So, now the festive period is finally behind us we can concentrate on more important battles, the upcoming tussle between Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones and arch rival Daniel Cormier.
In an event which promises to be the biggest card of the last 12 months, and possibly the biggest since the Anderson Silva versus Chael Sonnan rematch.
There are a veritable number of storylines and sub plots which pour from the main event fight and trickle down to the rest of the undercard. Let’s review the main matches on the card.
Jones versus Cormier
A fight promoter likes nothing better than to be able to intone “these two men just plain don’t like each other” which would seem to be an understatement in these two.
From the famous press conference blow up to death threats and repeated needling in the build-up it is clear there is real enmity between the Champion and Challenger and it will all come to a head this Sunday.
The factor which will almost certainly settle the fight is Cormier’s effectiveness at getting inside on Jones’s reach and the in-fight battle once the distance has been closed.
There is little doubt that Cormier is the superior wrestler but the big question remains as to whether he can keep the champion on the ground. It is true that Cormier destroyed the legendary Dan Henderson in his last fight but it is fair to say Henderson is not the fighter is once was and Jones is not to be compared with the former Pride FC titlist.
Prediction: Many are picking Cormier for this but I am going to back Jones. Look for Cormier to shade the early exchanges with strikes and takedowns. Jones however will weather the storm and assert himself in the middle rounds leading to a late finish by TKO. Jones however, will be tested.
Cerone versus Jury
In a co-main event which could determine the next No1 contender for the Lightweight Title (currently held by Anthony Pettis) two 155lbers who have been on a tear square off in a fight which is unlikely to go the distance.
Both are dynamic strikers with Jury hhot off the KO of iron jawed Takanori Gomi and Cerone who fought four times in 2014, gaining three finishes in the process. It is a shame in many ways that this contest is on the same card as the main event as many would be keen to see this as a 5-round fight instead of the usual three
Prediction: This will be an extremely closely matched bout with both men certain to feel the power of the other, Cerone however will have the edge in experience and this will prove decisive as he takes control of the fight and finishes with a second round TKO.
Lombard versus Josh Berkman
Aussie-based Cuban Olympian Hector Lombard has reinvented himself since moving down to Welterweight. The machine gun fisted American Top Team export is 2-0 since moving down a weight division and looks to build on this as he works towards a coverted UFC Title Shot.
Burkman is a huge underdog in this match having been in the WSOF until recently and this match-up on his return to the UFC is a baptism of fire to say the least.
Prediction: Though Burkman has been in the cage with some solid fighters he has never faced anyone of the calibre of his next opponent. Lombard by KO in the second.
Nate Marquart versus Brad Tavares
Both of these fighters have been on loosing streaks recently with Tavares on a two fight skid Marquart loosing three of his last four.
It will be interesting to see how much Nate ‘The Great’ has in the tank and weather Tavares has learned from his two recent losses to Yoel Romero and Tim Boetsch.
Prediction: Marquart by decision.
Kyoji Horiguchi versus Louis Goudinot
In what is unashamedly a stay-busy match-up for the exciting Horiguchi, two Bantamweights will vie for victory in a bout which will have title implications down the road.
Prediction: Expect Horiguchi to impose his will early and look for the early TKO.
See you there on The Roar’s live blog!
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