Fight Fans get ready to enjoy some early fireworks with what is being touted as this weekend’s fight of the night and possibly the whole summer lineup. You never know what’s going to happen when two sluggers like Leben and Silva square off in the cage, as evidenced by last week’s fight featuring Cheick Kongo and Pat Barry where Kongo pulled off a stunning come from behind victory.
Silva, the former Pride Champion is currently ranked 14th in the middleweight standings and is coming off a 17 month layoff due to a training accident while preparing to fight Yoshiro Akiyama. Leben on the other hand is ranked 17th and has won 2 of his last 4 fights. While it’s unlikely that either fighter will fight for a title, their styles are making this a much anticipated fight.
Although the Silva is only 34, most would agree he has punished his body and has fought several wars in the cage. That said, his last 5 losses were to former champions and sure to be Hall-of-Famers, Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic, Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell, Dan Henderson, Quinton “Rampage Jackson” and Rich “Ace” Franklin. Tha’s quite a line-up.
Having lost 5 out of his last 7 fights and declining to fight Brian Stann, many question how much the native Brazilian has left in the tank. Many critics speculate that The Axe Murderer is in the twilight of his career; his fans still wonder if he’s got one more run in him at a better suited 185 lbs weight class. Only time will tell and even if it’s not to be, Silva will remain a legend in the sport for his ferocious approach and gun-slinging style. With this fight it’s safe to say The Axe Murderer is looking to make a statement.
The Crippler who made his name on The Ultimate Fighter has a style that is aggressive and reckless. He always moves forward and keeps swinging. His most impressive victories seem to come just as it appears as though Leben himself is about to be knocked out. Beating Wanderlai Silva would certainly be a highpoint of Leben’s career.
Looking back at Leben’s history you can see his reckless style in the ring has bled over into his personal life having survived a 9 month suspension for steroids (Stanazolol) and DUI offenses. The former TUF fighter appears to have a better handle on things these days and it seems to reflect in his most recent fights.
When you look at the level of fighters that both men have fought you see why odds makers are favoring Silva but none of that really matters because this fight has the makings of a classic, starring two aggressive fighters with similar styles who will most likely stand and trade until someone gets knocked out.
Both men possess an iron chin so it’s a tough fight to call but I am leaning towards Silva to land the heavier blows, knocking out Leben. I’ll be very surprised if this match lasts through the first round.
As always it will be exciting to see the Axe Muderer set loose. Silva vs. Leben has all the makings of a great fight. Don’t be looking for takedowns or technical grappling with these warriors. These guys will be slinging leather.
