Warning: mysqli_query(): (HY000/1030): Got error 28 from storage engine in /home/sportsun/public_html/wp-includes/wp-db.php on line 1942

UFC 134 in Rio is one of the biggest events of the year on the MMA calendar. The UFC is back in Brazil, and Anderson Silva is defending his title against Yushin Okami. Here are Sports Untapped’s UFC 134 free picks.

Luiz Cane -220 vs. Stanislav Nedkov +175

The Bulgarian Nedkov makes his first UFC appearance, bringing with him an 11-0 record. Most of his wins were inhis native Bulgaria, but he does hold Sengoku victories over former UFC fighters Kevin Randleman and Travis Wiuff. Cane is 4-3 in the Octagon, and has tremendous power in his hands. Nedkov is well-rounded, so Cane will have to prevent the takedown. We like Nedkov for the win. Take Nedkov +175

Edson Barboza -300 vs. Ross Pearson +220

Pearson is a fine fighter, but he’s in all kind of trouble with Barboza. Barboza will have advantages in reach, height, and most importantly, speed. Speed kills in MMA, especially when combined with the prowess and power of Barboza. He’s uses his speed in a dynamic style of striking, and I don’t think Pearson survives this one with his eyes open. Take Barboza -300

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira +180 vs. Brendan Schaub -230

Big Nog will be cheered on by his native Brazilians, but I think that Schaub is a horrible matchup for him. This bout is more about seeing where Schaub is as a heavyweight contender than it is about Big Nog getting back into any kid of title discussion. Schaub will be stronger and faster than Big Nog, who hasn’t fought in 16 months. Schaub will KO Big Nog sooner or later. Take Schaub -230.

Shogun Rua -230 vs. Forrest Griffin +180

This is the fight that I find most intriguing on this card. I don’t think Rua is as good on the ground as some proclaim, and I think Griffin will win the scrambles. I think Griffin can also keep Rua on the ground. The problem is that he needs to get it there. To do that, he’ll have to go through devastating leg kicks and risk getting in the clinch with Rua, where he dominates opponents. This is a tough fight to call, but we recommend taking Rua -230.

Anderson Silva -500 vs. Yushin Okami +350

Okami can grind out decision wins with the best of them. It’s how he got here, a title shot against Anderson Silva. While Silva has on occasion been uninterested in the cage against some opponents, there’s not a chance that happens in Brazil in front of all his adoring fans. Like I said, speed kills, and Silva has plenty of it. He will defend his title with a rousing KO. Take Silva -500