Billed as 'an epic battle of champions' UFC 94, Pierre vs. Penn was hyped as the biggest fight in UFC history.
Though on some fronts the fight, or at least Penn, failed to deliver, most fans were satisfied with St. Pierre's successful title defence.
On the same card, two unbeaten 13-0 warriors went head to head and after a crushing knock-out of Thiago Silva by Lyoto Machida right at the buzzer, fans went wild.
Prior to that at UFC 93, two veterans slugged out an insanely close fight as Rich Franklin lost narrowly to former pride champion Dan Henderson.
At the same event the much-anticipated return of Mark Coleman drew many viewers to see if the original ground and pound stalwart could really still perform at the highest level. Sadly for his fans, Mauricio Rua ruined the party—but fans were entertained even if one eye was already on Pierre vs. Penn.
So with great fights and all the hype in past events many fans are predicting a period of mediocrity. The more discerning fans however might just spot one or two prospects for incredible fights on the next two fight cards.
UFC 95 is headlined by Diego Sanchez vs. Joe Stevenson—an unusual headliner but maybe an interesting prospect. Stevenson is a strong fighter and has a great ground game. Sanchez is on a winning streak and wont want it to end any time soon.
Names don't necessarily make a fight, but styles do. These are two impressive jiu-jitsu practitioners and with UFC fans becoming increasingly well versed in the ground game the fight shouldn't disappoint, as Stevenson predicts:
“We have similar styles, although he kicks more than I do. I am looking forward to the fight; Diego is someone who will come at me instead of staying back worried about me taking them down. I think it will be a great fight.”
If you told a UK fan that the card is weak they may have to disagree. With four British fighters on the card the, O2 arena London will be awash with atmosphere and chanting. Any non-native fighters will find themselves the villain no matter how popular they are in US shows.
Michael Bisping may not be gracing the octagon, but many talented young fighters are, with Dan Hardy the standout. Hardy is much-talked about in the UK MMA scene and with his impressive victory over Akahiro Gono he has stamped his mark on the UFC. Now Hardy is ready to take on Rory Markham in what will be both fighters second fight in the UFC and neither fighter will want a loss so early on their UFC record.
Ultimately UFC 95 is a night for prospects. Promising fighters such as Demian Maia, Junior Dos Santos, Terry Etim and Paul Taylor will all be looking to catch the eye of Dana White and Joe Silva. More experienced UFC fighters such as main event fighters Sanchez and Stevenson as well as Josh Koscheck and Nate Marquardt are peppered throughout the card and will ensure the smooth running and professionalism of the night. A card full of promise, delivering British fighters to British fans and offering the best of UFC youth.
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