The UFC returns this weekend with what is certain to be the biggest pay-per-view of the summer, as Anderson Silva faces Chris Weidman in what is considered his biggest challenge (at least from a betting standpoint) since he took on Dan Henderson all the way back in 2008. As with any big bout, this one has many storylines unrelated to how the two men actually match up, ranging from the constant questions about superfights and retirement surrounding Silva, to Weidman’s long layoff from an injury and how his house being devastated last fall will affect him. As far as the styles, the fight is incredibly intriguing, with the sport’s pre-eminent striker in Silva facing an extremely talented wrestler and grappler in Weidman. However, both men are by no means one-trick ponies. Silva has shown off his submission game many times during his unprecedented UFC run, while Weidman’s striking is continually evolving, evidenced best by his devastating KO victory over Mark Munoz in his last bout. Which of these men can survive — or even thrive — in the other’s world will likely determine who exits the MGM Grand as the Middleweight champion on Saturday night. The card is not limited to just the Silva/Weidman fight however, as two fights between featherweight and middleweight contenders are also featured on the main card. Former 155lb champ Frankie Edgar will compete in his first three-round fight since December 2009, as he looks to climb the featherweight ranks against Charles Oliveira. Cub Swanson and Dennis Siver, who are a combined 6-1 in the UFC at 145lbs will also look to stake their claim to a title shot in Jose Aldo’s division. At 185lbs, all eyes will be focused on the title fight, but a bout between Strikeforce imports Tim Kennedy and Roger Gracie, as well as UFC stalwarts Mark Munoz and Tim Boetsch should not be overlooked. Lines for all of those fights have already been opened however, so today it’s time to turn our gaze to the undercard as MMA oddsmaker Nick Kalikas opened the betting lines for six preliminary bouts at Several Bookmakers. Check out the new lines below: ——————– MAIN CARD UFC Middleweight Title (c) Anderson Silva -215 Chris Weidman +165 Frankie Edgar -280 Charles Oliveira +200 Tim Kennedy -120 Roger Gracie -120 Tim Boetsch -120 Mark Munoz -120 Cub Swanson -170 Dennis Siver +130 ——————– PRELIMINARY CARD (FX) Andrew Craig -140 Chris Leben +100 Norman Parke -140 Kazuki Tokudome +100 Gabriel Gonzaga -210 Dave Herman +160 Edson Barboza -535 Rafaello Oliveira +355 ——————– PRELIMINARY CARD (Facebook) Seth Baczynski -190 Brian Melancon +150 Mike Pierce -445 David Mitchell +315 ——————–
