The UFC will hold a Fight Night event on October 9th, 2013, and it will be a pretty darn good one for a free card. Four of the top welterweights in the world will be featured in the main and co-main event. In the co-main the up and comer,and future title contender (in my opinion) Erick Silva will be taking on the Stun Gun Dong Hyun Kim, or as some like to call him, Yum Yum Kim. In the main event Jake Shields and Damian Maia will battle to move up the ranks in the welterweight division. Another interesting fight that stands out on this card is Joey Beltran vs Fabio Maldonado. Expect these two warriors to go to battle, in what I predict to be FOTN.
Erick Silva vs Dong Hyun Kim
Erick Silva looked unstoppable in his career until he faced the highly-touted g grinder Jon Fitch. Fitch wore Silva down, and stayed on top of Silva for the majority of the fight. This marked Silva’s only real loss in the UFC, as he lost due to DQ against Prater (Punches to the back of the head, which was highly debatable). The one thing we can give credit for is Silva managed to get up many times against Fitch. It was a good fight to learn from, and if he has learned anything it will help him against another highly touted wrestler in Kim. Dong Hyun Kim capture his 3rd straight victory in the UFC. The man has some top notch wins under his belt, beating the likes of Nate Diaz, TJ Grant, and Matt Brown. His only losses have come from Condit and Maia.
I expect this to be a classic wrestler vs striker match up. Kim will look to grind out Silva, while looking for take downs and top position. Erick Silva will use his dynamic striking and try for the knockout. After the Fitch fight, I feel Silva has learned a thing or two in the ring. He has most definitely worked on his take down defence. I see Kim having a hard time getting Silva to the ground, and if he does Silva is excellent at getting back up. I see Silva picking Kim apart and getting a late round knockout.
At +185, take Silva by TKO/KO. (5Dimes)
Jake Shields vs Damian Maia
This is a dream fight for Jiu Jitsu lovers. Two of the the most highly decorated Jiu Jitsu fighter will face off. Sometimes when fighters are this even on the ground it can end up being a standup battle. Both love grinding the other opponent to the ground and looking for the submission. I see Maia winning the striking battle, and I see him winning the ground battle. The only way I see Jake Shields winning this fight is if Maia tires out due to poor cardio. Maia has trained hard for the fight and I don’t foresee that happening. I expect Maia to grind out a win. If it were 3 rounds, I would expect a decision, but this will be a 5 round fight. That gives Maia enough time to soften Jake and get the submission.
Take Maia by submission at +285 (5Dimes)
Joey Beltran vs Fabio Maldonado
This is an extra fight I added, because I think it will be a war/ It is my pick for FOTN.
At +300, I think this fight winning Fight of the Night as a prop. (5Dimes)