The UFC’s foray down under presents many interesting match-ups on the main card, though few with significant impact on MMA rankings. Nonetheless, what 110 lacks in terms of excellence will be compensated by the intensity offered of those seeking redemption. And there are many holding that ticket scheduled to appear before the sold-out 21,000 Acer Arena crowd in Sydney.
Beginning with the first bout scheduled to air on PPV, the HW bout opposing fallen Pride idol Mirko ‘Cro Cop’ Filipovic (25-7-2-1) to Anthony Perosh, one of three Aussie fighters (including prelims.) to appear at 110. Ben Rothwell was expected to face Cro Cop but pulled out due to an injury mere days before the event. Perosh (10-5) has fought in the UFC three-some years ago and lost both times. One of his two loses came to the hands of Jeff Monson, who’s not well know for his striking ability, but nonetheless managed to beat up the Aussie black belt BJJ fighter. Early press from Perosh has him stating he’ll choke out Cro Cop. Judging from Perosh’s record, he doesn’t fare well against fighters who punch and kick… Hopefully the Croatian kickboxer seizes that opportunity and gets back on track. He admitted to have felt suicidal in his hotel room after his loss to Dos Santos (a top ten HW fighter). On a lighter note, Perosh runs a martial arts academy with Elvis Sinosic, who oddly enough, was also scheduled to appear at 110 but pulled out due to an injury on Feb. 18. No lines were available on that last-minute affair as of posting time. Cro Cop, having trained for the possibility of a ground and pound fight against Rothwell, should feel free enough to let his kicks and fists go. For a change. Might get stopped as early as 2nd round, Cro Cop TKO’ing the hometown son.
The LHW bout between Keith Jardine (15-6-1) and TUF winner Ryan Bader (10-0) should provide a lot of intensity from both opponents. Bader will look to avenge disappointing performances during his last two bouts, while Jardine wants to wipe the slate clean and start anew after suffering a speedy KO to Thiago Silva 6 months ago. Betting lines are bewildering, as Bader is considered a favourite (-160) without having fought anybody remotely within the same range as Jardine (+130) has for the last three years. That list includes Griffin, Vera, W. Silva, T. Silva, Rampage Jackson and Liddell. Bader should struggle early with Jardine’s strange timing and might look to take it to the ground in the second. Jardine will fight hard to keep it a stand-up affair and his stubbornness will pay off. Jardine by UD.
Next on the main card will be the LW bout opposing Joe Stevenson (31-10) to Aussie George Sotiropoulos (11-2). Sotiropoulos is on a tear since joining the UFC more than 2 years ago. A TUF veteran, he’s slowly made his way to getting around fighting the likes of Stevenson. This is a significant test for Sotiropoulos, as Stevenson is coming off a strong showing against grinder extraordinaire Spencer Fisher back in October and has fought some of the best fighters in his division. Stevenson (-240) is the favourite going into this fight against Sotiropoulos (+190). They’ll want to stand, but that battle going nowhere, both submission experts will attempt what they do best for the rest of the fight. Sotiropoulos by SD. 
The lead-up bout to the main event, the MW fight opposing Wanderlei Silva (32-10-1-1) to Michael Bisping (20-2), should prove very entertaining. Silva wishing to remain a significant opponent in the UFC and an equally hungry Bisping wishing to crack the top ten rankings make for sufficient ingredients for a stand-up rumble. Silva (-155) is the favourite against Bisping (+125). This fight might provide the knock out of the night. And Silva might earn that purse in the 3rd round.
The main event will feature two top HW ranked fighters at very different stages in their career. The up-and-coming Cain Velasquez (7-0) will face the greatest opposition he’s ever faced when he steps in the Octagon to battle Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (32-5-1-1), a long-time warrior who has fought the best for nearly ten years. Odd makers weren’t impressed by that fact, having Nogueira (-110) and Velasquez (-120) ever so close. Nogueira’s BJJ expertise will come in handy as he gets mauled and charged by Velasquez early. Experience will show, though Velasquez won’t have to blush about the loss incurred. UD goes to Nogueira.
Photos by Daniel Herbertson, Sherdog.com
Betting lines from Betus.com
MMA Zu 