UFC 148 Preview And Predictions

There is just over a week left till the highly anticipated UFC 148 that will feature the rematch between Brazilian middle-weight Champion Anderson Silva, and the Oregon native Chael Sonnen.

On July 7, inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena, in Las Vegas, Nevada, the score will finally be settled between the two smack-talkers. The two fought at UFC 117 in 2010 for the title, and Sonnen got the best of Silva. The fight earned “fight of the year” honors at the World MMA Awards.

For four of the five total rounds, Sonnen, the self-proclaimed “People’s Champ” beat down the Brazilian champion. The problem for Sonnen was he got his arm caught in a triangle-arm bar with minutes left in the fight, leaving him no option but to tap-out.

If Sonnen would have survived those last few minutes, he would have undoubtedly shipped the belt by unanimous decision. But he didn’t, and now we are finally on the verge of the rematch.

The smack-talking between the two has been quite cruel at times, and feels as if it’s legitimate dislike, as opposed to some scripted build-up drama. Again, the UFC trumps boxing.

The UFC 148 card will also feature the rematch between UFC veteran, Tito, The Huntington Beach Bad Boy, Ortiz and Forest Griffin. The two fought back in 2006 at UFC 59 resulting in an Ortiz win, and fought a second time in 2010 at UFC 117 ending with a Griffin win.

Although Ortiz has lost six of his last seven fights, the California native could end his career on a high-note as this rubber-match will be Ortiz last fight. The Huntington Beach Bad Boy will be inducted to the UFC Hall Of Fame prior to the bout.

I surely cant consider myself a UFC guru by any means, but I can say I am a career winner when it comes to making a few bets on these events. Here are predictions for the main card.

Chad Mendes vs Cody McKenzie – Mendes is by far the best wrestler in the 145 pound division. If it wasn’t for Jose Aldo, Mendes would be a dominant champion in this division. My prediction is Mendes wins by unanimous decision.

Dong Hyun Kim vs Demian Maia – This is Maia’s first fight at 170 pounds which can be a factor. I give Kim the edge with his strong Judo/wrestling game and expect another unanimous decision with Kim winning this fight.

Cung Le vs Patrick Cote – Finally a fight that will feature some striking. Cung Le is flashy and likes to look for the knockout early. A friend of mine described Patrick Cote’s chin as “cast iron” and he couldn’t be more right. Cote’s ability to withstand punishment paired with his knockout power leads me to think we will see a Cote win via KO.

Forrest Griffin vs Tito Ortiz – I grew up a Tito fan and would love to see him get this win in his last fight but Forrest looked good against Rich Franklin and I give high credit to those who conquer Franklin. It pains me to say it, but ill say Griffin wins by decision.

Chael Sonnen vs Anderson Silva – Both these men are on a mission so I can’t find an edge in preparation and hunger between the two. Although one of the tougher things in sports to accomplish is beating an opponent twice, it feels as if Sonnen might just be Silva’s kryptonite. Sonnen wins the belt by decision.

Paul Bentley is a contributor to Rant Sports

Follow Bentley on Twitter at @KKingBentley