It’s been a massive week for Mixed Martial Arts following the UFC’s takeover of its nearest competitor Strikeforce. It will culminate this weekend with a light heavyweight title clash this weekend between the man with the belt – Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and the phenom Jon “Bones” Jones.
Both face different challenges heading into this fight. Rua has not fought in over 300 days and was preparing to Rashad Evans before he pulled out of the fight 6 weeks ago due to injury. On the other end of the spectrum, Jones accepted this fight directly after defeating Ryan Bader 6 weeks ago; giving him limited time to prepare for the biggest fight of his life.
Here is a breakdown of the main card –
RUA V JONES
At 29 years old, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua is a legend of the sport, but in this fight more than any reputations will mean nothing. A technically gifted striker with knock out power, the Brazilian will find it hard to dictate terms against Jon Jones. A strong wrestler, expect Jones to take the fight to Shogun unlike the counter striking style of Rua’s last opponent Lyoto Machida. Look for the champion to utilise strong leg kicks to curb his opponent’s agility and athleticism. As far as Jones goes, I would be a fool to attempt to predict what the man I rate as the most creative and unpredictable fighter I have ever seen is going to do. It is saying all of that – you can never underestimate a champion and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua is just that.
TIP – JON JONES
FABER V WINELAND
In a promotional debut for both fighters, the win of Urijah Faber and Eddie Wineland will all but secure himself a shot at Dominic Cruz’s UFC Bantamweight belt. If you haven’t seen these lighter weight classes throw down you are up for an absolute treat! While both are former WEC Champions, Faber will enter the bout a heavy favourite. Incredibly active – Faber is as comfortable in the clinch as he is with his hands, but expect him to use what I believe is a superior ground game to get the win. Wineland is coming off to Knockout of the Night wins – one via slam the other via body punch – his power cannot be questioned.
TIP – URIJAH FABER
MILLER V SHALORUS
UFC veteran Jim Miller’s only losses have come by the hands of champion Frankie Edgar and number one contender Gray Maynard. His opponent this weekend Kamal Shalorus has never lost. Shalorus fought under the WEC banner before the promotion merged with the UFC – he brings with him power punching and Olympic level wrestling, Miller though is on a tear. He holds 6 straight wins in the octagon coming off the back of an incredible ground game and some ever evolving stand up. A win here well and truly elevates him into the division’s top 5.
TIP – JIM MILLER
MARQUARDT V MILLER
Nate Marquardt was set to fight fan favourite Yoshihiro Akiyama at this event before the Japanese Earthquake forced his opponent to remain in his homeland. Enter Jim Miller’s brother Dan. Ever the competitor, the older Miller has been toiling away in the UFC’s middleweight division and is currently on a two fight win streak. Taking the fight on short notice may work in his favour – Marquardt has a history of folding under pressure as seen in his last fight against Yushin Okami which he lost. The pressure is on him again in this fight – taking on a man with nothing to lose and everything to gain. No one can question Marquardt skill and potential, regardless of his opponent he needs to make a statement in this fight.
TIP – NATE MARQUARDT
CROCOP V SCHAUB
The young bull takes on the legend. Brendan Schaub – a graduate of the Ultimate Fighter season 10 is notching up a reputation in the UFC’s heavyweight division. Schaub’s last victory over Gabriel Gonzaga placed him on the map and opened an opportunity for him to take on another big name. In this case it is Mirko CroCop. The Pride legend lost a lacklustre bout with Frank Mir last start and will be looking to give some highlights outside of old Pride vision for the UFC to use in pre-fight coverage. From what I’ve seen lately I question whether “Right leg, hospital; left leg, cemetery” is still relevant in 2011.
TIP – BRENDAN SCHAUB
What’s your best bet? For great odds on all your favourite sports check out PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
It’s a pretty good time to be a Tasmanian sports fan right now. After years in the sporting wilderness with not much to celebrate,…
Olympic swimming legend and Australian Sports Commission boss Kieren Perkins has warned that "someone will die" if a multi-sport event that allows athletes to…
In 2015 when heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury beat Wladimir Klitschko, the fighter regarded by many as the ‘Greatest of all time’ in the sport,…
Join Australia's most vibrant online sports community and you have the chance to win $1000. The Roar is the perfect blend of sports reporting,…
Here is a review of our boxers who made a splash in the world rankings over the past year.
After intense debate at Roar HQ, we’ve selected the 23 most controversial moments for 2023.
