Looks like Wanderlei Silva is completely certain his Brazilian countryman Mauricio Rua will take out three-time UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen at UFC Fight Night 26 tonight.

As a matter of fact, “The Axe Murderer” told MMA Junkie he is so confident “Shogun” is a superior fighter to his American counterpart, his willing to bet a cool $100,000 on the fight.

“He's a second-level fighter. He's not Top 10 – he's not a top fighter. He can't say anything about that because he's not in the position. His results don't give him the right to talk like that,” Silva said.
 

“’Shogun' can beat him anywhere. In the standup or on the ground – he can submit and he can knock out," Silva said. "I don't see any chance for Sonnen in that fight. I don't gamble, but I talked to my wife. I want to put $100,000 on 'Shogun.'"

Silva and Sonnen have both been hyping a fight with one another for months now, though a matchup inside the Octagon is yet to come to fruition.

Sonnen told Ariel Helwani earlier in the weeks that he would like to settle the score with Wanderlei after he beats Shogun, but he doesn’t think he’ll step up to the plate so he’s also eyeing a grudge match with Vitor Belfort.

UFC President Dana White also told various media outlets that Silva was indeed offered the bout with Sonnen to headline tonight’s card, but Silva turned down the offer due to a lingering pinched nerve.

Silva has won three of his past five bouts, most recently knocking out Brian Stann at UFC on FUEL 8 in March, though he hasn’t won consecutive fights since 2006.

Will Wanderlei’s prediction come to fruition in tonight’s main event or will Sonnen prove he is a still a top-tier talent in the UFC?