No, there isn’t a major Pay-Per-View card this weekend. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t important and exciting fights that are must-see for MMA fans. The theme of this weekend is introductions- the nascent UFC flyweight division will be on display as well as a hidden gem in Women’s MMA- Ronda Rousey.
To kick it off Friday night, the UFC ventures back to FX for their second card on the cable network. Headlining is a welterweight bout between two UFC veterans, Thiago Alves and Martin Kampmann, with each fighter looking to get back into title contention after disappointing runs. Kampmann has lost two of his last three fights and Alves three of his last five. Also on the card is a flyweight tournament- a weight class that is new to the UFC and most fight fans. The promotion has dug up four proven guys in the division who will square off in a tournament with the winner becoming the first ever UFC Flyweight Champion. The main card is rounded out by Ultimate Fighter winner Court McGee squaring off against Constantinos Phillipou.
As for Saturday, Strikeforce returns to Showtime with a card headlined by their bantamweight champion in the women’s division, Meisha Tate, who will square off against the aforementioned Rousey. A victory for Rousey could make her a star, filling the void left by the dormant Gina Carano and the suspended Cyborg Santos. An interesting fight could create a rivalry that sparks interest in the division and the sport of Women’s MMA itself. Also appearing on the card are Stirkeforce veterans Jacare Souza, KJ Noons, and Paul Daley.
Click through for analysis of a selection of fights and predictions for all of them. Continue reading
