While Affliction betting gets the MMA spotlight the week before, many die-hard fight fans are already anticipating UFC 101 on August 8. There’s a lightweight title on the line and Anderson Silva will fight at 205 pounds for the second time as a UFC fighter.Let’s break down Silva’s battle with Forrest Griffin.

ANDERSON “THE SPIDER” SILVA
Record: 24-4
Notable victories: Dan Henderson, Rich Franklin, Nate Marquardt
UFC 101 odds: -320

STRENGTHS: He joins Georges St-Pierre and Fedor Emelianenko in the “too many to list” category. He’s an amazingly versatile fighter; he can do amazing things on the ground with his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, as he uses his long limbs to set up offensive positions from everywhere. He’s a devastating striker thanks to his Muay Thai, mixing flying knees, big kicks, vicious elbows, spinning back fists and, of course, the Muay Thai clinch knees. He’s as accurate a striker as any fighter in the sport today, able to pick apart virtually any fighter with surgical punches and kicks. Defensively, he’s the UFC’s answer to Muhammad Ali, as he’s so fast that he can dodge strike after strike without even holding his hands up.

WEAKNESSES: It’s tough to find a weaknes in the Spider’s game, but he has proven susceptible to submission in the past. Forrest Griffin’ Jiu-Jitsu is inferior to Silva’s but he’s submitted good ground fighters before. The biggest caveat with Silva may be his drive. He’s openly talked about retirement and looked disinterested in his last two fights, choosing to pick his opponents apart from a distance rather than engage.

FORREST GRIFFIN
Record: 16-5
Notable victories: Quinton Jackson, Mauricio Rua
UFC 101 odds: +260

STRENGTHS: While he may not seem like it given his slurred speech, Forrest Griffin—a university grad! — is one of the UFC’s smartest fighters. He continuously works on his game, always respecting his opponent and believing he can get better. His Jiu-Jitsu is underrated, as he’s submitted fighters like Shogun Rua, and his leg kicks are second to none in their accuracy and damage (just ask Rampage Jackson) among light heavyweights. Forrest is a dog, with great cardio, great courage and a solid chin.

WEAKNESSES: While he looks imposing and likes to brawl, Griffin is not a finisher at all. Only three of his 16 career wins have come via knockout. He’s also prone to mental lapses, as he’ll let himself take too much punishment while trying to get himself into a good position.

OUTLOOK

Forrest has a very tall order ahead of him, as does anyone who picks him in their betting predictions. He simply doesn’t do anything better than Silva; Anderson hits harder, is faster and more dangerous on the ground. Griffin’s only hope is to capitalize on Silva’s recent timidity and smother him, but I’m guessing that will simply bring out the best in Silva. This fight should be fun to watch.

Best betting management pick: Silva -320