MMA Schedule: The 15 Most Intriguing Fights On The Horizon
Damn are we spoiled.
Looking forward to the upcoming mixed martial arts events, it's clear that good things are ahead of us. Almost every card is filled with potentially exciting and meaningful bouts. Championships will be defended and lost. Knockouts and submissions will occur. And legacies will either be cemented or crushed.
So what are the 15 most interesting bouts on the horizon? Click ahead to find out and plan accordingly.
15. Mark Bocek Vs. Ben Henderson- UFC 129 April 30th
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UFC vs. WEC is on prime display at UFC 129 when former WEC title holder Ben Henderson takes on severely underrated Mark Bocek.
Henderson is coming off of a disappointing loss to Anthony Pettis during the final fight of the WEC. He hopes to make a big statement for the incoming lightweights from the sister promotion of the UFC. A win, or at the very least a competitive fight, could lead to the WEC lightweights gaining some serious respect in the eyes of fighters and fans.
On the other hand, Bocek is simply hoping to continue climbing up the lightweight ladder. His Jiu Jitsu is quickly becoming the most dangerous at 155. Another impressive submission victory could see the Canadian leap into the top five of the division.
14. Jon Madsen Vs. Mike Russow- UFC Fight Night 24 March 26th
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With the depth of the heavyweight division constantly in question, anytime two fighters on the fringe of contendership fight, it's a big deal.
Undefeated Jon Madsen enters the fight off the heels on an extremely impressive victory over Gilbert Yvel. He looked quick, strong, and skilled. A win over Russow would propel him into the top 10 of the UFC.
Mike Russow will be fighting for the first time since his shocking KO over the ridiculously hyped Todd Duffee. Russow took a beating for two and a half rounds of that fight until landing the devastating blow.
This fight will give us an excellent understanding on where both men stand within the UFC.
13. Chad Mendes Vs. Michihiro Omigawa- UFC 126 Februrary 5th
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A possible No. 1 contender matchup in the 145 division leads way to No. 13 on the list.
Chad "Money" Mendes brings an undefeated record into the fight. He has used his extensive wrestling background and training at Team Alpha Male to improve as a mixed martial artist.
After a disappointing 0-2 stint in the UFC as a lightweight, Michihiro Omigawa went back to Japan and dropped down to the featherweight division. Since then he has gone 8-2-1 in his new division.
The fight will serve as a barometer for the recent acquisition of Japanese talent and decide a future challenger for Jose Aldo.
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12. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira Vs. Tito Ortiz- UFC Fight Night 24 March 26th
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When two of the best and most accomplished mixed martial artists are fighting for their jobs, it's kind of an important fight.
Dana White has already publicly stated that Ortiz is fighting for his spot in the UFC. Considering the former champion and superstar hasn't won a fight since 2006, I think it's deserved.
Nogueira has arguably lost two straight since he was gifted a decision against Jason Brilz at UFC 114. The twin brother of the heavyweight Nogueira has never quite achieved the same level of fame, but he has always been just as talented of a fighter.
It could be Ortiz's last fight ever in the Octagon, that's really reason enough to watch.
11. Evan Dunham Vs. Melvin Guillard- UFC Fight Night 23 January 22nd
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Two of the most exciting lightweights do battle in a mere week when Melvin Guillard and Evan Dunham square off in the main event.
Guillard is in the midst of a three fight win streak and is looking to position himself at the top of the lightweight division. A win against the promising Dunham does just that.
Evan Dunham is coming off of what was quite possibly the biggest judging controversy of 2010 when he was "defeated" by Sean Sherk. Prior to that, Dunham carried an unblemished record of 10-0 including wins of Efrain Escudero and Tyson Griffin.
10. Dan Hardy Vs. Anthony Johnson- UFC Fight Night 24
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Two guys known to throw down? Sign me up. Someone is getting knocked out in this one.
Dan Hardy has made a name out of throwing bombs in his fights. Anthony Johnson the same, except he also incorporates head kicks. The fight really doesn't mean a lot in terms of the welterweight division, but it sure will be exciting.
An added wrinkle is Johnson's return from his extended period of inactivity due to injury. Who knows what kind of shape or mental ability he will come back in.
9. Anderson Silva Vs. Vitor Belfort- UFC 126 February 5th
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The continued decline of The Spider will be the main talking point leading up to UFC 126. After two straight disappointing performances, it's only rational to question whether or not Silva is slowing down. He insisted on clowning on Demian Maia instead of actually fighting him and Chael Sonnen made him look surprisingly average for most of the fight.
Vitor Belfort returns after a delay of well over a year. He has yet to fight at 185 pounds within the UFC. Silva has yet to be challenged by a striker. All signs point to Anderson Silva demolishing him regardless of his current ability level.
But anything can happen in MMA, especially when someone has the hand speed of Belfort.
