LiamPicksFights' MMA Article: UFC Vegas 65
UFC Vegas 65
UFC Vegas 65 is far from the UFC putting their best foot forward. The card lacks depth and star power, but it is buttressed by a compelling heavyweight main event featuring perennial fan favorite Derrick “The Black Beast” Lewis and surging Moldovan hopeful Sergey Spivak. Lewis needs a win in order to cling to any kind of relevance in the contendership que. Spivak needs this win in order to cross over into the consciousness of casual fight fans and gain much needed clout in a log jammed division crowded with fighters well past the sell by date of the average fighter in the UFC. Can Spivak offer an injection of new blood, or will the black beast spill blood in the UFC Apex once again?
Tereza Bleda vs. Natalia Silva
Fight Odds: +150 Bleda vs. -175 Silva.
Weight Class: 125lb. (Women’s Flyweight)
It is unusual to see women’s prospects with real upside in the first bout of the evening, but that’s what I expect from this matchup between UFC newcomer Tereza Bleda and Natalia Silva, a talented Brazilian prospect in her sophomore outing with the organization. Silva impressed in her debut besting Jasmine Jasaudavicious with superior wrestling, serviceable takedown defense, and more potent, comfortable striking techniques. Bleda, despite her young age, is extremely physical and well muscled. At twenty five years of age, Silva has accrued more than twice the professional experience and presents as the more skilled athlete. Physical attributes often go a long way in mixed martial arts. With a massive height and reach advantage, a potential strength advantage, and a willingness to take the fight to the floor, Bleda would seem to be a live underdog in this fight if not an outright spoiler.