MMA Matchups: Five Under the Radar Fights to Watch This Month

This month might be the biggest month in MMA history in terms of high-profile cards, as there is either a UFC or Strikeforce card every weekend.

While fights like Junior dos Santos vs. Shane Carwin and Clay Guida vs. Anthony Pettis are stealing the spotlight, there are plenty of other fights that aren’t getting nearly enough hype.

Ed Herman vs. Tim Credeur

When: TUF 13 Finale, June 4

Sometimes, I hear about a fight and I’m shocked to hear it is happening. This was one of those fights.

Neither one of these guys has been seen inside the Octagon for over a year, but both of them have the tools to make a fight exciting no matter where it goes and huge have fanbases due to their time spent on TUF.

Demian Maia vs. Mark Munoz

When: UFC 131, June 11

This almost feels like this is an old school BJJ vs. wrestler fight, until you realize that both of these guys have improved their stand-up games to make this an interesting fight wherever it goes.

Munoz has neglected his wrestling in favor of his heavy hands his last few fights, but Maia is good enough on the feet to keep him honest.

If the fight hits the floor, this turns into a chess match. Munoz possesses some of the most brutal ground-and-pound in the sport, but if he gets too aggressive against Maia, he’ll be caught in a submission within seconds. 

KJ Noons vs. Jorge Masvidal

e.g. 'Chicago Blackhawks', 'Chicago Cubs'

When: Strikeforce Overeem vs. Werdum, June 18

KJ Noons is one of the most entertaining fighters in the sport when he is able to use his devastating striking attack to beat up opponents on the feet. Noons also won Strikeforce’s Fight of the Year award for his bout with Nick Diaz last October.

Masvidal has been in a number of entertaining fights as well and boast wins over Joe Lauzon and Yves Edwards on his resume.

Tyson Griffin vs. Manny Gamburyan

e.g. 'Chicago Blackhawks', 'Chicago Cubs'

When: UFC Live 4, June 26

Tyson Griffin is always good for an entertaining fight, but when you throw him in there with someone else who goes full speed for three rounds, you’re in for a war.

Manny will be sure to oblige Griffin and keep a frantic pace wherever the fight goes, but Griffin seems to have an advantage on the feet.

It’s also worth noting that this will be Griffin’s featherweight debut.

Pat Barry vs. Cheick Kongo

When: UFC Live 4, June 26

Fans looking for a stand-up war need to look no further.

Kongo and Barry are both outstanding on their feet and are coming off of fights that they felt they should have finished.

Expect fireworks when these two go at it.