None
Intro
UFC 134 is the one women didn't want their men to go to. It's in Rio. Don't let that stop you from ordering it on pay-per-view. The card is staked with versatile Brazilian fighters who all have something to prove. That doesn't mean it's going to be a Brazil sweep. On the contrary, the competition is up for the challenge. With Anderson Silva headlining, this card is shaping up to be the best UFC of 2011. Definitely worth the cost of admission.
By Orlando Lima (@limachips who will be live-tweeting the event from @complex_sports starting at 9pm)
In case you need a bit more motivation check my boy Chael Sonnen's predictions of the main event. Thanks to Cagepotato for dropping the link.
Luiz Cane vs Stanislav Nedkov
Luiz "Banha" Cane vs Stanislav "Stucky" Nedkov
Better Nickname: Neither of these names make sense so it's a toss up. I'll go with Stucky.
Inside Scoop, Cane: He's solid at 11-3 but 1-2 in his last three. He packs a mean punch but both his recent losses came by TKO due to punches.
Inside Scoop, Nedkov: He's undefeated (11-0) including a decision over the withered Randleman. He can strike and submit. He's an import from Bulgaria whose opportunities to come to the big stage have been repeatedly thwarted.
Prediction: Nedkov. Cane has home field but Nedkov wants it more. Besides, I hate jinxing a guy's undefeated streak. Anyhow, Nedkov takes no chances with the stand-up even though Cane has a glass jaw. He takes Cane to the floor for ground-and-pound and finishes him with a choke after Cane gets tired.
Ross Pearson vs Edson Barboza
Ross "The Real Deal" Pearson vs Edson "Junior" Barboza
Better Nickname: There was already a Real Deal. He was the heavyweight champ of boxing and unlike Will Smith, he beat Mike Tyson. Going with Junior even though that's not winning as much as it's the other guy losing.
Inside Scoop, Pearson: He's well rounded. Can win with strikes or submissions. Two fights ago, he got choked out by Cole Miller.
Inside Scoop, Barboza: He's undefeated (8-0) but hasn't fought anyone that good. He's got a lot of stoppages due to strikes. That's that Muay Thai showing. He's fighting in his hometown.
Prediction: Barboza. Pearson would be smart to take Barboza to the ground and test his jiu-Jitsu/wresting but that doesn't happen. It stays on the feet and Barboza wins with strikes. TKO.
Antonio Nogueira vs Brendan Schaub
Antonio "Minotauro" Nogueira vs Brendan "The Hybrid" Schaub
Better Nickname: Nogueira. No contest. The Hybrid, what is that? Does Schaub run on electricity? Maybe he gets good gas milliage.
Inside Scoop, Nogueira: He's 32-6-1 and he's starting to look old. There, I said it. And I hate myself for it. He recently lost to Mir and Velasquez by TKO and KO.
Inside Scoop, Schaub: When Roy Nelson knocked him out I figured he'd never amount to much. But he's been good since then including a KO over the aged Mirko Crocop.
Prediction: Schaub. As you get older, the chin is the first thing to go. Nogueira with a compromised chin is a narrow road to victory. Schaub has been sharp-shooting lately and if he's smart he studied the Mir fight. Under no circumstances does he engage Nogueira on the ground, opting instead for stand up. KO.
Mauricio Rua vs Forrest Griffin
Mauricio "Shogun" Rua vs Forrest Griffin
Better Nickname: Rua has a cool nickname. Griffin has none. Shogun.
Inside Scoop, Rua: He got dismantled by Jon Jones in his last fight--who doesn't--but before that he was on a roll. His loss to Machida was bs. He fights better when he's got something to prove.
Inside Scoop, Griffin: This guy comes to put on a good show. He's well-rounded and should never be underestimated. He has been touched a few times on the chin as of late.
Prediction: Rua. He's fighting at home. If he loses this one it could signal some contract changes. He needs this win. Oh yeah, and Griffin beat him convincingly in their previous match. He keeps it standing and wins with the Muay Thai just like he did Machida.
Anderson Silva vs Yushin Okami
Anderson "The Spider" Silva vs Yushin "Thunder" Okami
Better Nickname: Where I come from there are all kinds of spiders and none of them are deadly. But the name fits him so well because of his technique, strategy and his gangly limbs. I'm going with the Spider
Inside Scoop, Silva: What more can be said. When this guy is healthy the only fighters out there who have a remote shot at victory are Jon Jones and GSP.
Inside Scoop, Okami: He's a versatile fighter with a base in Judo. He's only been knocked out once in his career and that was in 2003. He has losses to Chael Sonnen and Rich Franklin by decision.
Prediction: Silva. Let's set the record straight. Okami was the last person to defeat Silva (2006) but it was because Silva was disqualified for an illegal kick. Silva's in his home country. He's healthy. To pick against him would be like getting your girl dandelions on Valentine's Day. Silva by KO with strikes. Chael Sonnen, you're next.