UFC 132 Preview: The Main Card

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Middleweights
Wanderlei Silva (33-10-1, 1 NC, 3-5 UFC) vs. Chris Leben (25-7, 11-6 UFC)

The Matchup: This pairing of aggressive sluggers is the kind of fight one would feel confident inviting anyone to watch, up to and including your pacifist, hippie grandfather. Why? Because it has everything makes MMA violent and fun.

Silva, once the terror of the Pride Fighting Championships light heavyweight division, has since dropped down in weight. Fighting at 195 pounds at UFC 99 in June 2009, he lost a close decision to former middleweight king Rich Franklin. In February 2010, he pulled out a decision against “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 3 winner Michael Bisping as a middleweight, flurrying strong in the bout’s final seconds to take the nod.

Either way, Silva has not looked his old self since returning to the UFC, which is probably a combination of age, countless wars in the gym and in fights and the weight cut at his advanced age of 34. Leben is a reliable plugger who had a great 2010 -- he put together three wins, including upsets of Aaron Simpson and Yoshiro Akiyama. However, he was dismantled by Brian Stann on New Year’s Day in a one-round stoppage loss.

This is a hit-and-be-hit fight, and there are no mysteries about who wants to land the big bomb first. Both of them do. With grappling likely to be limited in this one, standup tactics are pivotal. A roundhouse-style swinger, Silva is a quicker puncher than Leben. As such, Leben’s powerful straight left will be vital to getting the Brazilian’s respect early. Leben also has shown improved kicks in recent fights, and those will serve him well, as Silva never shoots for takedowns.

This fight will come down to some intense exchanges by two aggressive fighters, both of whom have had careers with plenty of wars, the possible effects of which have shown in recent bouts. Silva has not been able to show the sustained offensive aggression he had in his Pride days, but he is still a tough and fiercely competitive fighter. Coming off a 17-month layoff from knee surgery, this is a must-win for him.

The Pick: Look for some big bombs in the opening round, as both men are hurt, with Silva using two-handed flurries and his speed advantage to stun Leben. As it goes into the second, Leben will be game but ultimately too hittable; Silva by second-round technical knockout.

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