Although it lacks the big name value, UFC on Fox 8 looks like it has some exciting fights on it's hand. I'm sure there are those that aren't super excited about the Flyweight division still but don't go in expecting big knockout or a bloody war. Speed and technique can make this a very thrilling fight. The recovery on these lighter weight fighters is ridiculous and when you factor in the never ending batteries a 5 round fight doesn't get dreadful come the 4th round. A short preview here as there are only 4 fights on the main card but lets get at them.
Demetrious Johnson vs. #4 John Moraga (Flyweight Championship)
I have been fortunate enough to watch Johnson fight a number of times in the UFC and will say although he isn't much of a finisher, he puts on a great fight. His never ending stamina and faced pace fighting means you can't ever look away. Going for his second title defense he is up against John Moraga who uses some diverse striking and good wrestling in his bouts. Is it a little early for Moraga though? Yeah probably.
Johnson will pull his usual in-and-out landing punches and maneuvering well. He is smart so won't deviate far from the game plan and if he learned anything from his last fight against John Dodson it will be that he shouldn't take too many punches in the exchanges. This is where Moraga might have the advantage being the bigger guy in the cage. He will have to find a way to negate Johnson's speed by either taking the fight to the ground (pretty hard against a guy that fast) or landing the better shots in the clinch. Still this is a large step up in competition for him. Expect a fast paced back and forth battle but without many surprises.
Demetrious Johnson via Decision
#3 Rory MacDonald vs. #4 Jake Ellenberger
This fight could be a good indication of who will be next in line to challenge for the Welterweight championship. MacDonald has said that he doesn't want to fight GSP but if he beats Ellenberger here that really only leaves one challenge, Carlos Condit. Both fighters bring an entertaining style of fighting to the cage with great striking and each with knock-out power. The difference being that MacDonald needs to set up his KO's, while Ellenberger sometimes just needs to make contact. That could be the story here.
Rory is the favourite to win this fight and should be. It's just unfortunate that he may implement a real boring game plan to get the win. I hate to say it but if he sticks to the outside and slowly picks apart Ellenberger, maybe throws in some take downs, he should walk away the winner. If he decides to stand and trade bombs he will get into a lot of trouble. Jake needs to make sure he puts his fists on Rory and not get caught on the ground or against the cage. He knows it only takes one punch to win, but that might be his only chance.
Rory MacDonald via Decision
#9 Robbie Lawler vs. Bobby Voelker
I don't think either men will be considered contenders but both put on great fights. Voelker is a bit in over his head here though. Lawler has been around for a long time (made his UFC debut in 2002) and has fought all sorts of top end competition. He may not have fared too well against them but he has learned a lot. So I don't think anything Voelker throws at him will catch him off guard. Lawler will do what he does best and that is put guys to sleep. Voelker will make a mistake and then it's nighty-nite.
Robbie Lawler via TKO Round 1
#5 Liz Carmouche vs Jessica Andrade
I have got to be honest and say I am still new to Womens MMA. It took a little bit of research to see what these two bring to the table. I got to watch Carmouche vs Ronda Rousey in what was REALLY close to being a giant upset. But Rousey did what she does best and finished that fight. That being said Carmouche showed some real talent in the octagon. She has great scrambles and is known for finishing fights. Andrade does a great job of using her wrestling to wear down her opponents but I think that won't be good enough for this fight.
It's a big step up in competition for Andrade and a big step up in organizations. She is still young (only 21) and will have to take this fight as her introduction into what the elite fighters are capable of. She puts up a good scrap but will make a mistake to leave herself vulnerable and Carmouche will capitalize.
Liz Carmouche via Rear Naked Choke Round 1
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