Once a year a fight card comes along that flies under the radar. Tonight is that night, as the UFC is making its Tennessee debut in Memphis tonight for UFC 107. While the main event has been hyped up and talked about a lot, the rest of the card has some high quality fights that have fight of the night potential.
The main event to me has the chance to be one of the best fights we have seen in 2009. I also think it has the makings of a classic. Throw in a number of other rock solid fights and we just might see the best card for the entire year.
Lets take a look at the fights that you won't want to miss this evening:
Main event, lightweight title fight, BJ Penn vs Diego Sanchez:
Wow. Just typing that gave me goose bumps. Two of the most skilled fighters in the world today. BJ Penn has been in with some of the best fighters in the world but he will take on a whole new animal in Sanchez. Diego's aggressive style and non-stop pace will present some problems for the champion. Penn is at his best when is competition is top notch. I can't help but think Sanchez wins this fight in what would be considered a mild upset. This fight has the chance to end many different ways but for some reason I see it going the full 25 minutes in an instant classic.
Frank Mir vs Cheick Kongo
A heavyweight battle that has a pretty nice contrast in styles. Bad blood here too. Mir has said that Kongo has the worst ground game in the division. He might be right but Kongo is a very dangerous striker. Mir would love to get this to the ground and work his submissions and prove all the talk he has been throwing out there for months. Kongo is a very mild mannered guy and Mir has gotten under his skin. Expect this to be a fast paced action packed brawl between aggressive guys looking to hurt each other.
Kenny Florian vs Clay Guida
If there is a fight on this card that can match up to the main event from an action stand point, this is it. Another fight in the 155 division between two high quality world class fighters. Florian has had two shots at the belt in the past and fell short. With a win, Guida would be close to a title shot. Clay Guida has a never ending gas tank and solid wrestling skills. Kenny Florian is one of the most well rounded fighters in the game and think that will lead him to victory.
Johny Hendrick vs Ricardo Funch
This bout takes place at 170 pounds. Johny Hendrick is a fighter to keep your eyes on in 2010. He is currently 6-0 and has a remarkable wrestling background. Funch is an unknown right now as he is making his UFC debut. Hendricks has that "it" factor similar to Gray Maynard who improves leaps and bounds every time we see him in the octagon. Both guys will be looking to make statements and it could be a quick fight.
Full fight card:
Champ B.J. Penn vs. Diego Sanchez (for lightweight title)
Cheick Kongo vs. Frank Mir
Jon Fitch vs. Mike Pierce
Kenny Florian vs. Clay Guida
Paul Buentello vs. Stefan Struve
Alan Belcher vs. Wilson Gouveia
Shane Nelson vs. Matt Wiman
Ricardo Funch vs. Johny Hendricks
Lucio Linhares vs. Rousimar Palhares
Edgar Garcia vs. DaMarques Johnson
Kevin Burns vs. T.J. Grant
Top to bottom, this is one of the best cards the UFC has put on in a few months. What a great way to end 2009 and get us rolling into 2010. I have a good feeling that we will be talking about this card and some of the fights on it for awhile. Don't miss it.
