UFC 135 Fight Card: Power Ranking All the Bouts in Denver

UFC 135 is one of the most exciting events of the year, especially in light of the recent social media war that has raged on between Jon "Bones" Jones and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson.

Jones will defend his light heavyweight championship against Jackson in the main event, while UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes will fight Josh Koscheck in an attempt to gain ground in the welterweight division.

Ahead is the UFC 135 fight card, power ranked from the least to best bouts of the night.

10. Te Huna vs. Romero

James Te Huna (14-5) will attempt to get back on track against Ricardo Romero (11-2).

After defeating Seth Petruzelli by submission, Romero dropped a knockout loss to Kyle Kingsbury. Te Huna also secured a victory in his first fight for the UFC by way of knockout, but suffered a submission loss to Alexander Gustafsson.

Both fighters are ground-and-pound specialists, so expect a hard-fought match between the two 205-pound contenders.

9. Mizugaki vs. Escovedo

Cole "Apache Kid" Escovedo (17-7) will look to work his submission specialities into his bantamweight fight with Takeya Mizugaki (14-6-2). 

Mizugaki is a stand-up fighter who is very capable of securing takedowns. 

Both fighters are coming off of decision losses, so there is no question the two 135-pound fighters will be gunning for the early victory. 

8. Assuncao vs. Yagin

Junior Assuncao (13-4) will be making his first appearance in the Octogan since a submission loss to Nate Diaz at a 2007 UFC Fight Night. His opponent, Eddie Yagin (15-4-1), will be making his UFC debut.

Assuncao will work his developed ground game into the match, while Yagin will take advantage of standing or fighting from the mat with a well-developed style.

7. Ferguson vs. Riley

Tony Ferguson (12-2) against Aaron Riley (29-12-1) will be a classic example of young versus old.

Ferguson recently won "The Ultimate Fighter" season 13 via first-round knockout.

Riley, a 30-year-old veteran in the UFC, hopes to get back on track against the young up-and-comer.

Both fighters are well-rounded, but Ferguson will attempt to take advantage of his youth and conditioning to wear Riley out early.

6. Ring vs. Boetsch

The 32-year-old Nick Ring (12-0) hopes to continue his unbeaten streak as he climbs his way up the middleweight division against Tim Boetsch (13-4).

Boetsch has been inconsistent in his last six fights, splitting his wins and losses evenly. The 30-year-old wrestler has a strong chin and will be matched evenly with Ring's excellent striking and submission technique in what should be a highly competitive bout.

5. Rothwell vs. Hunt

Ben Rothwell (31-7) has the advantage in every aspect of the fight, other than standing.

The lumbering 6'4", 265-pound heavyweight lacks athleticism and will have a target on his head from the hard-hitting "Super Samoan," Mark Hunt (6-7). Hunt is a resilient fighter who lacks a ground game, but comes from an excellent kickboxing background.

The winner will be determined by where the fight goes. If they stand, look for Hunt to swing for the fences, but if Rothwell takes the 5'10" Samoan to the ground it could be an early night for the 37-year-old Hunt. 

4. Browne vs. Broughton

Travis Browne will enter the Octagon Saturday night putting his undefeated streak (11-0-1) on the line against the powerful Rob Broughton (15-5-1).

Browne has only fought three times in the Octagon, winning twice and drawing against Cheick Kongo. He has a well-rounded game. The 6'7" "Hapa" is an excellent striker, but is proficient in both his takedown and striking defense.

Browne will face his toughest test to date, though, when he faces off against the 6'2" Rob "The Bear" Broughton. Broughton has knocked out seven fighters in his career and submitted five. 

While Browne has the size advantage, Broughton's well-rounded abilities should keep the fight interesting if he can get on the inside of "Hapa." 

3. Hughes vs. Koscheck

Josh Koscheck (17-5) had won three straight fights before losing to George St-Pierre in his first welterweight title fight.

Koscheck will face another veteran Saturday night when he takes on Matt Hughes (46-8) and attempts to climb back toward another title fight.

Hughes, a three-time welterweight champion, was dominated in his last performance against the legendary B.J. Penn.

Both Koscheck and Hughes are excellent wrestlers and submission artists. Koscheck is the younger and more explosive wrestler—22 matches throughout his pro career—while Hughes is the crafty veteran, competing in 54 professional events.

Hughes took Koscheck as an opponent at the last minute after Diego Sanchez dropped out due to a broken hand. This has the makings for a great fight on paper, but a lot will depend on whether Hughes is fully prepared.

2. Diaz vs. Gomi

Nate Diaz (13-7) and Takanori Gomi (32-7-1NC) have the potential to steal the show Saturday night. 

Expect a war in this one. Gomi has some of the quickest hands in the lightweight division and Diaz is, well, a Diaz. By that, I mean Diaz is known for his toughness and his ability to take punches as well as dish them out.

Diaz is only 26 with 20 fights under his belt, while Gomi is 32 and has almost double the amount of fights in his career.

Both fighters are tough and will look to put on an electrifying show for the Denver crowd.

1. Jones vs. Jackson

It should be no surprise that the main event tops the power rankings for UFC 135.

Jon "Bones" Jones (13-1) and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (32-8) have more than enough hype entering their highly anticipated bout for the light heavyweight title.

Jones moved up the ladder in the light heavyweight division rather quickly, winning 13 fights and losing one due to disqualification.

Jackson dominated PRIDE fighting for seven years before making an immediate impact upon entering the UFC, winning the light heavyweight belt in only his second appearance. Jackson worked his way up the ladder, while Jones was arguably given his title shot without being "tested."

"Rampage" will without a doubt test Jones in their title fight Saturday.  

Jackson and Jones offer dynamic, in-your-face styles that should be exciting for UFC purists and casual fans alike.

Thanks for reading and follow me on Twitter @RajPrashad