When you listen in on a discussion about the top pound for pound fighters in the world, Anderson "The Spider" Silva will surely come up near the top of the list. Ever since he came from relative obscurity in relation to casual fans, he has been on a complete path of destruction. Other than a future rematch with Yushin Okami, the UFC Middleweight division has been dismantled by Silva. Whether it was for lack of a quality opponent at 185 lbs, or simply because Silva believes he can hold his own at a heavier weight, he's chosen to go into Saturday night at 205 lbs.

The middleweight champion is not taking a tuner fight at 205; instead, he's going up against the very hard hitting James "Sandman" Irvin. Irvin has provided fans with a plethora of highlight reel knockouts over his career. Whether it was the flying knee he landed on Terry Martin or the flash knockout over Houston Alexander, Irvin has always been a fighter with loads of potential. Yet for a time, it was thought he was just another under-achiever. He's been inconsistent in the past, and has shown a lack of concentration at times. But when the guy is on, he's powerful, and simply frightening.

If Irvin wants to leave Nevada on Saturday with his chin still attached to his head, he's going to have to be better than he ever has before. The only fighter Silva has gone up against with comparable striking to Irvin, while in the UFC, has been Rich Franklin. But Franklin is more of a boxer, who likes to measure his opponents with clean jabs, and wear them down over the course of a fight. Irvin on the other hand, is a power puncher, who will swing for the fences, and could put any light heavyweight in the world on the mat if he connects.

MMA Madness Fight Analysis:

While we might be provided with some great stand-up action, and while Silva is fighting out of his weight class; it's still going out on a limb to give Irvin a real chance in this fight. Silva is a masterful striker, with beautiful combinations, mixed between footwork that would bring a smile to Muhammad Ali's face. His BJJ is far more advanced than Irvin's, so a surprise game plan from Irvin's camp to take the fight to the ground simply won't work. We'll get our fair share of fighting in the main event, but it will always be just a matter of a time before Silva puts Irvin on the mat. Look for Anderson to bob and weave through Irvin's power punches, and quickly frustrate the larger fighter. He'll work the clinch to the same perfection we've come to know and love, and pepper Irvin's body and chin with beautiful knees.

MMA Madness Prediction:

Anderson Silva via KO in RD 1

Brandon Vera vs. Andy Reese

Coming off of two very disappointing losses, Brandon "The Truth" Vera is wasting no time trying to get back on a winning streak. Before his showdown with Tim Sylvia, Vera was touted as the future of the heavyweight division. After another loss to Fabricio Werdum at UFC 85, he decided to move down to the light heavyweight division. The change in weight is a move that has been speculated for quite some time. It's no secret that most MMA enthusiasts believe he's a much better fit at 205 lbs. While Vera will be matched against his weakest opponent in some time, it will still be no cake walk.

Reese Andy is an IFL stalwart and will be making his UFC debut at the age of 35. He's a former collegiate wrestling standout, and he's coming off a four fight win streak that includes a win over Krzysztof Soszynski. Andy has a decent ground game, but most of his fights have gone to a decision.

MMA Madness Fight Analysis:

Brandon Vera should be able to outclass Reese Andy throughout this fight. Andy will not be strong enough to take Vera to the ground, and "The Truth" will utilize his impressive sprawl to keep the fight on the feet. Vera's striking is light-years ahead of Andy's, and it will be a quick night for him.

MMA Madness Prediction:

Brandon Vera via TKO in RD 1

Hermes Franca vs. Frankie Edgar

In what is an early candidate for fight of the night, Hermes Franca makes his return from suspension to take on the very durable Frank "The Truth" Edgar. Both fighters are coming off very disappointing losses, and are looking to get back in the Lightweight title hunt.

Hermes Franca is easily one of the top lightweight fighters in the world. He is coming off a heartbreaking loss to Sean Sherk for the lightweight championship at UFC 73. Following the fight, Franca tested positive for Drostanolone, a banned steroid, and was suspended by the state of California. Hermes is now back on track and looking to climb the Lightweight ladder once again. He holds wins over Caol Uno, Spencer Fisher, Nathan Diaz, and is a former WEC Lightweight Champion. His BJJ is on par with some of the top practitioners in the world. He likes to offer up his opponents a mix of very awkward strikes with decent takedowns, and great submissions.

Frankie Edgar has been an absolute gem thus far in the UFC Lightweight division. He's a collegiate wrestler, who mixes incredible strength with constant pressure to weaken his opponents. He is coming off a close decision loss to Gray Maynard, and was on a eight fight win streak before that point. He is the only fighter who holds a win over Tyson Griffin, and all of his fights are great to watch.

MMA Madness Fight Analysis:

Although Franca has a better ground game than Edgar, he should look to stay on his feet. He doesn't want to be on his back with a tough wrestler on top; we saw what happened when he tried that with Sherk. Franca has the striking advantage, and should look to measure Frankie, while circling around the cage. Edgar's game plan should be simple: take Franca to the ground and control him, while being very aware of Hermes' submissions. Edgar should prove too strong for Franca, and his pace will keep him in the judge's favor.

MMA Madness Prediction:

Frankie Edgar via Unanimous Decision

CB Dollaway vs. Jesse Taylor

A fight that will surely have the crowd's attention will be the showdown between Ultimate Fighter alumni, CB Dollaway and Jesse Taylor. Jesse has been given a second chance from the UFC after his heavily documented blow up in Vegas prior to the TUF finals. He'll have his hands full with the highly touted CB Dollaway, who fell short in Taylor's place at the TUF finale.

MMA Madness Fight Analysis:

Both fighters are great wrestlers, yet CB has the better credentials. CB also has a strong advantage in the stand up game, so he'll more than likely try and keep it on the feet. Neither fighter has very good BJJ, so the ground game could prove to be a pure wrestling match. CB should be able to stuff all of Jesse's takedowns, and use his striking to weaken him before taking it to the ground him self.

MMA Madness Prediction:

CB Dollaway via TKO in RD 2

Additional Fights:

There are quite a few more fights on the card, including one between Anthony "Rumble" Johnson and Kevin Burns. "Rumble" has been generating a lot of hype after his demolition of Tommy Speer, and will be looking to impress.

The lone Heavyweight bout of the night features a showdown between Cain Velasquez and "Irish" Jake O'Brien. Both are up and coming Heavyweights, and it should be a decent test for the two of them.

FULL CARD:

Main Card Bouts: -Anderson Silva vs. James Irvin -Brandon Vera vs. Reese Andy -Frankie Edgar vs. Hermes Franca -Jake O'Brien vs. Cain Velasquez -Anthony Johnson vs. Kevin Burns -Jesse Taylor vs. C.B. Dollaway

Preliminary Bouts:

-Rory Markham vs. Brodie Farber -Nate Loughran vs. Johnny Rees -Brad Blackburn vs. James Giboo -Dale Hartt vs. Shannon Gugerty -Tim Credeur vs. Cale Yarbrough