Rashad Evans (No. 4 LHW) vs. Thiago Silva (No. 8 LHW)
BRIAN FURBY: In spite of the fact I wish that one of the other 12 original main event match-ups were still going down, I’m looking forward to this fight. Both guys are quick strikers with good power and have solid all-around games. I think Silva packs more power, but I do think Rashad has a slight edge on speed and technicality while also being more elusive. I don’t think the fight is likely to hit the ground – both guys want an impressive victory to get another shot at Machida, and Rashad also has the added factor of still wanting a piece of Rampage. I think the first round will see a lot of range-testing and maybe some quick flurries where one or both guys look in danger, but in the end, I see Rashad finishing it about halfway through the second. Rashad by TKO in Round 2.
