ROUNDTABLE: Staff predictions for Israel Adesanya vs. Anderson Silva

Who wins Saturday’s fight between Israel Adesanya and Anderson Silva?

Frank Hyden, Columnist – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

I think Adesanya knocks Silva out in the 2nd round. As cool as it would be to see the old fighter turn back the clock and deliver a spectacular win, I can’t just think it’s even remotely possible. I suppose if Adesanya comes out tentative for some reason, Silva could maybe pull out the upset decision win but I think he comes out ready to make a statement and gets the biggest win of his career.

Sean Covington, Columnist – Covington’s Corner

I see Israel Adesanya playing it safe at first then really opening up on Anderson Silva and getting a stoppage by punches. Silva is still serviceable as a fighter but he is nowhere near invincible like he once was. If Israel overpursues Silva he could get himself into trouble; if Israel loses this fight he is no longer in the title picture. Israel better keep his eye on the prize or he will turn himself into another Uriah Hall.

Christian Moore, MMATorch Contributor

Israel Adesanya gets Anderson Silva out in less than ten minutes. This is the closest Silva has ever seen to someone with a similar style. Anderson however is old, has been horrific in the past four years or so, and has been out for almost two. Adesanya has become MMA’s hottest thing, so I think Adesanya steamrolls Silva.

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Michael Hiscoe, MMATorch Managing Editor

There’s really no good reason to think that Israel Adesanya doesn’t plow right through Anderson Silva. It would be an incredible story to see Silva get the win and challenge for the title he held for so many years. Realistically though, Silva hasn’t looked good in many years. His last truly great performance was against Stephan Bonnar in 2012. If Silva can turn back the clock, I’ll be as impressed and happy as anyone but I expect to see a star-making performance from Adesanya with a first-round TKO of Silva.