UFC 138 Fight Card: 10 Reasons to Be Excited for This Event

On Nov. 5, UFC 138: Leben vs. Muñoz will take place across the pond in Birmingham, England.

The UFC doesn't exactly have a track record of staging barnburners abroad, and this open (on paper anyway) is no exception. 

But there's a lot to like on this card. Personally, Dana White had me at "Chris Leben." But there's intrigue across the main lineup, which looks like this:

Chris Leben vs. Mark Munoz

Brad Pickett vs. Renan Barao

Thiago Alves vs. Papy Abedi

John Hathaway vs. Matt Brown

Paul Taylor vs. Anthony Njokuani

Here are 10 things to get you pumped for--and maybe even get you thinking about--UFC 138.

10. Is Anthony Njokuani for Real?

Edson Barboza gets all the props as the next great striker at lightweight. And it makes sense, especially since he defeated Njokuani not too long ago.

But Njokuani is tough, and a razor-sharp fighter in his own right. If he can get through Taylor, he could be poised to begin a serious upward climb in the division.

9. The Maturation of John Hathaway

Almost a year ago to this fight, the 24-year-old Hathaway lost his first pro fight.

He recovered soon after with a win over Kris McCray, but defeating a fairly established name in Matt Brown—and in front of his home crowd.

No less—would be the medicine Hathaway needs to really get his phenom train back on the tracks.

8. Matt Brown Hopes to Keep Career Going

Matt Brown saved his career with a win over John Howard in June.

But he may not be out of the woods yet. Hathaway would be Brown's biggest-name victim to date.

7. Papy Abedi's Debut

The Swedish-Congolese phenom makes his UFC debut at this event.

For the uninitiated, Abedi is 8-0. Five of those came by T/KO.

You've been warned.

6. Thiago Alves Fighting Papy Abedi in Papy Abedi's Debut

Let me put it this way: the UFC did neither fighter any favors by matching Abedi with Alves.

But they sure did hook up the fans.

(Photo credit: FightApp.com)

5. The Long-Awaited Debut for Brad Pickett

Pickett had to pull out of a May fight with Demetrious Johnson in May.

Johnson now has a title shot. Pickett defeated Johnson back in the WEC. So yes, his debut could have a real effect on the bantamweight division.

Plus, he's the Britishest-looking fighter of all time. That has to count for something in Birmingham.

4. Renan Barao Tries to Continue Dominance

The Brazilian bantamweight hasn't lost since his first fight alllll the way back in 2005.

He continued his winning ways against Cole Escovedo in his UFC debut in May.

Pickett could provide a stiffer challenge for this high-octane and well-rounded fighter.

3. Leben Is the Most Exciting Fighter in the UFC Not Named Silva

The title says it all. Coming off his win over Wanderlei Silva, Leben has serious momentum.

He'll surely look to channel that momentum into the face of Mark Munoz.

2. Mark Munoz Takes the Next Step

With his impeccable wrestling credentials and granite hands, Munoz has serious weapons.

His matchup with Leben will help determine whether he has the intangibles to be considered a serious contender at middleweight.

(Photo credit: FifthRound.com)

1. It's Free!

One of the final UFC events to be aired on Spike TV. 

Admit it: you're going to miss those ads for "Blue Mountain State."