UFC 181: 5 Reasons to Watch Hendricks vs. Lawler 2 Fight Card
The UFC is looking to close 2014 with a bang. UFC 181 is the bang that the company is looking for, as the event hosts two title fights on pay-per-view that should grab the attention of fans.
The card holds some good star power, as names such as Anthony Pettis, Johny Hendricks, Travis Browne, Gilbert Melendez and Urijah Faber grace the card. Those are the type of names that will attract MMA fans left and right.
Many times, fans need a reason to watch a UFC event. Here are five reasons to tune in.
2 Title Bouts
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The biggest reason to cough up your hard-earned money is because there are two title bouts on this card. That means you will see the best in the world in two different weight classes defending their titles.
The headliner is a rematch of an awesome welterweight title fight earlier in the year between Hendricks and Robbie Lawler. The first fight was extremely close, with Hendricks taking the edge on the judges' scorecards.
This fight will be the first for Hendricks since besting Lawler, while Lawler had to off Matt Brown before getting back to this spot.
As for the co-main feature, Pettis meets Melendez for the lightweight title. This follows a coaching stint on The Ultimate Fighter, and it will be the first title defense for Pettis as well.
This is one of the best pay-per-view presentations of the year based solely on the stakes.
The Return of Showtime
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As mentioned, Pettis is making his long-awaited return since beating Benson Henderson for the title. That fight? August 2013.
Pettis has gotten a reputation as an injury-prone fighter now and has held the lightweight title hostage in his absence. Of course, it wasn't just his injuries that kept him out of action, though, as he coached TUF 19 opposite opponent Melendez.
Pettis is truly a star in this sport, and he needs to gain his momentum back, as he could be a solid PPV draw for the UFC.
Heavy Hitters
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This card has two heavyweight bouts on the main card. They should be good but don't expect them to reach the scorecards.
First, Todd Duffee makes his long-awaited return to the cage when he takes on Anthony Hamilton, who makes his third appearance in the cage. Duffee and Hamilton are both known for their knockout power, as they have combined for 15 knockouts in 21 wins.
Next, Brendan Schaub and Browne will go to war in what will likely be a showdown of power punchers. Combined, these men have knocked out 19 men in their 26 wins.
If you like knockouts, tune in for these two bouts. I doubt you will be disappointed.
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Lightweight Dark Horses
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The lightweight division is a shark tank. You have Donald Cerrone, Myles Jury, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Rafael dos Anjos, Henderson and a bevy of others who can be considered in title contention.
Then, there is Abel Trujillo and Tony Ferguson, two men under the radar that can easily be in consideration themselves. They can further that notion with a win over one another Saturday.
Trujillo and Ferguson have combined to win five in a row. They haven't been against chumps either, which gives them the benefit of a solid strength of schedule that can warrant a high-level opponent if they win.
This could easily be a Fight of the Night as well.
2 'TUF 19' Champs Compete
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I know: TUF 19 wasn't exactly the best season in terms of action, but it did provide two high-quality prospects that could be a fixture in the UFC for a while.
In the light heavyweight division, Corey Anderson meets a short-notice opponent that is usually a welterweight in Justin Jones. This is only because opponents Gian Villante and Jonathan Wilson both dropped out of this contest, but it should be a nice showcase for Anderson.
Anderson knocked out Matt Van Buren in the finale in brutal fashion, announcing his arrival to the light heavyweight scene.
In the middleweight division, Eddie Gordon takes on Josh Samman in what should be a very competitive bout. Gordon is a brute in the weight class and is part of the prestigious Serra-Longo Fight Team.
His knockout of Dhiego Lima was brutal and quick. It showed that he could be a force to be reckoned with in the near future.
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