The UFC will make its debut on the Fox network (OneHD) this weekend, showcasing two of the biggest names in the heavyweight division in the main event. UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez will defend his title against Junior Dos Santos.
Velasquez holds an undefeated MMA record of 9-0. The most recent victory came against Brock Lesnar at UFC 121 in October 2010 in the first round via TKO.
He not only won the heavyweight title, but also earned himself ‘Knockout Of The Night’ honours.
It was victories against top fighters, the likes of Cheick Kongo, Ben Rothwell and Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, that gave Velasquez the opportunity to have a well-deserved shot at the title and 13 months later, he will defend his belt for the first time against Dos Santos.
Dos Santos’ rise to the top of the heavyweight division has not come easy. He has an MMA record of 13-1, with victories over some of the toughest competitors in the UFC such as Roy Nelson, Stefan Struve and Gabriel Gonzag.
Dos Santos and Brock Lesnar were the coaches on The Ultimate Fighter – Season 13. The two were to face each other at UFC 131, however, due to an illness, Lesnar was forced to pull out.
He was replaced by Shane Carwin for the number one contender bout and it was this fight and win that earned Santos the title shot.
Both Velasquez and Dos Santos possess some of the best striking and well-rounded skills in the game. If this fight does not end in a stoppage in the early stages of the fight, Velasquez’s exceptional cardio could be the difference that will see him retain the belt.
Velasquez and Santos are undefeated in the heavyweight division and fans have long been calling for these two to be paired up for a number one contender match.
However, the UFC kept their two, best heavyweights to put in the most relevant and greatest heavyweight fight in UFC history, maybe even in MMA.
Dana White said, “If this fight goes for 30 seconds or 30 minutes – This is going to be a fight right here!”
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Main Card (Live on ONE)
Cain Velasquez vs. Junior Dos Santos
Preliminary Card (Facebook only)
Clay Guida vs. Ben Henderson
Pablo Garza vs. Dustin Poirier
Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto vs. Darren Uyenoyama
Ricardo Lamas vs. Cub Swanson
Clay Harvsion vs. DaMarques Johnson
Robert Peralta vs. Mackens Semerzier
Paul Bradley vs. Mike Pierce
Matt Lucas vs. Aaron Rosa
Alex Caceres vs. Cole Escovedo
Cpaaa
Guest
I really do miss cro-cop. One of the true characters in the new world of mixed martial arts. Its a shame his career in mma didnt last longer. I follow Football, but i believe MMA is the fastest growing sport in the world, not only in numbers but also in gaining media coverage. Always tuff to write an article that is not ingrained into ones culture, so credit to you Karen for covering the most brutal sport of our time. As a writer that has many sporting interests, i hope in the future you can find the time to write about your favorite Australian Football Club, Sydney FC. The good, the bad and the ugly.
WoobliesFan
Guest
Greatest fight in MMA history? You might want to look back into your DVD collection.....Fedor vs Cro Cop was worthy of an Oscar......the anticipaion was huge, huge I tells ya...and the fight delivered. History shows that Fedor won and Cro Cop was never the same again....same way Fedor is not the man he used to be......sad to see
turbodewd
Guest
Yep, me and some of the fellas will have some souvlaki and watch the fight. Hope its quality and quantity. JDS has the meanest stare in MMA (Thiago Silva probably ties him in that regard). 1pm Eastern Be there!
Mark
Guest
Yes! I can't wait for this. I can't split my allegiance for either fighter, both have great merits and I've been really impressed with them previously. It's going to be huge!