UFC 153: Can Stephan Bonnar Pull Off the Biggest Upset in UFC History?

The UFC has been bit by the injury bug as of late. UFC 151 was completely cancelled, the main event at 152 changed three times and the two headlining fights for UFC 153 were both cancelled on the same day. In the wake of what was supposed to be Aldo vs. Koch, then Aldo vs. Edgar, we now have Anderson Silva vs. Stephan Bonnar. The big question heading into the event is whether Bonnar can pull of a ‘Rocky-like’ upset? Let’s take a look at the odds and make some predictions.

 

 
Minotauro Nogueira (-310) vs. Dave Herman (+250): Nogueira is the better fight in every area. He is better standing and better on the ground, but can we really expect the 36 year old fighter, who is also coming off a gruesome arm injury to win this fight? This is a situation were the odds are completely off. Nogueria is the better fighter, but the value on the young and hungry Herman is just too good to pass up. Herman is a solid striker with power in his hands and will have a real shot at winning this fight. Prediction: Herman pulls of the upset with a late fight TKO.
 
Erick Silva (-130) vs. Jon Fitch (+110): Erik Silva is a lightening quick and dynamic fighter. His fight against the methodical and smothering Jon Fitch will be an interesting style match up. Silva is the favorite here, and I can see why, but Fitch has only lost twice in his last 24 fights. Silva may be the new age of MMA but I will need to see him prove it before I jump on the boat. Prediction: Fitch by decision.
 
Glover Teixeira (-400) vs. Fabio Maldonado (+325): Glover Teixeira is supposed to be the next big thing in MMA. He will have his chance to prove himself at UFC 153 when he takes on the dangerous former professional boxer Fabio Maldonado. Prediction: Teixeira by early TKO.