UFC 110 will mark the first time that the UFC has visited Australia to stage an event. This is a continuation of their international expansion, which has seen them take the UK by storm, fly over to Germany and at UFC 112, Abu Dhabi will be conquered. On paper, it certainly seems the Australian fans won't be going home disappointed.
Cain Velasquez vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
The main event will be contested between two outstanding heavyweights; one being the undefeated Cain Velasquez (7-0) and the other being the legendary Antonio Nogueira (32-5-1 1NC). This is an intriguing match on many fronts.
Velasquez has outstanding wrestling ability; there can be no doubt about that. The fact he was a two time All American trophies shows this. However, what is still unproven is the ground game of the San Jose man against a top level BJJ fighter. If nothing else, Nogueira brings outstanding Jiu-Jitsu to the table, and it will be interesting to see how Cain deals with his rival if he does decide to take it to the ground.
Standing wise, questions have also been raised about Velasquez. In his fight with Cheick Kongo, he was floored by the Frenchman, and Nogueira may be able to test the chin of the American.
However, what this writer expects to happen is for Velasquez to earn a close decision victory. His wrestling is surreal, and his strength and top control should ensure that Nogueira doesn't catch him in any submissions. It is never wise to count the veteran Nogueira out though.
Michael Bisping vs. Wanderlei Silva
The co-main event sees Clitheroe's Michael 'The Count' Bisping (18-2) taking on MMA legend Wanderlei 'The Axe Murderer' Silva (32-10-1 1NC). For Bisping, this seems to be a terrible match stylistically.
At UFC 100, Bisping was knocked out in brutal fashion by Dan Henderson. Unfortunately for him, standing, in the fashion of 'Hendo', Silva has a great chin and a powerful right hand. Whether Bisping has anything like the power to hurt 'Wandy' is a major doubt, even if reports suggest he's been knocking sparring partners out.
So it seems the ground is where Bisping must take it. However, it isn't that cut and dry. Bisping must get his foe there first, and Silva's takedown defence is excellent. Also, even if he got the bout to the ground, Silva is a 'stayer', and will not let Bisping roll over him with ground and pound.
The only way Bisping can concievably take this is by hitting Silva with 'pitter pat' punches for fifteen minutes, and Wanderlei is too aggressive to let that happen. A similar finish to UFC 100 seems on the cards for 'The Count'.
Rest of the Main Card
Australian born TUF 6 competitor George Sotiropoulous (11-2) will take on Joe 'Daddy' Stevenson (31-10) on the undercard. Unless the home crowd swings it in the favour of the Victoria man massively, Stevenson should outclass him with his immense strength and superb grappling ability.
Ryan 'Darth' Bader (10-0) will put his undefeated record on the line at 110 against the unorthodox Keith Jardine (15-6). This is a tough fight for the 26 year old, but his wrestling and powerful boxing will likely earn him a decision.
Mirko 'Cro-Cop' Filipovic (29-7-2 1NC) is up against it as he takes on the rough and ready Ben Rothwell (30-7) in a heavyweight bout. Rothwell may have looked average in his last fight (against Cain Velasquez), but he can take punishment, has a great engine and is not the right fight for a past it 'Cro Cop'. Put your money on a Rothwell decision.
How To Watch UFC 110
Check here for local listings.
