UFC 185 Preview

The UFC is heading back to Dallas with a stacked card; I’m excited to cover it. The main event pits the top two Lightweights in an athletic extrazeganza. From top to bottom the card is loaded with potentially thrilling battles. The bill offers two championship contests and other bouts that promise unpredictability and excitement? Count me in!

I first saw Anthony Pettis as a feature on MTV when I was channel surfing late at night and wondered upon True Life on MTV. From there his epic journey includes; tragic life + amazing WEC victory + demoralizing defeat to Clay Guida + reestablishing himself as one of the world’s greatest fighters!

The Lightweight champion is the epitome of a modern mixed martial artist, full of flare and explosiveness while defying anyone to use a tag. Pettis can submit a black belt or knock out a ‘boxer’. His versatility and athleticism makes him one of the most unpredictable champions in the sport.

Rafael Dos Anjos has paid his dues tenfold; a Brazilian Jujitsu expert that followed the plan of evolving as opposed to staying pat. He’s become a dynamic striker that has the ultimate confidence in his Brazilian roots if things go to the ground.

That is a real trend in the sport, the Brazilian contingency that has dominated from the Pride days is an either or scenario. Either it’s an elite athlete that incorporates other facets into their game or it’s a submission specialist that stands pat. Rafael is clearly the former, a man that can now turn out your lights as easily with a punch as he can with his arm under your throat.

On to the fight, this is a crazy conglomeration of athletic prowess, but forced to make a pick? I have to go with Pettis; he’s more fluid and prepared for a stand up war. Anthony has such a full complement of weapons it’s almost unfair. Pettis by stoppage in round three when DosAnjos can’t out strike him or get him down!

Carla Esparza vs Joanne Jedrzejczyk

She was the favorite and everyone turned on her. I’ve got Carla using her imposing wrestling skills to grind out a decision or force a late submission.

Johnny Hendricks vs Matt Brown

What a war! I can’t, and won’t, begin to try and diminish the bad ass that is this fight. They will kill each other and, honestly, 3 rounds help Hendricks! Matt can take anything, but a limit for him can’t be set.