UFC on FX 5 Main Card Analysis and Prediction / Jonathan King

Fight Analysis: Travis Browne has emerged in the heavyweight division as a future contender for the UFC championship. His knockout win over fellow contender Stefan Struve has proven that his venom is deadly, and can turn the lights out in a flash. Antonio ‘ Bigfoot’ Silva is one of the divisions most intimidating specimens.  Coming of a first round TKO loss to former champion Cain Velasquez, Silva is looking to build on a legacy that already includes victories over Fedor Emelianenko. With both fighters looking to stake a claim in the division, and with the power involved, this fight could be over quickly!

Prediction: With a weight advantage of over 20lbs, Silva should maintain the ability to dictate where the fight goes. However, Browne has the power to throw game planning out the window. After tasting a few punches Silva will likely fall into a slugfest with the faster, more skilled Browne. Browne via 2nd TKO 

Fight Analysis: This fight has all the ingredients to be named Fight of the Night. ‘The Juggernaut’ Jake Ellenberger is looking to regain his winning ways, after dropping his last fight to Martin Kampmann. Standing in his way, and searching for his own welterweight status is journeyman welterweight Jay Hieron.  A potent striker Hieron has power in both hands, and also has proven he has the cardio to go the distance. Ellenberger primarily a wrestler, also has knockout power. It took only .53 seconds for him to knockout former Strikeforce champion and former UFC #1 contender Jake Shields.

Prediction: Although Hieron is more technically sound as a striker, he will have to stop the relentless grinding of Ellenberger. Once inside Hieron’s guard Ellenberger should be able to pound out a victory. Ellenberger via unanimous decision

Fight Analysis: John Dodson made a name for himself fighting successfully above weight, in the Ultimate Fighter television series. Now fighting at his natural 125 lbs class, Dodson finds himself fighting on a more level playing field. Known as one of the most athletic fighters  in all of MMA, Dodson will need to rely on that athleticism when he faces of with Jussier Formiga (formerly Silva). A former Shooto Champion, Formiga’s only loss was a close decision to Ian ‘Uncle Creepy’ McCall. Making his debut in the UFC, Formiga is going to have to cut of the cage, in order to corner the rapid movement of Dodson. With the winner of this fight in line to face Demetrious Johnson for the title, you can expect an absolute brawl.

Prediction: After an absolute battle, athleticism will prevail as it so often does in the lighter weight classes. Dodson via unanimous decision.

Fight Analysis: Not many fighters in the welterweight division can absorb the punishment that ‘The Dentist’ Josh Neer has. His fights are usually legendary battles of attrition, Now in his third stint with the UFC Neer is looking to return to his winning ways. After riding a 6 fight win streak, Neer lost by knockout to Mike Pyle in June. Standing in his way is jujitsu fighter Justin Edwards, who  is also coming off a loss at the hands of John Maguire . As part of team Gurgel, Edwards has won by submission 5 times. However, Josh Neer is as slick as anyone in the division when it comes to ground fighting. On his feet, Neer will also maintain a sound advantage.

Prediction: This is a real test for Edwards. However, I just don’t see him having more tools than Neer. Neer via 3rd round TKO