UFC 138 Leben vs. Munoz: 11 Reasons Why We Can't Wait for Saturday

Fresh off the heels of UFC 137, the UFC looks continue its momentum this Saturday night, across the pond in Birmingham, England. The show features a pair of top 10 middleweights, Chris Leben and Mark Munoz, squaring off in the main event.

UFC 138 also features perennial top 10 welterweight Thiago Alves, as he faces prominent prospect, Papy Abedi.

Along with these bouts, UFC 138 features a handful of UK products and an exciting match-up of bantamweights.

Besides the main event, which should provide fireworks, fans have plenty of other reasons to look forward to UFC 138.

11. It's Free

After some fans feeling a little disappointed for dropping $50 for one good fight at UFC 137, this weekend's show promises to relieve those pockets a little.

Regardless of a tape delay or not, it's always nice to have free fights on TV. Paying for continuous events can be stressful on the wallet and there are plenty of other shows coming up that fight fans can save their money for.

10. Can Michihiro Omigawa Keep His Job?

Michihiro Omigawa was considered a top five featherweight when he made his UFC return at UFC 126.

But a decision loss to title contender Chad Mendes meant Omigawa found himself back on the bottom of the totem pole.

A controversial decision loss to Darren Elkins saved him from the negative backlash of fans and Dana White; but a loss is still a loss.

The judoka star is in danger of losing three straight fights and, unless your name is Dan Hardy, losing three fights in a row pretty much guarantees a fighter will get his walking papers.

9. Rob Broughton Will Look to Make His Country Proud

After a dismal showing at UFC 135, British fighter Rob Broughton will look to make his countrymen proud.

Broughton is the definition of a "tough guy." He's not going to be the best at any one aspect of fighting, but he's rugged and will give his opponent all they can handle.

Many fans contributed the poor performances by the heavyweights at UFC 135 due to the high altitude. UFC 138 will allow fans a chance to see if that was correct, or if Broughton really isn't UFC material.

8. Cyrille Diabate vs. Anthony Perosh

The bout between Cyrille Diabate and Anthony Perosh provides fans with a classic grappler vs. kickboxer fight.

Diabate has competed in numerous kickboxing matches to go along with his 25 MMA bouts. Perosh comes to the UFC sporting some of the best jiu jitsu credentials in the lightheavyweight division.

Diabate is also coming off a decision win against Steve Cantwell while Perosh looks to continue the momentum he gained from a decisive submission victory against Tom Blackledge.

Which man will be able to impose their game plan?

7. Terry Etim Looks to Get on a Roll Again

Terry Etim is returning from a long lay off as a result of a broken rib. In his last bout, he nearly tapped out Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt, Rafael dos Anjos.

Etim has quietly become one of the UK's top prospects. He's a tall, lanky fighter at 155. He's used his natural physical gifts to become a crafty submission artist, seeing the majority of his wins coming by submission.

He will be looking to return in style in front of his countrymen and hand Eddie Faaloloto his pink slip.

6. Thiago Alves

Thiago Alves has become one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC since he debuted in 2005.

Unfortunately for Alves, his popularity is not a result of his recent success. Alves sports a 1-3 record in his last four fights and could see his stock fall considerably with a loss.

Alves will look to bring the fight from bell to bell but will Papy Abedi allow the fight to turn into a striking match? If Abedi makes that fatal mistake, we could see Alves put on another striking clinic.

Thiago has to know his future is riding on this fight and will look to put on an exciting bout for the fans.

5. Papy Abedi Has Arrived

Papy Abedi is considered one of the top middleweight prospects in the world. He sports an impressive 8-0 record but has fought sparingly throughout his career and against less-than-impressive competition.

At UFC 138, we will find out if the hype is real. Abedi has shown impressive judo abilities and has power in his punches. He will need to get inside of Thiago Alves' muay thai attack and look to take the Brazilian down.

UFC 138 will make or break the Papy Abedi hype machine.

4. We Are Going to Find out Where Brad Pickett Ranks

Brad Pickett could find himself in title contention with a victory at UFC 138.

"One Punch" Pickett has an impressive 3-1 record in his past four fights, which includes a peruvian necktie submission. 

One of those victories came over recent title challenger Demetrious Johnson as well. Pickett could be considered "in the mix" if he wins due to the lack of challengers for Dominick Cruz.

Depending on his performance we are going to know whether Pickett is ready for a title shot or if he needs another fight to prove himself.

3. Renan Barão's Impressive Streak

Renan Barão has an impressive streak going for him.

Outside of his first professional bout, Barão hasn't lost. A streak of 26-0 is quite impressive indeed.

Barão made his UFC debut at UFC 130 and defeated Cole Escovedo by unanimous decision. With a win he could find himself in the top echelon of the 135lb division.

A victory will be hard to come by against Brad Pickett but if he can extend his streak to 27, Barão could make his mark among UFC fans and possibly a title run in 2012.

2. Mark Munoz Looks to Make a Title Run

Mark Munoz is perhaps the least talked about top middleweight in MMA. Granted, most people's attention in the 185 division are focused on Chael Sonnen, but Munoz has made an impressive run as of late.

His recent three-fight win streak is highlighted with a victory over Demian Maia. In the bout, Munoz used his wrestling background to take Maia down and unleashed some powerful shots while on top. Even though the decision was unanimous, it wasn't his most impressive showing.

Munoz has a lot going for him if he can get past Chris Leben. He's a likable fighter with an ethnic background–the UFC hype train would be on board in a heartbeat.

He needs an impressive showing against Leben on Saturday to truly make fans feel he's worthy of a UFC title shot or at the least, a UFC title eliminator.

1. Chris Leben Has Never Been in a Boring Fight

Chris Leben is one of the most exciting fighters in UFC history. He's evolved from his earlier brawling days to become a pretty solid all-round fighter.

Whether he's on the winning or the losing side, Leben always makes his fights exciting. On what many fans consider a lacklustre card, the Leben-Munoz fight is no doubt going to win fight of the night honors.

Leben will need to keep the fight standing as Munoz will no doubt look to take down 'The Crippler'. Even if he can, his chin will need to hold up against Munoz's powerful punches.

A win may vault Leben into title contention but it's more so about the manner in which he wins. An uneventful decision may not be enough for Leben to challenge for the title in 2012.

He will need to knock Munoz out or pull off another submission but either way, he's going to provide must-see TV.