The UFC's Five Best Fights in April

UFC fans have not had to wait this long for a fight card since last Summer. But the UFC returns in April with two cards filled to the brim with exciting fights.

On April 14, UFC on Fuel TV: Gustafsson vs. Silva emanates from Stockholm, Sweden for the first time ever.

Just one week later the UFC's most interesting grudge match will take place in Atlanta, Georgia when Jon Jones puts his Light Heavyweight Championship on the line against former teammate and friend, Rashad Evans.

We take a look at the five best fights the UFC has to offer in April.

Honorable Mentions

UFC on FuelTV: Gustafsson vs. Silva

Jason Young vs. Eric Wisely
This fight will open the card on Facebook and should supply fast-paced action for the Swedish crowd. Wisely will try to rebound from a first-round submission loss to Charles Oliveira, and Young is coming off of two losses to a couple of the divisions most talented: Michihiro Omigawa and Dustin Poirier. Despite the losses these two featherweights will throw down and put together a fun scrap. 

Brad Pickett vs. Damacio Page
Much like the previous fight this tilt features two fighters coming off losses and both will be looking for an exciting fight. Pickett and Page both have knockout power that could kick off the main card on FuelTV with a bang. Bantamweight action will set the standard for the rest of the main card.

Dennis Siver vs. Diego Nunes
One of the division's most talented, Nunes, will welcome Siver to the Featherweight division. After coming close to breaking into title contention the feared striker decided to drop weight and make an impact at 145. If the weight cut goes as planned this could be a potential fight of the night with a striking showcase.

Alexander Gustafsson vs. Thiago Silva
The night's main event will be a measuring stick as to where the light heavyweight prospect is in his career. It will also show us how much Silva has improved during his time away from the Octagon. The Swede, Gustafsson, will have the pressure of fighting in front of his friends and family. The winner of this bout could find themselves fighting a top contender and putting themselves "in the mix."

UFC 145: Jones vs. Evans

Matt Brown vs. Stephen Thompson
This matchup should supply some sort of firework on the FX broadcast of preliminary fights. Matt Brown is a fighter who likes to brawl and can get wreckless, and Thompson arrived to the UFC with a clean headkick KO at UFC 143. Brown will try to make Thompson uncomfortable and pressure him, but don't be surprised if the fight breaks down into an old-fashioned donnybrook.

5. John Makdessi vs. Anthony Njokuani

UFC 145: Jones vs. Evans

This is a ridiculously fun fight for the April 21 card. Both fighters love to stand and give the fans what they want. This is sure to be a crowd-pleaser in Atlanta. Njokuani will have a significant reach advantage that Makdessi will have to overcome, but look for both men to connect with the other throughout the fight with a variety of strikes. With both fighters seeking a win after losing their last outings expect them to mix it up with array of strikes that will keep the fans on their toes waiting for something spectacular.

4. Miguel Torres vs. Michael McDonald

UFC 145: Jones vs. Evans

Veteran vs. Newcomer. This Bantamweight bout will elevate the winner into top-contender status. Miguel Torres is coming off of a decision victory over Nick Pace, and if not for a controversial decision loss to Demetrious Johnson he would be riding a four-fight win streak into the cage. McDonald is also hot. The young prospect has reeled off seven consecutive victories and a win over Torres will mean he's ready to challenge for the gold.

Bantamweight action will be showcased at a high level between these two fighters and will deliver the goods at 145. A fast pace will be set between both men looking for that next title shot. It has all the makings of a fight of the night.

3. Marcus Brimage vs. Maximo Blanco

UFC 145: Jones vs. Evans

This will be the very first fight on the card in Atlanta and there is no better way to get the crowd going. Many know Brimage from "The Ultimate Fighter" reality show and watched him take a victory at the TUF Finale. But many do not know his opponent. Maximo Blanco was an exciting lightweight prospect that last fought in Strikeforce. He suffered his first loss in nearly three years to veteran Pat Healy before announcing his intention to drop to featherweight.

The matchup should be electric between the two athletes. It would not be a surprise to see it win fight of the night. Blanco will have a height and reach advantage over Brimage, but that shouldn't hamper this fight's electricity. Everyone should have their Facebook pages up and ready to stream when UFC 145 kicks off.

2. Paulo Thiago vs. Siyar Bahadurzada

UFC on FuelTV: Gustafsson vs. Silva

After a long time fighting in smaller organizations Siyar Bahadurzada finally makes his long-awaited UFC debut against vaunted submission stylist Paulo Thiago. Bahadurzada brings in a devastating striking style that will excite fans, and Thiago is no stranger to a brawl. But despite his willingness to exchange expect Thiago to return to his jiu-jitsu roots and try to get this to the floor. One way or the other this fight will have an exciting finish.

Bahadurzada has the distinct edge on the feet, although Thiago does possess one-punch KO power, and Thiago has a definitive ground advantage. Either way it goes I do not see it heading to the judge's scorecards. Expect fireworks.

1. Jon Jones vs. Rashad Evans: Light Heavyweight Championship

UFC 145: Jones vs. Evans

Many times we find ourselves searching the undercards for the fight that will be the best, but with UFC 145 that is not the case. This is by far and away the most interesting grudge match in UFC history.

We know the backstory.

Teammates. Friendship. Betrayal. Hatred.

We know the fighters.

If these two fighters were not the absolute cream of the crop in terms of talent and excitement the backstory would not hold much merit. But they are. Jon Jones has been one of the most exciting fighters since his UFC debut. He does moves on the fly that boggle the mind. The challenger holds some of the fastest and most powerful hands in the division. Both can do it all. It's about who can break the other.

When big fights like this happen adrenaline shoots the viewers veins and brings them to the edge of their seat in anticipation. That only adds to the excitement of the fight. Will Jon Jones walk through another elite light heavyweight? Does Rashad Evans know the secret to defeating the young champion? These questions will finally be answered. Whose special night will be ruined? We will find out on April 21.