I think the fact that Randy is in Silva’s corner is significant. This could mean that Silva is learning some dirty boxing tricks, head movement, and Greco-Roman style techniques from the Natural.

The Natural is a genius in the octagon, a mastermind at devising winning strategies. The Iceman’s strategy has always been the same, he hasn’t changed a bit in years. Perhaps, just maybe, Randy’s teaching Silva to dodge the punches using superior head movement (something Randy has displayed in his last couple fights), then close the distance to use his Muay Thai clinch (which Silva is an expert with, just ask Rampage) to smother the Iceman and land some knees, let’s see how Chuck responds to that.

I think if that’s the case, Chuck’s going to get caught off guard, find himself up against the cage and basically between a rock and a hard place because that’s where dirty boxing and Greco-Roman wrestling are most effective. This is all just speculation of course, but think about it, why of all people would Silva choose Couture to train with? Randy’s not going to train him how to strike. Wandy already knows how to do that. He’s learning some of the Natural’s methods of course.

You think Wanderlei Silva is going to follow the “Jardine blueprint” to beat Chuck?

Technically, he COULD, but in all likelihood, he won’t. That’s just not his style. Why’s he going to emulate someone he’s never heard of, someone who got a split decision over Chuck? WANDY WANTS A KO! This is the Axe Murderer of the elite Chute Box camp, my guess is that he’s not going to emulate anyone, much less Jardine.

Unlike Jardine, Wanderlei is not known for devastating leg kicks and for staying out of range or anything like that at all. He’s way different. He’s aggressive and he’s a striker just like Chuck is. He uses wild looping punches and effective BJJ and ground and pound to win his fights.

In this case, Chuck doesn’t really need to adjust. He needs to be hungry, and he needs to be the old Iceman, counterpunching and exploiting Wandy’s aggressiveness.

I’m thinking Chuck loses the decision and retires on a three loss streak.[/quote]

Has-beens? Even if that’s preceeded with the preemptive “almost”, you shouldn’t call either fighter a has-been anyway.

1. Chuck made a dumb mistake throwing that body punch from the outside against Rampage, and he got caught. Simple. Anyone eating that punch would have collapsed even worse than Chuck did. He barely lost his consciousness, and it even took 4 extra strikes for Big John McCarthy to call it a KO. The man still has an iron chin.

2. Chuck was outpointed by Jardine. Embarassing, yes but at least he wasn’t knocked out. You have to remember Liddell was the LHW champion for years, with 7 straight KO/TKO wins against top competition. He makes a mistake in one fight, and then loses a decision, and he’s a has-been? Hell no, Chuck wasn’t aggressive enough against Jardine, didn’t defend the leg kicks well, and quite simply, he should have made Jardine pay every time he attempted a kick. Why absorb all that damage? Another stupid mistake. Jardine also deserves credit for executing a perfect game plan.

3. Wanderlei Silva is coming off devastating losses, true. But he is a dangerous man. He was JUST signed to the UFC. His first fight after being signed and he’s a has-been? He’s a has-been the day some loser beats him, it’s never embarassing to lose to a guy like Henderson or Shogun, they’re world class fighters. In this case, back-to-back losses don’t completely discredit either fighter, they simply need to prove that they’re still hungry enough not to let it discourage them.

It’s going to be an awesome fight!

“I’m thinking Chuck loses the decision and retires on a three loss streak.”

What?? You really think they’re going to go at it for 3 rounds without a knockout? The Iceman and the Axe Murderer, both known for being devastating, aggressive strikers?!?! Their styles make a perfect match (fireworks!), it’s going to be a back and forth slugfest, someone’s bound to lose their consciousness!

ahahhHhaha.

You don’t think it’s a good idea for Silva to have his “first match in the cage” against Chuck, eh? Really? Why don’t you consider these facts first:

1. Click this link. http://youtube.com/watch?v=EXvTU0OGa3k
Now where did that take place?  Tito beat Wanderlei in UFC 25. So now you think Wandy’s going to beat Chuck why? This is the kind of fight that I wouldn’t bet on. Both men have instant KO power, either one could win if they place their punches correctly. Wanderlei, however, has impressive BJJ skills, which I don’t believe Chuck would be able to defend if this goes to the ground. Silva’s a powerful dude, and even though Liddell’s takedown defense is superb, how shocking of an image would it be to see Silva performing a GnP, armbar, or triangle choke against Chuck? We’ve never seen Chuck Liddell’s guard. We probably still won’t since I believe both men will slug, so everything is speculation. Either man can get caught, and one will. Come on, this one won’t go the distance. Standing, I favor Chuck, simply because he’s a counterpuncher and he may be able to capitalize on Silva’s aggressiveness. If Silva is careful, closes the distance and utilizes knees like he did against Rampage, and/or manages to get it to the ground, I believe it’s a done deal. If he rushes Chuck like I think he will, the Iceman will make him pay.

2. It’s a great idea. It will sell, and MMA fans have wanted to see if for years. I take it you’re an MMA fan? What’s wrong with you? You should be dying to see this fight like everybody else. Who gives a rat’s ass about back-to-back losses and whatnot. Both fighters are still dangerous, let’s make em fight.

I’m rooting for both of them. This fight should’ve happened ages ago… if chuck loses, i think hes going to retire. ;\