Not to be outdone by the significant amount of bouts recently added to the upcoming UFC Fight Night 77 event in Brazil, the upcoming UFC 193 event in Australia (which will be a stadium show) released a whopping seven fight announcements in the last 24 hours. Here’s my take on them: Antonio Silva vs Mark Hunt 2, UFC 193 In a rematch of perhaps the greatest heavyweight fight in MMA history, Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva will duke it out again against Mark Hunt. Both men are in different place in their careers, however, as Hunt has lost two straight via knockout or TKO stoppage while Silva won for the first time in two and a half years last month against Soa Palelei. Considering how both have looked and the training program Hunt has put himself on over the last few months, I would expect Hunt to open as the favorite, but we could be in store for another war as long as both of their chins hold up. Michael Bisping vs. Robert Whittaker, UFC 193 Fresh off a very close split decision victory over Thiago Leites, Michael Bisping’s quest to earn a title shot will continue against resurgent striker Robert Whittaker, who has completely turned his career around after moving up to middleweight, where’s he’s quickly gone 2-0 with two impressive knockouts. Bisping is probably still two wins away from a crack at the Luke Rockhold vs Jacare Souza winner, but he’ll have to be very careful against the very powerful and dangerous Whittaker. I expect Bisping to be a decent favorite, but with his chin issues and the power that his Australian opponent presents, this fight could get turned on its head in an instant. Jake Matthews vs. Akbarh Arreola, UFC 193 Top Australian prospect Jake Matthews returns against Mexican fighter Akbarh Arreola. Both men are coming off losses, but it was Matthews which left a bad taste in most people’s mouths. The young and extremely talented Aussie was performing admirably against James Vick and proceeded to get caught in a submission during a scramble. This clearly seems like a rebound fight for Matthews and I expect him to be a heavy and much deserved favorite. Daniel Kelly vs. Ricardo Abreu, UFC 193 After finally taking his first UFC defeat, Daniel Kelly will look to get back on track against a solid Brazilian grappler/striker in Ricardo Abreu. Abreu had his momentum halted via split decision to Jake Collier earlier this year while Kelly was steamrolled by the very powerful and dangerous Sam Alvey. Abreu will be the favorite here due to being the younger and more skilled fighter, but Kelly has stepped up as an underdog before. Kyle Noke vs. Peter Sobotta at UFC 193 Two longtime veterans will clash as Kyle Noke looks to continue his momentum against German fighter Peter Sobotta. Sobotta has gone 2-0 in the Octagon since making his UFC return while Noke earned a pretty controversial and undeserved split decision victory over Jonavin Webb this past May. Due to Noke’s recent shoddy performances, I would think Sobotta will be the favorite when betting odds are released, but stranger things have happened considering Noke is fighting in his native Australia. Steve Kennedy vs. Richard Walsh at UFC 193 A pair of Australians will clash as veterans Steve Kennedy and Richard Walsh duke it out and the right to remain in the UFC is probably on the line. Walsh has lost two straight while Kennedy was finished by Peter Sobotta in his UFC debut this past June on short notice. I’m not sure what to make of this contest as neither fighter is very good. The bout will likely open closer to a pick ’em with a slight lean towards Walsh due to his experience edge inside the UFC cage. Anthony Perosh vs. Gian Villante at UFC 193 Last but not least, two light heavyweights looking to bounce back will duke it out as aging veteran Anthony Perosh takes on Gian Villante. Both Perosh and Villante were knocked out in devastating fashion by Sean O’Connell and Tom Lawlor respectively in their last bouts. Villante should be the favorite, however, because he’s younger, more athletic and should have plenty more left in the tank compared to Perosh, who seems to be on his last legs at 43 years old.
