UFC 145 Fight Card: Mark Bocek vs. John Alessio

It's about time Mark Bocek builds another winning streak in the UFC, and that's exactly what he'll do tonight against John Alessio.

Alessio will make his long-awaited return to Zuffa at UFC 145 this evening, and though the veteran is very experienced inside the cage, Bocek will prove to be a long night for Alessio.

Bocek's just simply better than him. He's a submission artist that has a knack for submitting some of the best ground game wizards in the sport like Dustin Hazelett, for instance. But as good as Bocek is, he's recently lost two of his last four fights, and he hasn't had a winning streak since 2009.

With his last victory coming over Nik Lentz at UFC 140, it's time for Bocek to get another winning streak going. His opponent tonight has a record of 34-14 and has fought in various MMA organizations including the UFC and WEC.

Glancing at both fighters' records, one might believe Alessio to be the favorite in this fight because of Bocek's 10-4 MMA record, but that doesn't tell the complete story.

Bocek has beaten everyone he's faced in the UFC, except for the elite of the lightweight division. His only MMA losses are to Frankie Edgar, Benson Henderson, Jim Miller and Mac Danzig.

But now's the time for Bocek to take the next step in his career. No one will ever deny the fact that Bocek is a tough fighter that is capable of defeating most of the lightweights in the world, but it's time for him to make a statement against a wily veteran.

Bocek won't get the victory in impressive fashion, but he'll generate another win streak with a decision victory against Alessio.