UFC 136: Why It Will Be One of the Best Fight Cards of the Year

This card is not for the casual or fair-weather fan. There are no Anderson Silvas, Rampage Jacksons or Brock Lesnars. That doesn't mean that there aren't any elite fighters. In fact, two of the fighters in action tonight are currently listed in the pound for pound Top 10 on sherdog.com.

Still, neither Jose Aldo or Frankie Edgar are going to sell tons of pay-per-views on name recognition to casual fans. Those fans are going to miss out on some great mixed-martial arts action.

The casual fan who is as interested in drama, as much as fighting, will get some satisfaction with Chael Sonnen in action. He is finally getting another opportunity to work his fist and feet, as much as his mouth.

The four fights that I believe will be the matches to see, are as follows:

Joey Beltran vs Stipe Miocic
These two big punching heavyweights will collide, and the chances of it lasting more than a round and a half are almost non-existent. Miocic is undefeated at 6-0 while Beltran is 13-5.

Chael Sonnen vs Brian Stann
If there were ever an MMA matchup that seemed like a WWE match, this is it. "All-American" Brian Stann versus the egotistical but somewhat charismatic Chael Sonnen. This a classic heel takes on face fight.

There is plenty at stake here though. A match with reigning MMA king, Anderson Silva is the likely reward or punishment for the winner, depending on how you look at it.

Sonnen is certainly more experienced with a 25-11-1 record to Stann's impressive, but limited 11-3 mark. Sonnen is relentless, but Stann is physically stronger and very tough. This should be a great fight.

Jose Aldo vs Kenny Florian
Florian has had numerous shots at UFC gold, but has fallen short. At UFC 136, he'll take on one of the best in the sport in Scarface.

This will be the fight of the night in my opinion. This could end in a KO or decision, a submission isn't likely. It should be great.

Frankie Edgar vs Gray Maynard
In a rematch of what is arguably the fight of the year up to this point, these two lightweights will clash again. Last time, Edgar barely retained his title against Maynard.

This fight symbolizes the type of PPV this will be, solid, not flashy but gutsy MMA action.