Rashad Evans vs Thiago Silva Fight Prediction – UFC 108

RASHAD EVANS vs. THIAGO SILVA

 Fight Overview:  Two guys at the top of the 205 pound division duke it out to clear up the pecking order.  With both men recently being victimized in embarrassing fashion by Lyoto Machida, both will be eager to reassert themselves as top contenders for Machida’s title.

 Silva’s Strengths:  Silva has excellent striking, especially his punches, which are fast, powerful, and accurate.  He also has very good jiu jitsu, although he has not showcased it much so far in his career due to the dominance of his standup.

 Silva’s Weaknesses:  While his punching is excellent, his footwork leaves a bit to be desired, and he is not one of the more mobile strikers in the division.  His takedown defense is also questionable, as he has never really fought a guy who would ever take anyone down, much less a skilled wrestler of Rashad’s caliber.

 Evans’ Strengths:  Evans has huge punching power and great head movement that makes him quite difficult to hit.  He also has a very strong wrestling base and is extremely athletic, which makes him a threat in every part of the game.

 Evans’ Weaknesses:  In some ways, Evans’ newfound striking prowess has pushed his dominant wrestling to the side, and he tends to want to stand and trade with opponents he would be better served trying to take down.  He payed for it against Machida, and if he didn’t learn his lesson he will likely pay for it again.

 The Verdict:  Rashad is too quick, too well-rounded, and most importantly too skilled a wrestler to lose this one.  Silva has great standup that can end fights, but so does Rashad.  Silva’s takedown defense is the big question mark in this fight, and the simple fact that he has never had to face a wrestler like Rashad means that he is not ready for it.  Expect Rashad to control this one and earn the decision win.

Prediction: Rashad Evans via unanimous decision

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