UFC 153: Why the Fans Should Be Cheering for Stephan Bonnar

The injury bug decided to bite once again at UFC 153, and this time it ruined a super fight. Jose Aldo and Frankie Edgar were set to battle for the featherweight title, when Aldo had to pull out of the bout due to injury.

MMA fans around the world were rightly upset that this fight was off the books. But out of the turmoil an unlikely saviour emerged to save the event.

UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva. But this announcement didn't come without some confusion as fans found out his unlikely opponent. Silva would be moving up to 205 pounds to fight the always game Stephan "The American Psycho" Bonnar.

It's hard to root against Bonnar, even if he is fighting Anderson Silva. Bonnar is a brawler, who seemingly never gives up. Out of all the fights that he's lost, he's never been submitted. The only way he has been stopped is a couple TKO's due to cuts. That means he's never been knocked out either.

Bonnar only has six losses in the UFC. Almost all of those are top talent fighters including Forrest Griffin, Rashad Evans and current champion Jon Jones. In every one of his fights, Bonnar has been competitive and willing to put on a show.

Fans have many reasons to cheer for Bonnar at UFC 153. Bonnar always aims to put on entertaining fights. He has a true brawling style, which bodes well for the fans. Bonnar has a well known name, especially from his first fight with Forrest Griffin, which will help the event attract some fans.

Last but not least Bonnar stepped up to face arguably the best fighter in the world right now.

If not for that act, who knows what would have happened to another UFC pay-per-view card without a main event? Bonnar did the UFC and the fans a great service by stepping up and taking this fight.

In my books that's a solid reason to root for him. If you don't root for him for any other reason, at least give him some props for helping to save this event.

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