Jose Aldo vs. Frankie Edgar (Featherweight Championship)
I have had this fight marked on my calendar for a long time. Both men are considered top 10 pound-for-pound fighters and both men are known to put on exciting fights. The pace will be fast, striking quick, and entertainment through the roof.
Aldo needs to make sure that if given the chance to finish, he FINISHES! How many times have we seen Edgar on the edge of consciousness only to return strong and earn the win. Aldo might be the best striker that Edgar has seen and "The Answer" needs to keep that in mind. If Aldo hits you....it hurts. His leg kicks are among the best in the business, and will chop you down and slow you down.
If Edgar has any hope of winning it's taking the fight to the deep waters. Edgar just doesn't have good enough striking to catch or hurt Aldo. He needs to use his wrestling to control the fight, wear down Aldo, and grind out a decision. Simple game plan. But the list of wrestlers who have struggled to implement that against Aldo is about to grow.
Jose Aldo via TKO Round 3
Rashad Evans vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira
An interesting match-up. It seems almost like a tune up match for Rashad before he gets back to a title shot. Not to take anything away from Nogueira, but Rashad is just in a league above him. Evans will need to be real leery of Nogueiras ground game but other than that he shouldn't have any troubles. The last time Rashad lost a title fight he came out looking real good and improved. Don't be surprised if we see the same again.
Just because I don't have much to say about this fight doesn't mean it won't be less exciting. Both men put on good fights. Might not be Fight of the Night material, but it won't disappoint.
Rashad Evans via Decision
Just because I don't have much to say about this fight doesn't mean it won't be less exciting. Both men put on good fights. Might not be Fight of the Night material, but it won't disappoint.
Rashad Evans via Decision
Alistair Overeem vs. Anonio Silva
These are two very LARGE men that are going to enter the cage. I think I speak for everyone when I say that it won't come as a surprise if this fight doesn't make it out of the first round. Both men like to throw bombs, and both me possess some real knockout power. Silva is in over his head with this match-up though. Overeem is just too big and too strong and has some of the best kick boxing in the UFC. The liver kick that essentially ended Brock Lesnars career served notice to the Heavyweight division that the best outside the UFC has arrived.
Overeem should make quick work of Silva by using his kicks to stay at bay, and finding his moment to pounce and finish. Silva gets hit too often, and it has cost him too often. This fight will be no different.
Alistair Overeem via TKO Round 1
Jon Fitch vs. Damian Maia
This will be Maia's first real big test at welterweight. He is 2-0 since dropping down from Middleweight but Fitch is a big step up in competition. Both men were close to title shots before losing important fights. Both have come back strong after those losses and are looking to get back into the picture. The winner of this will find themselves back into the top 5 of the weight class and possibly a fight or two from another title shot.
I used to rag on Fitch all the time for being boring and just un-watchable. He may have changed my mind after his last fight with Erik Silva. His relentless pace and constant attempts to finish (athough weak attempts) made it a good fight to watch. He needs to be careful though because if there is any fighter that won't mind Fitch taking them down and playing in their guard.....it's Maia. He has 6 submission wins in the UFC and is considered one of the best fighters capable of fighting off his back. Still I am going to play the odds here that this goes the distance.
Jon Fitch via his usual "work hard enough to not get stood up but look like I am winning" Decision
Joseph Benavidez vs. Ian McCall
Both were victims to now Flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson. But they still sit number 2 and 3 in the division. This fight could have been a title shot had McCall gotten past Johnson. Unfortunately in a division that hasn't quite established itself yet, you get the same handful of fighters going off against each other fairly often.
I haven't seen a lot of either fighter but know that every fight I have seen at this weight class has been exciting and fast paced. Both will bring their explosive takedowns and quick striking to the octagon. It's really too close to call. With the winner likely next in line for a title shot, and with each fighter still trying to cement themselves with the UFC fan base we could see this turn out to be the Fight of the night.
Joseph Benavidez via Decision
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