UFC on FX 2: 5 Reasons This Is a Must-See Event

Thiago Alves; photo cred: cagepotato.com

On March 3, the UFC will look to make good on their second endeavor on FX as they bring another talent-laden card to the FOX-owned network.

In the main event of the evening, welterweight standouts Thiago Alves and Martin Kampmann meet in a pivotal affair which will move one man a step closer towards the upper echelon of the division, while the loser will plummet to the bottom of the barrel.

Though the 170-pound battle should be enough to captivate your interest, here are some more reasons why you should be excited to witness greatness at its finest. 

 

[Thiago Alves; photo cred: cagepotato.com]

Debut of the Flyweights

Demetrious Johnson; photo cred: mmavalor.com

The event kicks off a four-man tournament, which will feature world-renowned opponents looking to vie for UFC gold.

In an effort to produce their first champion at 125 pounds, the UFC will debut its flyweight division come this March on the FX network—a brilliant move to endear fans to the fan-friendly, rambunctious weight class. 

Ian McCall UFC Debut

Ian McCall; photo cred: mmamania.com

If this guy looks familiar, it could mean a few things.

No, he doesn't belong to any new-age Shakespeare-esque story of trials and tribulations.

But yes, he was a veteran of the now-defunct WEC organization and is well-regarded as the No. 1 fighter in the flyweight class.

Since venturing to 125, McCall has been on fire. A victory over then-flyweight kingpin Jussier da Silva kicked off the momentum of "Uncle Creepy," who parlayed his success to earn the Tachi Palace title, besting the world-ranked Darrel Montague via rear-naked choke inside of three.

Now, the hot commodity will be making his organizational debut against Demetrious Johnson—a former title contender who looks to derail the spitfire.

Yasuhiro Urushitani UFC Debut

Yasuhiro Urushitani; photo cred: bonesnapper.com

The inclusion of the flyweight class means good things for all, as the fans can now bear witness to some of the most talented fighters in the world, which includes the likes of Yasuhiro Urushitani.

The former Shooto champion will be making his Octagon debut against veteran Joseph Benavidez in the biggest battle of their respective careers.

Urushitani is a talented mixed martial artist who is well-versed in all areas and has only been beaten once in the past seven years—though he's since avenged the loss decisively. 

Court McGee vs. Costas Philippou

Court McGee; photo cred: MMAWeekly.com

In the middleweight division, the Season 11 winner of The Ultimate Fighter in Court McGee will likely face his sternest test to date when he takes on the surging Costas Philippou.

After a relatively inactive 2011, McGee will look to build on the strength of an impressive victory over Dongi Yang last September where the Utah native bested the "Ox" for three rounds of action.

Meanwhile, Philippou has recorded his action more decisively, recently besting veteran Jared Hamman by knockout, blasting his heavy-handed foe in just a little over three minutes into the first round.

Both men are gamers and a battle of these proportions spell fireworks, as this fight is unlikely to reach the final bell. 

Thiago Alves vs. Martin Kampmann

Martin Kampmann; photo cred: mmamania.com

In the headliner, Brazilian banger Thiago Alves meets with the equally game Martin Kampmann.

Both men are strikers first. Their background in kickboxing has garnered them both many victories throughout their respective careers, though both have since become equally well-adept on the mat.

It's a clash of styles, as Kampmann often emphasizes technique while Alves is more concerned from swinging bombs hoping for the knockout.

It's a good thing that the UFC implemented five-round non-title fights as this one has the potential to become an early "Fight of the Night" candidate.