fight ended in a submission. The UFC had stated they were "playing it safe" with this event with only 14,000 attendants as they wanted the event to go smoothy, now they have already put the plans in motion for a possible and incredible 100,000 person event which would shatter all their records for attendance.
My Prediction: Silva by TKO 3rd Round
My Rating: $$$1/2
What Happened: Another fight, another win. In typical Silva fashion he seemingly had boredom set in and played with Okami until the finish in the 2nd round. Silva used great head movement ducking and moving out of any Okami attack, near the end of the 1st was Silva in he usual form bobbing and weaving his his hands low and he finished the round with a big head kick that surely surprised and hurt Okami. The 2nd started with Silva really being aggressive with alot of movement and strikes and just as quick he slowed down and dropped his hands to his side only to surprise Okami with an unbelievable jab that sent Okami to the ground. Silva allows Okami to stand up and after it just seemed we were waiting for the end as Silva was again just playing with Okami with his hands low until Silva stings Okami with a right hand that sends him to thethe mat yet again but this time Silva gets on top of Okami and fiinishes the fight with some ground and pound.
Future matchups to make: Yet another fight that just seems Silva sees everything in slow motion. Aside from a possible rematch with Chael Sonnen there honestly isn't anything Silva has to prove in not only the Middleweight division by in MMA in general, unless of course as he said he could face his clone. For Okami he still remains one of the better competitors in the division and matchup against the loser of the Chael Sonnen vs Brian Stann fight could be in order.
My Prediction: Rua by TKO 2nd Round
My Rating: $$$1/2
What Happened: Revenge is sweet for Rua as he was perhaps do to Griffin what most though he should of done the first time around. Shogun was definitely the aggressor in this bout as he came forward to Griffin numerous times and Griffin just didn't seem to have the answer. Shogun eventually floored Griffin and followed up some some ground and pound for the surprisingly easy victory.
Future matchups to make: More re-matches are in Rua's future as Jon Jones, Quinton Jackson or even Lyoto Machida could be in Shogun's future. For Forrest he takes another step back but should still have a top opponent to face in his near future Antonio Rogerio Nogueira or could be options.
Edson Barboza defeated Ross Pearson by Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
My Prediction: Barboza by Decision
My Rating: $$$1/2
What Happened: As expected this fight was battled on the fight through it's entirety. Barboza showed a more creative attack mixing up spinning kicks with his punches but it was Pearson who perhaps was the more aggressive as he was always coming forward. It was the 2nd round that perhaps was the deciding factor of the fight as Barboza counter Pearson with a body kick and a 2 punch combo that sent Pearson briefly to the mat. The fight ended with Barboza seemingly tiring and Pearson bloodied and swelled up buy still pushing forward.
Future matchups to make: It was a very close decision but a win is a win and in doing so Barboza continues to climb up the rankings. Sean Sherk could be an extremely tough matchup for Barboza as Sherk would test Barboza's ground game as well as his conditioning.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira defeated Brendan Schaub by TKO 3:09 1st Round
My Prediction: Nogueira by Submission 2nd Round
My Rating: $$$$
What Happened: Nogueria proved he still has something left in the gas tank after this big win. It didn't come easy for Nogueira however has Schaub was able to stop the takedowns while doing some damage of his own on Nogueira in the clinch and from the outside stepping in with uppercuts and Nogueira was definitely the slower fighter. It was Nogueira though landing when it counted the most getting Schaub up against the cage and landing a nice combination to get the knock out win.Future matchups to make: Tremendous win for the veteran Nogueira who jumps right back into my Heavyweight rankings. A rematch with Frank Mir that was set to take place at UFC 119 or Shane Carwin could be 2 fights in the future for Nogueira.
My Prediction: Nedkov by Decision
My Rating: $$1/2
What Happened: Nedkov was able to unload a right-left combo that hurt Cane and backed him up against the cage where Nedkov swarmed on him with a barrage of punches to force the stoppage late in the 1st Round. Nedkov would end up being the only Non-Brazilian to be victorious on the card.
Future matchups to make: A matchup with Vladimir Matyushenko would be an excellent test for the undefeated Nedkov.
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