After a somewhat anticlimactic event, that saw a record ten fights go to a decision, the Zuffa grandees will be praying that this card delivers a less measured and more action-packed affair. Erick “Indio” Silva (15/4) may just be the man to quite literally kick-start proceedings and satisfy the appetite of the rapturous Brazilian crowd and its more casual, knockout hungry section of viewers. The X-Gym/Team Nogueira exponent was expected to challenge UFC veteran Nate Loughran but injury forced his withdrawal and Silva now welcomes Japanese standout and reigning welterweight King of Pancrase, Takenori Sato (17/8/7).
Fight Breakdown – Win or lose, when Erick Silva enters the octagon he always brings a frenetic intensity and single-minded aggression, which has made him a fan favorite throughout his UFC tenure. After bursting onto the scene with outstanding performances during the conception of his career, he was earmarked for greatness and singled out as a potential future UFC champion, but after being knocked out for the first time in his last bout to Dong Hyun Kim, he is now in dire need of a win and will be fully focused on rebounding with another emphatic victory.
Standing in his way is UFC debutant Takenori Sato, who comes into the promotion having not lost since October 2010 and treads hostile territory knowing that a triumph would solidify his position within the UFC’s swarming welterweight ranks. Having fought for many of Japan’s biggest MMA outfits throughout his decade long career, Sato has plenty of experience, but the Kazushi Sakuraba trained fighter has exclusively fought within his nations borders and a trip to Brazil will provide added spice for him to temper.
Silva’s fighting prowess has never been in question and there is no doubt that his energetic, gung-ho approach, has secured him much success and favoritism among fans and UFC matchmakers alike, but questions remain on whether the explosive welterweight has reached the peak of his powers and if he is able to refine his style into something more tangible and progressive.
I expect “Indio” to approach this bout with a renewed vigor and focus that will see him stalk his opponent in his customary fashion, before inevitably unleashing a flurry of strikes to try and end the fight quickly and appease the masses. But regardless of the outcome, if he is to evolve as a true welterweight contender he will need to rely less upon his genetic gifts and focus more on refining his striking acumen, thus increasing his suspect stamina in the process.
As a measure of the fall from grace that Japanese MMA continues to endure, Sato is firmly placed as the underdog in this contest and despite his succession of victories the King of Pancrase will have to be at his very best if he is to emerge with the win.
The Japanese fighter is a highly regarded grappler with a tricky submission game and I fully expect the takedown to form an integral part of his strategy, providing he manages to settle into the bout. In order for that plan to prove fruitful he will need to pace himself in the opening stanza and look to avoid engaging in any prolonged striking exchanges. If he is able to weather the ensuing storm he may well work an opportunity to circumvent Silva’s attack and drag the fight to the ground where he would be more likely to find success.
Why It Matters – The window of opportunity for Silva to become a bona fide welterweight contender is closing fast and a second defeat in as many appearances would be disastrous but an impressive return to form would be just the remedy needed to keep those faint championship ambitions alive.
A victory for Sato would be a dazzling feather in his cap and the culmination of a tremendous win streak that would seal his status as a fully-fledged UFC welterweight, and provide a clear path toward a buoyant career within the MMA’s most dominant promotion.
Prediction – Erick Silva
Far be it for me to count out any fighter, lest one trained by the great Kazushi Sakuraba but it is difficult to foresee Sato being able to handle Silva’s dynamism and the volatile environment he will encounter. I trust the Brazilian will force a stoppage within two rounds.
