10 MMA Fights to Watch for in May

The month of May has a ton of mixed martial arts events that look to be very exciting and fan-friendly. In addition to the three UFC cards that will be put on, there will also be cards hosted by Bellator, Maximum Fighting Championship, Tachi Palace Fights and more.

There will be plenty of fights to look out for in the month of May, but here are 10 fights that are must-see coming up next month.

Nate Diaz vs. Jim Miller

When: May 5

Where to Watch: Fox

The main event of UFC on Fox is a lightweight bout between Nate Diaz and Jim Miller. By the looks of this contest, it may be a No. 1 contender's bout.

Diaz has proven to be a lightweight version of his brother Nick, throwing volumes of punches and wearing out opponents with his insane cardio. He is coming off a dismantling of Donald Cerrone, which sprung him into title talks.

Miller is one of the hardest workers in the UFC, and is coming off a big win over Melvin Guillard. That win erased a loss to now-champion, Ben Henderson. 

Both men are fantastic grapplers with great submission abilities. The x-factor may come down to who is better in the striking department, which will lead to a fan-pleasing affair.

Rousimar Palhares vs. Alan Belcher

When: May 5

Where to Watch: Fox

Another main card bout at UFC on Fox, Alan Belcher takes on Rousimar Palhares in a middleweight bout with title implications. Both men are very close to a title shot, especially with a win.

Palhares is a brutal submission artist, using leg locks to force taps from opponents. It appears his striking has improved, which is a big need versus a guy like Alan Belcher.

Belcher is criminally underrated, possessing great all-around skills to compete with anyone in the division. He brings an exciting style that rarely sees him in a boring fight.

Put a nutcase in the cage against a guy with a horrible Johnny Cash tattoo, and you have yourself an interesting fight.

Chan Sung Jung vs. Dustin Poirier

When: May 15

Where to Watch: Fuel TV

Fuel TV plays host to a main event that could bring about the next top contender in the featherweight division. South Korean superstar Chan Sung Jung meets Dustin Poirier in what should be a barn burner.

Jung is coming off a seven-second knockout of Mark Hominick, which immediately put him into title talks. Poirier took the tougher road, pinning together a number of impressive victories en route to title contender talks.

Do not blink, or else you may miss an insane fight.

Donald Cerrone vs. Jeremy Stephens

When: May 15

Where to Watch: Fuel TV

Also on the main card of the Fuel TV card, an exciting fight between Donald Cerrone and Jeremy Stephens has emerged.

Both men are adamant on keeping this fight on the feet, which benefits fans as they are both knockout artists. Stephens is a power puncher, while Cerrone is a technical, precise striker.

Two contrasts of style like that make fights great. 

Junior Dos Santos vs. Frank Mir

When: May 26

Where to Watch: PPV

UFC 146 plays host to the heavyweight championship title defense by Junior dos Santos versus late replacement Frank Mir.

Any title fight is a must-watch, but it will be interesting to watch this fight. Dos Santos works with Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, who is Mir's latest victim via brutal kimura. Mir has now beat dos Santos' friend twice, which will fuel a fire.

The original main event was between dos Santos and Alistair Overeem, but this fight will be exciting nonetheless.

Maiquel Falcao vs. Andreas Spang

When: May 25

Where to Watch: MTV 2

Bellator's season six middleweight tournament will come to a close May 25, and it will feature Maiquel Falcao and Andreas Spang. These men will bring some serious heat to the cage.

The two squared off following their respective semifinal victories, leading to a scuffle which saw Spang push Falcao, and Falcao return the favor with knee to the body. 

When the cage door closes, you should expect to see fireworks.

Anthony Johnson vs. Dave Branch

When: May 25

Where to Watch: HDnet

Former UFC veterans square off at Titan Fighting Championship 22, when oft-criticized Anthony Johnson takes on Dave Branch.

This will be Johnson's second attempt to fight at middleweight, as his first attempt failed, leading to his firing from the UFC. He will take on a solid grappler in Dave Branch, who will look to ground Johnson and submit him.

If Johnson can win this fight and make weight, he may be invited back to the UFC.

Renato Sobral vs. Steve Bosse

When: May 5

Where to Watch: Unknown

UFC veteran Renato "Babalu" Sobral will take the stage on Instinct MMA's main event against top Canadian light heavyweight prospect, Steve Bosse.

Bosse is coming off a brutal knockout of Houston Alexander, utilizing elbows to put him to sleep. Sobral is a ground specialist, that can currently be seen on The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil as a coach for Wanderlei Silva.

Sobral has nasty submissions and ground striking, which will make the fight with Bosse a must-see.

Bobby Lashley vs. James Thompson

When: May 6

Where to Watch: YouTube

Former pro wrestler Bobby Lashley continues his MMA journey, standing opposite of James Thompson in the main event of Super Fight League 3.

This will be Thompson's second Super Fight League main event, beating Bob Sapp in the first main event. On the other hand, Lashley has been working with Josh Barnett, which aided him in his keylock submission victory over Karl Knothe in his latest bout.

Lashley will need to use his power wrestling against the better striker that is Thompson. Nonetheless, it should be a good fight to watch.

Bob Sapp vs. Mariusz Pudzianowski

When: May 12

Where to Watch: unknown

If you are into novelty fights, this one may be right down your alley.

Former Polish strongman Mariusz Pudzianowski will meet MMA's scariest looking, yet almost harmless Bob Sapp in a battle of behemoths. 

Both men fought James Thompson in their latest outings, resulting in a no contest for Pudzianowski, and a loss for Sapp. Whoever wins here will be a win for the fans, as this fight is going to be legendary.