UFC 81 Breaking Point: Tim Sylvia vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira

In the main event for UFC 81, Tim Sylvia will face Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira for the interim heavyweight title. Although not highly publicized, this should be one hell of a fight. Don't get me wrong, there probably won't be any highlight material here. Only those who appreciate the diversity of MMA will enjoy this fight.

Not that this fight is lacking star power. Tim Sylvia is a two time heavyweight champion and has an impressive 26-3-0 MMA record. Antonio Nogueria is also a former heavyweight champion, but in the Pride fighting organization. His record is as impressive at 30-4-1 where two of his loses where to Fedor Emelianenko (often considered the best pound for pound fighter in MMA).

So, where does that leave us? With two great fighters that both want to be the last one standing in the heavyweight division. Nogueira needs to find a way to work around Sylvia's reach advantage, if he can do that he will win the fight. But Tim Sylvia is very difficult to get to the mat, just ask Jeff Monson and Brandon Vera. In my opinion, Nogueira won't be able to reach Sylvia or get him to the mat and loses via decision.