(Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
Like the film industry, the truly massive events of the Mixed Martial Arts world go down in the summer.
With UFC 100, Affliction: Trilogy, Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg and other great cards lined up for the coming months, it's time to reveal the 10 most anticipated fights of summer 2009.
10. Nate Marquardt vs. Demian Maia - UFC 102, August 29
Regardless of whether it turns out to be the No. 1 Contenders match it was originally slated to be, this will be an outstanding fight.
Marquardt, the seven-time King of Pancrase, doesn't get the respect he deserves and is looking for another shot at Anderson Silva.
Meanwhile, Maia has made everyone he's faced tap thanks to the best BJJ game in MMA, but faces the toughest test of his career in Nate the Great.
9. Josh Thomson vs. Gilbert Melendez - Strikeforce, August 15
The rematch that was supposed to take place earlier in the year will finally go down now that "The Punk" has recovered from a leg injury.
These two put on a terrific fight the first time they tangled, with Thomson earning the win and the Strikeforce Lightweight title. Now "Scrap Pack" member Melendez gets another chance after earning the interim version of the belt back in April.
8. Randy Couture vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira - UFC 102, August 29
The main event of the card is also one I look forward to, as two legends meet for the first time and both are coming off high-profile defeats.
Couture was dethroned as UFC Heavyweight Champion by a steamroller named Brock Lesnar, while Nogueira lost his TUF 8 coaches bout and Interim Heavyweight Title to Frank Mir by being knocked out for the first time in his career.
7. B.J. Penn vs. Kenny Florian - UFC 101, August 8
It's hard to believe that this battle for the UFC Lightweight title is getting as little attention as it is, but that only goes to prove how impressive the summer schedule of fights really is.
Florian has grown by leaps and bounds since being on the first season of The Ultimate Fighter and Penn is, well, he's B.J. Penn. You never know what you're going to get and that is what has me dying to see this fight.
6. Miguel Torres vs. Brian Bowles - WEC 42, August 9
August is easily the best month ever in terms of quality fights and this bout for the WEC Featherweight title is a big part of the excitement.
Originally supposed to take place earlier in the year, Bowles was injured and forced to withdraw. In his place, Torres and Takeya Mizugaki put on what I currently rank as Fight of the Year.
Expect fireworks.
5. Fedor Emelianenko vs.s Josh Barnett - Affliction: Trilogy, August 1
Seriously, the first nine days of August will leave you spent if you're a fight fan.
After years of being the top two heavyweights in Japan, close friends Fedor Emelianenko and Josh Barnett will finally go toe-to-toe.
For Barnett, it is a chance to emerge from his friend's immense shadow, while "The Last Emperor" can silence any critics doubting his talents after his last two opponents have come up short since falling to Fedor.
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