UFC 81: Breaking Point Preview

UFC 81: Breaking Point is this weekend after a card that produced a entertaining night of MMA in Newcastle where their was a lot of doubters about the lack star quality names.

Breaking Point has a double Main event with the Heavyweight title match between Antonio Rodrigo Noguiera takes on the former champion Tim "The Maine-iac" Sylvia and his chance to match Randy Couture's record of being a three time champion.

On that match is the most likely to jump out at you on paper, but don't be fooled the other bout has the MMA world on edge to see what display the new so-called future of MMA in the Heavyweight division that being the former WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) champion Brock Lesnar. After leaving the WWE Lesnar had a brief stint with the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL where he ditched that and has since been looking to kick off successfull MMA career which is going to happen on the big stage on Saturday.

Here is a run through of the telvised PPV card for UFC 81: Breaking Point.

Alan Belcher vs Ricardo Almeida

Belcher could move into the VIP lounge if he can put down the "Cachorroa" Almeida on Saturday where he'll get the chance to mix with the big stars of the division and a possible shot at the title and one thing going for belcher is that he is very explosive for a middleweight with his world class Muay Thai skills which if he can be precise with his shots can make it three in a row.

Almeida is known for his fights in Japan for his great floor game and is not one to shy away from standing and trading with anyone on the feet. His last three wins have been over Nate Marquadt, Kazuo Misaki & Ryo Chonan.

Prediction: Almeida by Submission (Round 2)

Thales Leites for the victor.

Jeremy "Gumby" Horn vs Nate "The Great" Marquardt

Horn slipped in the backdoor for this one to fill in for the Brazillian Leites and knowing Marquadt as a top pancrase fighter would be a tough figh for anyone, but Horn is one of the most expeirienced guys in the business holding a victory over Chuck Liddell, Forrest Griffin & Dean Lister.

His last fight was a loss against Jorge Santiago in September 2007 and will want to return to winning ways as his last win was back in May 2006 defeating Chael Sonnen.

I'm going with Gumby with this one as i think Marquadt will still be feeling the effects of his last loss to the champion Anderson Silva.

Prediction: Horn by Split Decision

Horn meets the former champion Rich Franklin

Frank Mir vs Brock Lesnar

This is a good bout because we get to see if Mir is improving upon each fight after going off the boil after his accident which saw him coming back with a poor show of conditioning in which he was stopped by "The Truth" Brandon Vera. Lesnar has already shown us a preview of his specialty ground 'n' pound. but how will his BJJ defense hold up against a top heavyweight who is known for his skills in BJJ with breaking the forearm of Sylvia with an armbar.

If Mir can stay calm under pressure with Lesnar's wrestling ability and GNP then he will be able to counter lesnar and gain a submission, i can't see Lesnar losing by TKO or KO, but this is MMA and from what we saw last year in the ways of Upsets it's still a huge possibility.

Prediction: Lesnar by TKO (Round 1)

Lesnar meets the Mexican Eddie Sanchez

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs Tim Sylvia

Sylvia the most hated man in MMA why? Who knows but the guy is 6ft 8 and underestimated big time for his skills. Against Vera he was using him as a human punch bag and Vera had no answers what so ever and one of the best submission guys Jeff Monson was played with like a toy.

Noguiera, although he dominated the stand up with Herring got caught and was out, so Sylvia smells the blood in the water and will be looking to hit that button a treat and get the belt back, but then he'll want the two guys he can't have in Fedor and Randy as they want each other so as it was announced they'll have to have Fabricio Werdum.

I can't see Noguiera catching Sylvia in a submission and the show against Herring exposed Noguiera to future opponents and Sylvia will get that KO and become a three time champion.

Prediction: Sylvia by KO ( Round 4)

Overiview - Slightly disappointing compared to the next PPV card and the fact top lightweight Tyson Griffin is on the undercard doesn't help at all.