8. Edson Barboza Vs. Anthony Njokuani- UFC 128 March 19th
8 of 15Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg throw out praise like "world-class striking" almost nightly. Most of the time it's hyperbole, but when Barboza and Njokuani step into the cage, both will bring world-class striking.
Barboza has some of the nastiest leg kicks, regardless of weight class. Coupled that with fierce hands and all around game, and you have one of the top prospects at 155 pounds.
Njokuani owns one of the most brutal knockouts ever against Chris Horodecki. The Nigerian has dynamic striking and is capable of attacking from all angles.
Hopefully some main card fights will end early and we will get to see this beautiful display of kickboxing and muay thai. Just sit back and enjoy.
7. Forrest Griffin Vs. Rich Franklin- UFC 126 February 5th
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At the end of the day I doubt that either Franklin or Griffin ever fight for a title again, or get into a title eliminator match. But that doesn't diminish the potential for fireworks in this fight.
Both guys are extremely durable, tough and well-rounded. You would be hard pressed to find weaknesses for either one. The only thing you would even argue as a weakness for both is the fact that neither one has one "standout" skill. They are simply proficient at every aspect of mixed martial arts.
These two guys are going to go at it. They can strike, grapple, wrestle or whatever. Even if it isn't for a title shot; just enjoy two legends of the sport going at it.
6. Fedor Emelianenko Vs. Antonio Silva- Strikeforce February 12th
10 of 15Fedor is coming off of his first loss in 27 fights. Antonio Silva is looking to enter the discussion of top five heavyweights in the world. Both are trying to win the Strikeforce heavyweight Grand Prix.
Trying to rebuild a legacy is a tough thing to do. It's even more difficult when you begin the process by going through a year long renegotiating process. Such is the way of life for Fedor and his Russian handlers M-1 Global. At least we finally get to see the greatest heavyweight of all time in a star studded tournament.
Antonio Silva has all of the skills of a top 10 mixed martial artist. The striking. The jiu jitsu. The judo. If Silva is able to defeat Emelianenko then he will have rightfully deserved his spot in the top ten.
Regardless of legacies, rankings or anything else the fight still has major implications in the Strikeforce tournament.
5. B.J. Penn Vs. Jon Fitch- UFC 127 February 26th
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After B.J. Penn came out and demolished Matt Hughes at UFC 123, Dana White put this fight together literally right away. The winner takes a step closer to the welterweight title while the loser will probably never even get another chance to taste gold at 170.
This fight is another stylistic matchup that could go either way. If Penn keeps this standing, he lights Fitch up on the feet. If Fitch takes it to the mat, he should smother Penn for three straight rounds. Although Penn's submissions will still be a threat.
This fight is sure to be exciting from beginning to end. You can never count Baby Jay out in a three round fight. His cardio won't be an issue. He has the hands or submissions to end it.
But in the end maybe these two are simply fighting to be the second best welterweight.
4. Randy Couture Vs. Lyoto Machida- UFC 129 April 30th
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Does Lyoto Machida get cut if loses three in a row? Does Randy Couture retire if he gets beat? Does Couture get a title shot with a win? This fight is just filled with potential questions.
The ageless wonder Randy Couture is attempting to fight for another title. He may just fight until he has to be carried to the Octagon. Machida isn't a knockout artist, so the fight is relatively safe for Captain America.
Machida may be fighting for his UFC roster spot, as shocking as that sounds. Although at this point in time if he can't beat Couture maybe he doesn't deserve a spot in the premier MMA organization.
3. Alistair Overeem Vs. Fabricio Werdum- Strikeforce April 17th
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Battle for the No. 1 heavyweight in the world? That's pretty damn important.
Couple that with the differing styles between Overeem and Werdum and the previous matchup between the two and you have one compelling fight.
Overeem will look to keep the fight standing where he will utilize his K-1 kickboxing world championship skills to batter Werdum.
Werdum wants to use his ADCC championship skills on the ground to submit the Dutch kickboxer.
Oh yeah, and it's for the Strikeforce heavyweight title. And a spot in the semi-finals of the Strikeforce heavyweight tournament.
2. Ryan Bader Vs. Jon Jones- UFC 126 February 5th
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Jon Jones and Ryan Bader will meet in a matchup of the two most promising young fighters of the light heavyweight division at UFC 126. The winner will surely be sky rocketed towards a title shot while the loser is left to claw back up the divisional ladder.
The two have used their wrestling extensively to batter opponents in the past, and I expect both to try and employ a similar style during their upcoming bout. Jones will use his trips and throws will Bader will use his single and double legs to take the fight where they want it.
The winner is crowned future champion while the loser just gets assimilated back into the mix at 205.
1. Chris Lytle Vs Carlos Condit- UFC 127 February 26th
15 of 15Because sometimes, fights just can't be boring. Carlos Condit, who has one decision victory in 26 wins vs. Chris Lytle, who is never in a boring fight.
God, I love being an MMA fan.
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