Upcoming Fights Worth Watching Part 1

The next couple of weeks in MMA is very interesting, and for that matter the next couple of months.   Many people are talking about the title fights that are about to go down, but for me I’m more interested in some of the lesser know fights that will move people around in the division. 

In the next couple of weeks I’m going to be highlighting some of the fights that have elevated my curiosity.  Now on to the show 

Gegard Mousasi vs. Jake O'Brien

In his last fight Mousasi had trouble with “King Mo” and his wrestling, and Jake O’Brien is just that, A good sound wrestler.  O’Brien in is a weight class that he is very comfortable in and should use his power to get it to the ground.  The biggest issue is can de do enough to keep it there and gnp himself to a victory. 

Mousasi needs to show what all the hype was about him.  The loss to Mo looked like he was out of shape and really didn’t show the killer instinct he had shown before.  I still think Mousasi should take this fight, but another showing like his last will have fans question all the hype.

Mark Munoz vs. Yushin Okami

The forgotten middle weight contender is and has always been Yushin Okami and man does that annoy me.  Since coming to the UFC he has 8 wins to 2 losses, those coming to the hands of former middleweight champ Rich Franklin and current #1 contender Chael Sonnen.  Sure he’s not flash and fights safe, but who doesn’t now a days.  He looks to be ready for another run and if he can get by Munoz maybe a fight with Maia, Belcher, or Marquardt could be on the horizon.

Munoz was a big pick up after the WEC did away with its higher weight divisions.  He has since moved to middleweight and I think this is where he should be a force.  If he could get past Okami with a solid win, the “Philippine Wrecking Machine” could make a run at the 185 title.

 Junior Dos Santos vs. Roy Nelson

This fight will have title implications written all over it.  Both are very hot fighters who should be next in line with a big win.  Many dog Nelson for his fat man looks and cocky attitude, but really he is a very good ground fighter with a black belt in BJJ under Renzo Gracie and some really heavy hands that are accurate and quick.   Since winning TUF Nelson now has a very recognizable face which would help the UFC if he can get by Dos Santos in a title fight, which Dana White and company would love.

Dos Santos on the other hand is a real treat to anyone holding the belt when his time comes.  He isn’t the biggest of heavyweights but what he lacks in size he all but makes up for in power and speed.  Since coming to the UFC he has sent shock waves thru the heavyweight division by completely demolishing the fighter before him.  I personally think he will get by Nelson, but the issue becomes what happens if Nelson can get him on the ground and use his vast knowledge of the ground game.  Only time will tell.