As the best teams in NFL betting start butting heads in the preseason, some of the UFC’s top contending fighters a prepare for battle at UFC 102 next weekend. Though the card has no title fights, some highly ranked warriors will try to inch closer to a title shot. Let’s have a look at Keith Jardine and Thiago Silva, both of whom are fresh off losses to light heavyweight superstars.

Keith “The Dean of Mean” Jardine
Record: 14-5-1
Notable victories: Forrest Griffin, Chuck Liddell
UFC 102 odds: -160

STRENGTHS: Jardine is a clever fighter with an extremely unorthodox stance and “off” timing that confuses opponents. He specializes in big kicks; he can knock opponents out with head blows or slow them down with leg shots, as he did Chuck Liddell. He’s no ground master but he’s good enough to hang with Thiago Silva on the canvas.

WEAKNESSES: Jardine succeeds against counter punchers because he takes the space they give him, but he seriously struggles against aggressive fighters who walk forward. Wanderlei Silva and Houston Alexander overwhelmed and obliterated Jardine in under a minute. Thiago Silva is exactly the type of fighter who gives Jardine trouble.

Thiago Silva
Record: 13-1
Notable victories: Houston Alexander, James Irvin
UFC 102 odds: +130

STRENGTHS: Few light heavyweights can match Silva’s finishing ability. Only one of his 13 wins went to a decision and he’s knocked 10 opponents. His Muay Thai has honed him into a deadly striker who can drop guys with his hands, feet or knees. He’s respectable on the ground, having submitted a pair of fighters.

WEAKNESSES: Silva may not be the smartest fighter out there, as his aggressive style often leaves him open to big shots. If he’s not careful, he could get caught with a head kick from Jardine.

Daily sports pick: Thiago Silva +130. As long as he follows fellow Chute boxer Wanderlei Silva’s strategy and smothers Jardine early, he should score a highlight-reel knockout. I’m surprised he’s not the favored by betting services.