Once again, it’s time for another UFC Pay-Per-View event. This Saturday night in Sacramento, California, UFC 73: Stacked will take place with what is easily the best fight card lineup the UFC has had in quite a long time. Two UFC title belts will be when Sean Sherk and Hermes Franca battle for the Lightweight title, while Anderson Silva and Nathan Marquardt fight for the Middleweight title.
Antonio Rodgrigo Nogueria will also make his UFC heavyweight debut as the UFC adds another top five heavyweight to their fold, and according to Monday’s MMA HQ poll results, the majority of you are most excited about seeing Tito Ortiz take on Rashad Evans. Enough small-talk, lets get into the details.
Main Card
Nathan Marquardt Vs. Anderson Silva - This UFC Middleweight title fight is one of those fight matchups that really makes you sit back and think hard while trying to analyze the outcome. A good title fight is one that truly evenly matches two fighters, and this is one of those fights.
This title shot truly is a long time coming for Nathan Marquardt. Most of us assumed Marquardt would get his title shot after defeating Ivan Salaverry back in 2005. Unfortunately for Nate, the “TUF” phenomenon was in full affect and the UFC brass deemed Nathan Quarry more deserving of a title shot, and Marquardt faded back into the shadows of the middleweight division. Well, “Nate the Great” is finally getting his shot and I think the timing couldn’t be better.
Anderson Silva is coming off knee surgery and a somewhat disappointing showing against Travis Lutter at UFC 67. Much of that disappointing performance, I feel, can be contributed to the bad knees that Silva was fighting on. “The Spider” is a very dynamic, exciting fighter and is truly a joy to watch in the technical striking game.
I just have a gut feeling that Marquardt will win this fight. I see Marquardt taking Anderson to the ground and controlling the fight from there. If Anderson’s knees are recoverd and back to 100% and he can stuff the takedowns, then we might see some more great, pinpoint striking and another title defense. Winner: Nathan Marquardt
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(via MMA HQ - Mixed Martial Arts News and Analysis)