MMA's March Schedule: In Like UFC and Strikeforce Lions, Staying That Way

MMA fans will have their DVRs tested in March as the return of Bellator and a new organization airing on Showtime are contributing to a nine-event month, one of the most packed television schedules in recent history.

And it kicks off for free this Thursday.

Thursday, March 3

UFC on Versus 3
Louisville, KY—Versus

The month kicks off with the UFC's first event on Versus since the WEC merger, headlined by Diego Sanchez vs. Martin Kampmann. The event doesn't feature much in the way of star power but C.B. Dollaway vs. Mark Munoz, Joe Stevenson vs. Danny Castillo and Brian Bowles vs. Damacio Page should provide some for chatter.

Along with being the organization's debut in Kentucky, this is also the first event that will be broadcast in 3D with the only detraction being Todd Harris leading the commentary on that end. That's so rabbit ears.

Saturday, March 5

Strikeforce
Columbus, OH—Showtime

Strikeforce is no stranger in going head-to-head with the competition on Saturday nights, but this time it's Bellator that will be its opponent as they make their MTV2 debut.

Arguably the most underappreciated major champion in MMA today—205 pound champ Rafael "Feljao" Cavalcante -- defends for the first time against his toughest fight to date in former UFC/Pride veteran Dan Henderson.

Tim Kennedy vs. Melvin Manhoef and 125-pound champion Marloes Coenen defends against Liz Carmouche, an injury replacement for Meisha Tate. I'd also assume a ton of hype for their next Grand Prix-centered event, hopefully coming in April or May at the latest.

Bellator 35
Lemoore, CA—MTV2

The organization built around seasons and tournaments returns for a 4th year on a new cable network that has no plans to preempt them and on a new night. 

Bellator kicks off their welterweight tournament with Rick Hawn vs. Jim Wallhead and Jay Hieron vs. Anthony Lapsley as highlights of the four-fight televised card. Bellator needs to come out strong in their MTV2 debut and these two fights will do a lot toward helping or hurting that.

The ratings that come out in the days following these events will be very, very interesting to watch.


Saturday, March 12

Bellator 36
Shreveport, LA—MTV2

Week 2 of Bellator features former WEC champ "Razor" Rob McCullough vs. Patricky Friere (es, that's his name) and Toby Imada vs. Ferrid Kheder as the lightweight tourney kicks off with four fights.

All of a sudden, one lone MMA event for the entire weekend seems light, no?

Saturday, March 19

UFC 128
Newark, NJ—PPV

It's been a long time since UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua has been in action, recovering from yet another knee injury since beating Lyoto Machida last May. Lucky him, his return is against the white-hot surprise No. 1 contender Jon Jones, a man many people think is the favorite going into the fight.

Urijah Faber makes his UFC debut against upstart Eddie Wineland in the co-main event with Nate Marquardt vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama and Mirko Cro Cop vs. Brendan Schaub as newsworthy fights on the undercard. Rua/Jones will take the lion's share of attention, but this card is really well-rounded.

Cross your fingers for no injuries in the next three weeks.

Bellator 37
Concho, CA—MTV2

The only name fighter of note is Zac George who battles Wilson Reis at the Lucky Star Casino. No word if Madonna will be at the event. I would assume Bellator will use the clause in their deal to move up the event earlier in the night as they'll get decimated if they run up against UFC.

Friday, March 25

M-1 Challenge 24
Norfolk, VA—Showtime

Showtime jumps into the MMA waters again in a very interesting way: with Strikeforce's promotional partner M-1 Global. They are putting full production into the event and Mauro Ranallo/Pat Miletich will provide commentary for what is a similar format to Bellator in terms of producing seasons. 

The only fighter that will be familiar to the non-ultra hardcores is Vinny Magalhaes, the man who lost to Ryan Bader in the TUF 8 finals and was cut one fight later. Since then, he's 4-1 with all submission finishes.

The card is mostly Russian/European fighters so the live crowd will be something to watch. Norfolk is an interesting venue for this, but never underestimate the power of smaller markets and pockets of fans that will come out to root on their countrymen.

Saturday, March 26

UFC Fight Night 24
Seattle, WA—Spike TV

Originally supposed to be the Tito Ortiz show, Phil Davis now finds himself on the brink of "the next level" at 205 as he faces veteran Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in the main event. Davis is a physical specimen and a win against Lil' Nog places him in some high-level conversations for the rest of the year.

But the fight of the night could be the co-main event with Dan Hardy vs. Anthony Johnson. Both were rising stars at 170 pounds, but suffered big setbacks in 2010 that has made this a must-win fight for both guys.

Also of note, Nam Phan vs. Leonard Garcia II will open the broadcast -- a rematch from the controversial Garcia decision victory from December. Hold your breath if it goes to the judges.

I'm also very interested in the non-televised undercard, especially seeing how John Hathaway and Sean McCorkle recover from recent losses.

Bellator 38
Tunica Resorts, MS -- MTV2

Not a lot is known about this event, but Daniel Gracie vs. Tim Carpenter and the light heavyweight quarterfinals are expected for the card. Anyone else feel like four events a month for one group is a bit much?

With Bellator 38, they are running up against the UFC which makes me wonder why MTV2 wants to air them on Saturday as opposed to Thursday nights.

Nine events in 31 days, friends. Get hydrated and work those clicker fingers. It's going to be a busy

UFC 128: Shogun Rua vs. Jon Jones: Results, News and Moremonth.

Josh Nason is a New England-based freelance MMA journalist that currently has a Jon Fitch feature in February's FIGHT! Magazine. He frequently does radio/podcast appearances and asks for your "like" for ESPN Boston to cover MMA.  Follow him on Twitter.