This Saturday the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas will be home of UFC 84 “ILL Will”. Barring any unforeseen injuries or fighters not making weight, we should be in for a great night of fights. Let’s get to it.
BJ Penn vs. Sean Sherk
This is one fight that should not disappoint. Sherk always shows up in top condition and he sets a very fast pace. He also is a very good wrestler and extremely strong. What else can be said of BJ Penn that hasn’t already been said? His striking is above average and his BJJ is incredible. The popular opinion seems to be if the fight reaches rounds 4 and 5 Sherk will win this one (Penn’s cardio seems in question) I however don’t see this fight going that long. It may be tough for BJ to get a submission on Sherk, what with his short powerful arms and no neck. I still believe he’ll find a way to do it once he’s softened Sherk up with punches. Penn by RNC rd 3
Wanderlei Silva vs. Keith Jardine
I for one don’t see this fight being as close as others do. Not to take anything away from Jardine, he certainly has KO power but he’s more of a tactical stand up fighter. Wanderlei will come out pressing the action much like Houston Alexander did; my feeling is the outcome will be the same. Silva by KO rd 1
Tito Ortiz vs. Lyoto Machida
This is not just a fight; Tito will be looking to show the MMA world he’s a top ten light heavyweight, not to mention sticking it to Dana White before he leaves. He’ll also be showcasing himself for other organizations (EliteXC, Affliction). Machida, with a win, will finally be looked at as a top light heavyweight. Ortiz will be a star; it just may not be as a fighter. We’ve seen what happens to fighters who have too many outside distraction’s (Chuck Liddell) and I believe this will be Tito’s downfall. Machida TKO rd 3.
Wilson Gouveia vs. Goran Reljic
Gouveia is riding a 3 fight win streak, his last being a KO victory over Jason Lambert. That shows he has KO power but submissions seem to be his bread and butter. Reljic is undefeated in MMA but is making his UFC debut. Goran is a striker like fellow countryman Cro Cop, but will he fare any better in the Octagon? I say he will, although the experience goes to Gouveia, Reljic’s been training with Extreme Couture which I believe will help him tremendously. Reljic by TKO rd 3
Thiago Silva vs. Antonio Mendes
I personally was hoping to see Silva fight a better-known fighter but Mendes is 14-2 and has won 11 in a row. Still, facing Silva in your UFC debut? Is no easy task. Silva will continue his climb to the top of the light-heavyweight ladder. Silva TKO rd 2
