UFC Fight Night 33: 5 Reasons to Watch
Another week, another handful of tantalizing UFC bouts for the public eye.
While many fans snicker at the idea of creating these types of cards, especially ones that lack depth, I'm looking forward to some free fights Friday night.
From Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva vs. Mark Hunt to Australia's own James Te Huna vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, UFC Fight Night 33 packs an unassuming punch.
Here are five reasons you should tune in and watch some good old-fashioned Down Under brutality.
5. Battle of 'TUF' Stars
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Both Dylan Andrews and Clint Hester have evolved as more complete fighters since The Ultimate Fighter Season 17.
While neither fighter did enough to reach the reality show's illustrious finale, both have done enough since to suggest they're two of the show's best prospects.
When Andrews steps inside the cage this Friday, he's going to need more than hometown support. Hester is a very dangerous striker who utilizes great boxing techniques inside and out, so the New Zealand native needs to circle early and look to clinch.
Neither TUF standout has lost since 2010, so this will be a very explosive exchange that could leave the victor on the cusp of the middleweight division's top 10.
4. David vs. Goliath
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Pat Barry can't catch a break.
Every time "HD" steps inside the Octagon, he seems to be given the task of defeating an opponent nearly double his size (Stefan Struve, Cheick Kongo, Shane del Rosario, Lavar Johnson).
But what Barry has shown throughout his career is an ability to overcome any physical disadvantage he may possess with elite kickboxing, devastating power and undying heart.
So don't be surprised when Barry takes it to 6'4", 264-pound Soa Palelei this Friday night in front of a hostile Australian crowd.
Hype or die.
3. "Darth" Bader's Revenge
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What Ryan Bader needs to do Friday night is prove he's still one of the best light heavyweights in the world.
He needs to be vicious. He needs to be relentless. He needs to take his raw power and shove it straight through Anthony Perosh's mouthpiece.
If Bader can do that, his recent knockout defeats at the hands of Lyoto Machida and Glover Teixeira will be avenged before the start of the new year.
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2. Shogun's Crossroads
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Mauricio "Shogun" Rua is a legend of the sport. There's no arguing that.
But what the former UFC and Pride champion has showcased over his past two fights has been, for lack of a better word, poppycock.
While his defeat at the brutalizing hands of Alexander Gustafsson last December doesn't look so bad following UFC 165, his recent submission loss to Chael Sonnen is inexcusable.
This lack of consistency has set the veteran up for one of two things: Either he bulls through James Te Huna Friday night and regains divisional momentum, or he moves to middleweight.
Whichever occurs, there's no denying Rua still puts on good fights. The guy hasn't been in a boring fight since he wrongfully lost opposite Lyoto Machida back at UFC 104 for the light heavyweight championship.
He's just at a crossroads.
1. A Heavyweight Showdown
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When Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva and Mark Hunt meet each other inside the Octagon this Friday night, two of toughest and most punishing heavyweights around will lock horns.
As arguably the best knockout specialist in the division, Hunt has the natural ability to end any fight with one swing.
Silva, on the other hand, is one of the hardest heavyweights to deal with due to his own Herculean power and steamboat hands.
In any case, their colossal Southwest-Pacific collision could spark a continental drift unseen on planet Earth since Pangaea. Don't miss it.
For more UFC news and coverage, Follow @DHiergesell.
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