| 01 August 2010
After a quiet mixed martial arts month in July (other than the spectacular Fedor-Werdum, Lesnar-Carwin matches), August offers a full slate of events, including three UFC cards. But it's not just the quantity of the events that make this a stellar MMA month - it's the quality also. So what is the best event of this action packed month, and what are the five matches you absolutely have to see, you ask? You came to the right spot - here's the answers. P.S. - don't worry - this is a Randy Couture-James Toney free article.
August's Must See MMA Event
UFC 117 - Aug 7th
To put it plain and simple, this event is stacked. In addition to the three matches listed below, the always exciting Clay Guida is also on the card, going up against dangerous Rafael dos Anjos; Ricardo Almeida will aim to extract revenge from Matt Hughes for taking out his master, Renzo Gracie; formerly top-rated Dustin Hazelett will try to get back on the winning track and up-and-coming Phil "Mr. Wonderful" Davis steps in as an injury replacement. The UFC is bringing a stellar event to the Bay Area.
Anderson Silva vs Chael Sonnen – UFC 117 – Aug 7th
I was burned by Anderson Silva last time I included him in one of my “must see” articles, as Silva put on a disgraceful performance versus Demian Maia. However, a singular talent such as his is worth taking a second chance on (as Dana White apparently agrees), and Chael Sonnen has been unleashing a verbal onslaught against the middleweight champ, so hopefully that properly motivates him to put his best foot (and fist, and elbow) forward. Can the scrappy Sonnen get the match to the ground where he can use his wrestling skills? And, if so, can jiu-jitsu black belt Silva use one of his most underrated skills – his ability on the mat – to his advantage?
Jon Fitch vs Thiago Alves – UFC 117 – Aug 7th
It looks like this long anticipated rematch is finally going to take place, as Thiago Alves’ brain irregularity has been properly checked out and he’s been cleared to fight. Jon Fitch won the first fight between the two, but it is widely (and correctly) thought that Alves has evolved greatly as a fighter since their first encounter. So not only is this a rematch, but the winner of it also should be first in line for a shot at Georges St-Pierre’s welterweight title. Has Alves improved enough to topple Fitch this time, or has his time off created too much ring (or cage) rust?
Junior dos Santos vs Roy Nelson – UFC 117 – Aug 7th
This match also has title implications, as Dana White has stated that the winner of it will be in line for a chance at the heavyweight crown. Most people expect the undefeated Junior dos Santos to roll to a win in this one, but it would be a big mistake to underestimate the rotund, mulletted Roy Nelson. The winner of The Ultimate Fighter Season 10 has shown to posses an incredibly well-rounded fight game in his brief UFC career, having incredible knockout power, a great chin and a very good ground game, where he knows how to “put his gut” on his opponent and keep him pinned to the mat. While dos Santos should be the favourite in this one due to his flawless career thus far, don’t sleep on the mullet. Can Roy Nelson once again prove that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover? Or will Junior dos Santos continue his meteoric rise up the heavyweight ranks?
Frankie Edgar vs B.J. Penn – UFC 118 – Aug 28th
Their first encounter ended in controversy with the underdog Frankie Edgar winning a unanimous decision and taking B.J. Penn’s 155lb belt in the process. Hopefully the rematch proves to be more decisive, although if Penn loses again he’s bound to come up with an excuse (or 10) for it. It will be revealing to see how the greatest lightweight fighter of all-time reacts to the adversity of being the challenger in this match. Will Penn rise above and cement his legacy as the G.O.A.T.? Or will the doubts in his head caused by the first match (such as Edgar’s ability to get past his vaunted takedown defense and pin his back to the mat) trip him up? Does Frankie Edgar still have the recipe for success versus B.J. Penn, or was he a one hit wonder?
Kenny Florian vs Gray Maynard – UFC 118 – Aug 28th
The winner of the Edgar-Penn tilt will likely next face the winner of one of the undercard bouts from the same event, Kenny Florian vs Gray Maynard. Both men are desperate for a chance at the title, with Florian hoping the third time’s the charm for him in lightweight title fights and Maynard coming so close to being given the last shot at Penn, only to be passed over for Edgar instead. Can Maynard rise to the occasion in the biggest fight of his career? Can he use his supreme wrestling ability to take Florian to the mat? Does Florian still have what it takes to be a top contender? Will he ever “slay the master”?
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