UFC 115 takes place tonight in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. While the fight card is pretty deep and has some very intriguing matchups, this is one of those rare cards when the main event is about fifth on the list of fights I am interested in watching.
Rich Franklin and Chuck Liddell will be the last fight of the night in the octagon. Both fighters have had great careers and have done wonders for the sport. They are easily two of most recognizable figures in the UFC and mixed martial arts. Franklin and Liddell also just happen to be two of the most respected and likeable guys in the game. All of that being said, I don’t believe either guy will be challenging for a title anytime soon.
I really like both fighters and think the fight will be very entertaining. This fight was supposed to be Liddell versus Tito Ortiz to highlight the end of The Ultimate Fighter reality show. Ortiz’s neck injury and surgery scrapped that and Franklin stepped in late, but his addition lent another big name to the card.
Two legends squaring off is a fight I wouldn’t miss, but there are other fights on this card that should provide more quickly paced technical matchups.
The fight that has the most potential for fight of the night is Mirko Cro Cop versus Pat Berry. Both guys are known for their standup style and for mainly their kick boxing skills. I don’t expect this one to see the ground, unless it’s one of the fighters picking themselves off the canvas from a brutal knockout.
Cro Cop is another legend in the fight game and he is still looking to make that so called splash since coming over to the UFC. He has changed some things in his training and is also looking for a new contract. Pat Berry is simply looking for a dominant win over a big name fighter.
I expect a great, back and forth battle in this one with both guys getting beat up. If you like stand up fights and kickboxing, this one is for you.
Carlos Condit takes on Rory MacDoanld in a very interesting fight at 170 pounds. Condit is the former champ of the WEC but has struggled himself since coming over to UFC. Tonight is going to be his coming out party in my opinion. I have been a huge fan of “The Natural Born Killer” and he is too skilled not to get back in the title hunt. He is another fighter who has had some nagging injuries but all of those seem to be behind him. Rory MacDonald is also a very skilled fighter. I just feel Condit will be too hungry and skilled for him this evening.
Full fight Card:
Chuck Liddell vs. Rich Franklin
Patrick Barry vs. Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic
Martin Kampmann vs. Paulo Thiago
Ben Rothwell vs. Gilbert Yvel
Carlos Condit vs. Rory MacDonald
Mac Danzig vs. Matt Wiman
Evan Dunham vs. Tyson Griffin
David Loiseau vs. Mario Miranda
Peter Sobotta vs. James Wilks
Ricardo Funch vs. Claude Patrick
Jesse Lennox vs. Mike Pyle
When I look at the entire fight card, the first thing that comes to my mind is that fight fans are in for some knockouts and some heavy strikes. A lot of people have been bad-mouthing the wrestling aspect of mixed martial arts recently and tonight is a night where I don’t think we will have that problem. There are going to be some vicious beatdowns tonight. Tune in and see for yourself.