Vanderlei to replace VITOR

[keithws]

Henderson will win!

Ronin hits the nail on the head about silva. He simply doesn't have the grappling skills to take Henderson. Yes, he beat an over confident Arnsdale but that was a fluke combined with the good fortune of Mike breaking his hand.

Look for the only true undefeated nhb champion "Dan Henderson (UFC champion, KOK champion)" to reign supreme in Pride 12.

Boys, if I told you once, I'll tell you again. Never bet against the elite wreslers in NHB.

later dudes....

[BIG BIRD]

I believe that under limited rules Silva can't hang with some if not most of the top middleweights. But,if you match him against any of those fighters with true vale tudo rules i.e. bare knuckle,elbows,headbutts etc,etc. He would beat all of them. He encounters the same problems Pele has in that they take away some of his main weapons.

Maybe you guys can answer this question for me because I have been wondering for awhile now,but why do they not allow elbows or headbutts in Japan? It's not like it is here in America where the athletic commission is tight assed when it comes to mma. If any of you can answer it thank you.

[Mr. Miyagi]

Big Bird, they have those rules in Japan to make it a popular sport. Like Rickson said in Choke, the rules are there to take the bloody aspect out but still have a free fight situation. PRIDE rules are better than UFC rules as it is. The popularity of the sport in Japan makes it possible for them to pay to have the best fighters compete there.
Now, they need to come up with new rules that keep wrestlers from winning decisions. Guys like Randleman and Henderson racked up a lot of wins over nothing while guys like Silva, Saku, Frank and others worked hard to fight to a finish and not involve the judges.

[Ronin]

Big Bird:

I agree that the rules limit Silva's abilities, but I don't think they would change the outcome of most fights. Elbows and head-butts aren't much of a factor when a guy can put you on your back in the blink of an eye, and keep you there.

Most of the good wrestlers (Tito, Henderson, etc.) can avoid Silva's punishment long enough to throw him.

If he got good at reversals, he'd be a freaking terror.

[EJ]

VDS has beaten two American wrestlers... Van Arsdale and former RAW Teamer, Sean Bormet (KO victim).

[Ronin]

E.J.:

True, but everyone knows what to expect from him now. It makes the gameplan easy...

Get him down, fast!!! And don't let him up.

[YeLLa-TiGeR]

Ronin, stop your slander!!! Silva is a bad mofo, 'nuff said!

[Ronin]

Sorry, dude.

I admit he's exciting to watch, but I'm waiting for him to destroy a top contender before I jump on the bandwagon!

Like I said, with good sweeps he'd be a nightmare.

[Mad Dog]

You'd lose your bet. Just because someone has the skills to kick my ass doesn't mean I'll be their bitch! If you're afraid to speak your mind to someone because they can probably beat your butt then you're a puss too!

[Gargoyle]

What a shame.

A win against Henderson would have propelled Belfort back in the top bracket.