Attention, Layman UFC 102 fight card fans; The Jardine vs Silva fight is probably the bout for you. The other major fights on Saturday’s card – Couture/Nogueira, Maia Marquardt – could primarily take place on the ground. If you like striking, you’ll enjoy Keith Jardine battling Thiago Silva, as both guys like to stand. Let’s break down the big bout.
Keith Jardine (14-5-1) vs Thiago Silva (13-1)
UFC 102 odds: Jardine -155, Silva +125
STRIKING
Both guys consider themselves strikers first and ground guys second. Jardine’s game is all about timing; he confuses opponents with his bizarre stance and strikes when they don’t expect it. His leg and head kicks are also strong. The edge, however, goes to Silva, simply because he’s as good of a finisher as anyone in the division. Thanks to the raw power behind his Muay Thai knees and punches, eight of his last nine wins have come via first-round knockout. His strikes simply inflict more damage.
Edge: Silva
GROUND GAME
Neither guy spends a lot of time on the ground, so It’s difficult to give an advantage to either fighter. Jardine is the better defender but Silva’s Jiu-Jitsu likely gives him a small overall advantage. It’s practically a tossup, but I give a tiny edge to Silva.
Edge: Silva
DEFENSE
No contest here – Keith Jardine is better at dodging and avoiding big strikes, even if he does get caught once in a while. Silva’s wild, attacking style always makes his fights worth the price per head but also leaves him open to big shots, so he’s more likely to move the wrong way and eat a big punch or kick.
Edge: Jardine
INTANGBILES
The only really tough opponent Thiago Silva has faced is Lyoto Machida, and Machida knocked him out at the end of the first round. But Jardine’s recent opponents include Rampage Jackson, Wanderlei Silva, Chuck Liddell and Forrest Griffin, the latter two of which he beat to defy most sports picks. Silva won’t scare him. On the flip side, Silva has a lot to prove after losing to Machida and could be nervous.
Edge: Jardine
OUTLOOK
Jardine is a craftier, smarter, more experienced fighter but, unluckily for him, Silva is the one type of fighter he hasn’t figured out. Aggressive Muay Thai types who walk forward have overwhelmed him in the past – Wanderlei Silva and Houston Alexander both knocked him out in less than a minute. Since Silva fits that same style, he should give Jardine major trouble and possibly knock him out in the first round.
Pick: Silva +125
