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We cheer for the underdogs and root for the undefeated and so it will be at 9 p.m. EST Saturday night when, for the first time ever, Spike TV will air live coast to coast, the match between Anderson "The Spider" Silva (21-4-0), arguably pound-for-pound the best mixed martial artist in the world and the middleweight Ultimate Fighting Championship champion as jumps up a weight class to fight James "Sandman" Irvin (14-4-1) at The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
"Anderson has decided to go up a weight class because it's a challenge and his goal is to make every fight an event, he has nothing to prove to anyone but himself," the fighter said through Ed Soares who translated Anderson's Portugese to English.
As part of his normal regiment of sparring with bigger opponents, the native Brazilian has included wearing a 20-pound weighted vest while training - in theory adding more power without sacrificing speed. We'll see.
"Sandman" Irvin fully comprehends he better have a solution for the precise blitz of sniper striking by his opponent, named by Guys Choice as "World's Most Dangerous Man."
"I will take two or three (strikes) to get one off. I have been training, working my stand-up timing and range so I can slip those full force blows...slipping out of his range. I will take the glancing blows to get mine off. Man, I got nothing to lose, I'm the underdog," Irvin said in a phone interview.
And getting his "off" is indeed Irvin's claim to fame, he tied the UFC record for the fastest knockout against Houston Alexander, a mere "eight seconds and good night." The technique used was get this - a superman punch!
Tomorrow night's main card event is represented by Frankie "The Answer" Edgar (8-1) who claims Toms River, N.J. as home. Coming off his first loss, Edgar will measure swords with Hermes Franca (19-6), another highly regarded Brazilian, resuming work after a year's suspension for using anabolic steroids.
"Hermes has been around a while, he hits hard and ain't afraid to stand-up. I been training my jiu jitsu and boxing, bulking up with weights and diet, I'm hungry for a win," said Edgar.
The last time Edgar fought at home in East Rutherford, The Prudential Center hosted more than 14,000 people and the gate grossed over $2.1 million, setting a gate record. Will he have "The Answer" tomorrow night and join the Marvel family?
Those souls who paid $200 - $450 for tickets will witness first hand, bless their hearts. I ain't mad at them, thank you Spike TV and UFC my couch will be the best seat in the house.
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