By Brian Beard
Finally a free UFC match that everyone can enjoy as long as they have Fuel TV. The event will be held at the CotaiArena on Cotai Strip in Macau. This will be the first ever UFC event held in China. The preliminary fights will be on Facebook with the main card on Fuel TV. The UFC invades China! Are you ready for this? Be up early as it starts at 8am Texas time.
Rich “Ace” Franklin (29-6-0) vs Cung Le (8-2-0)
Let it be known now, this is the biggest fight ever for Fuel TV. You’re going to see a battle when these two former champions get after it. Franklin is a former UFC middleweight champ and Le is a former Strikeforce middleweight champion. Franklin has a ton of experience and is one of the smartest fighters in the game. He’s smart enough to not stand and bang with Le. He’ll take Le to the ground where he’ll unleash his fists of fury on him. Le will come out swinging using the “punchers chance” mentality. He won’t be able to defend against Franklin once he’s down. It’ll be game over. Franklin wins via unanimous decision and goes out for some late night dim sum afterwards.
Thiago Silva (14-3-0) vs Stanislav “Stucky” Nedkov (12-0-0)
Silva needs the win over Stucky big time. It’s been a few years since his last victory in the Octagon actually counted (UFC 102 over Jardine). That being said, Silva is motivated like a man on a mission. Sure Silva can stand toe-toe-toe with Stucky but that’ll be his undoing if he tries. Nedkov packs a powerful punch. He’ll need to get Nedkov to the mat where he can utilize his BJJ and earn the victory. Nedkov comes in undefeated but will need a signature win over a quality opponent to join the ranks of Glover Teixeira and Jimi Manuwa. If this happens he’ll be considered a serious up-and-comer in the light heavyweight division. Nedkov has had some time off since his last fight and the cage rust will show. Silva takes this in the second round and books a flight to Beijing.
Kim “Stun Gun” Dong-Hyun (15-2-1) vs Paulo Thiago (14-4-0)
This welterweight fight has a strong chance to go the distance. Neither fighter is known for his striking ability so don’t look for a quick knock out in this one. Paulo Thiago is a big enough name that if the Stun Gun can get the decision he’ll be looking to become a fringe contender in the division. A loss and he might as well pack it up as his career will be on the downslide. Thiago on the other hand had some strong wins over Kos and Mike Swick but hasn’t been able to maintain the momentum. Thiago will win this one via ground and pound in the third round. Fight of the night? Probably not.