Silva versus Jardine (UFC 84)
The Axe Murderer versus The Dean of Mean, it’s not the 4th of July but on May 24th there will be some major fireworks during this fight. This fight pits an icon versus an up and comer. Wanderlei Silva is easy one of the best LHW ever in MMA, only his second fight in the UFC some fans still don’t know how good of a fighter he truly is. He’s coming off 3 straight losses (Cro Crop, Henderson and Liddell) 3 of the best fighters in the world as well. This is the man who brutally knocked out the current champ (Rampage Jackson) not once but twice. His last fight was against the Iceman, a 3 round epic battle, that came to a decision in favor of Chuck.
Wand is a BJJ black belt but hasn’t submitted a fighter in 8 years. You still have to respect his ground game though, but watch out for his strikes. He loves to get up in yo face and pummel his oponents with devastating knees and elbows within his muay thai clinch. If you think Anderson Silva has a great clinch check out Wand’s. He’s gonna have to get in Jardine’s guard with that clinch if he wants to out strike the Dean of Mean. After his loss to Liddell, he has re-dedicated himself to his training. The former Chute-Boxe fighter now calls Xtreme Couture his home gym. He trains with the best, Couture, Griffin among others. This training should truly help him during this fight.
Jardine is riding high since his decision victory over Chuck Liddell at UFC 79, where everyone was counting him out. He out striked and out kicked the feared striker himself in Liddell. He nearly knocked him out in the second round but eventually got the decison. The TUF alum is a great fighter who fights out of the famed Greg Jackson camp in New Mexico, where other great fighters train (GSP, Rashad Evans, Marquardt). So you know he will be prepared and in great condition with a gameplan set for Silva. Jardine has great kickboxing skill, nice wrestling but BJJ wise he hasn’t been tested or had to use it, so I am skepitcal on that. Most fighters would be scared of fighting such a legend (Wanderlei) in the sport but we know that won’t be a factor since he already fought and beat Liddell. If Jardine sticks with a similar gameplan from his last fight he should come out the victor.
Most would say this fight would be a first round knockout for either fighter. I am going to predict that this fight goes all 3 rounds. I would love to see the old Wand take it to Jardine like he used to do in the Pride days. I think Jardine will use his reach to his advantage and his jab to keep Wand at bay. Jardine learned his lesson from Houston Alexander at UFC 71 where he was in his clinch and knocked out within seconds. Wand has similar power to Houston and should come out with the same approach and tactics.
For some reason Silva is the favorite, coming off 3 losses i don’t see how that can be. Jardine just beat 1 legend and is hungry for a title shot that he should’ve already gotten against Rampage. Wanderlei is one hell of a fighter, he runs with his nose plugged and breathes out of a snorkel, who does that?? He’s hungry, he needs a win badly, I don’t think Dana White will keep him around with 4 straight losses. This fight is a toss up, but I like Wanderlei via split decision. Based on he needs the win more than Jardine and I believe he is more hungry for the victory.
Post by: nvhighroller21
May 23, 2008 - 2:04 am MDT at 2:04 am
I think the loss Liddell suffered against Jardine was a wake up call. I do not know all of the details to Chucks life but I am sensing some issues with alcohol maybe? Jardine was definitely sharper that night. I know Jardine is going into this fight hungry. I hope that Silva has seriously re-dedicated himself because he is an amazing athlete. Just like Cro Cop but Cro Cop is not doing well in the UFC either. My predictions?
BJ Penn defeats Sean Sherk in the 2nd round
Wanderlei Silva defeats Jardine in the 1st round
Machida defeats Ortiz in the 2nd round.