On Saturday, February 2nd, the UFC returns to Las Vegas for UFC 156 which is highlighted by the super fight between current featherweight champion Jose Aldo and former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar. There card features a strong line up of potential title contender eliminator fights in the heavyweight, light heavyweight, and flyweight divisions. There are a total of 11 fights: two that will stream on Facebook, 4 prelims on FX, and the 5 fight main card on PPV. Here are the highlighted bouts:
Joseph Benavidez vs. Ian McCall
This fight is a potential title eliminator bout in the flyweight division featuring two of the last fighters who've battle with champion Demetrious Johnson. Benavidez lost in the inaugural flyweight championship bout by decision and is looking for another shot at Johnson. He's a member for Team Alpha Male and is an elite wrestler who possess strong submission skills. Ian McCall fought Johnson twice, the first bout was a draw and the second was an unanimous decision loss. McCall is the 2nd ranked flyweight in the world and possess a strong BJJ ground game. This fight should be exciting as the little guys are known for their face pace style, but ultimately this will turn into a technical wrestling match.
Alistair Overeem vs. Antonio Silva
Alistair Overeem returns to the UFC after sitting a year out due to a ban for testing positive for elevated testosterone levels. In his only fight, ended the career of the legend Brock Lesnar. Overeem is an MMA legend and is well known for his elite kickboxing. He also has a great submission game since he possess almost equal victories by KO/TKO and submission. "Bigfoot" Silva is coming off his impressive KO victory of Travis Browne and looking to establish himself among the top of the heavyweight division. Silva is a black belt in BJJ and Judo, and also has heavy hands. He has 12 victories by KO/TKO. This should be a great match up in the heavyweight division, which features two guys who love to brawl. I predict Overeem will win if the fight remains on the feet, but Silva would be smart to use his strong take downs and eliminate the kickboxing. Overeem will most likely get a title shot if he wins.
Rashad Evans vs. Lil Nog
Rashad Evans is returning to the octagon after battling injuries most of last year. Evans is still lingering around the top of the contenders of the light heavyweight division and is looking to earn another title shot. He's an elite wrestler who possess heavy hands and is known for his great movement. Lil Nog is in the top 10 of the light heavyweight division and made a big statement with his impressive TKO victory for legend Tito Ortiz last year. Lil Nog is a 3rd degree black belt in BJJ and a world class boxer. Nogueira has fought the who's who in MMA in multiple organizations and is looking to make his name in the UFC. Rashad will gain grounds for a title shot with the victory, while Lil Nog isn't in the running, but could make a statement with a big upset.
Jose Aldo vs. Frankie Edgar
Jose Aldo and Frankie Edgar are considered in the top of the pound for pound best fighters in the world. Jose Aldo is the first and only UFC featherweight champion and the last WEC champion. Aldo is the head figher in the famous Nova Uniao camp, a black belt in BJJ, and only has one loss in MMA. He's known for his deadly leg kicks and great take down defense. Frankie Edgar was the former lightweight champion and is making the move to featherweight, which many think is a more natural weight class for him. He is know for his amazing heart, iron chin, and powerful wrestling. Edgar is one of the most well rounded fighters in the UFC and never gives up in a fight. It'll be interesting to see how Edgar will perform in his new division, but the one thing we know is that he's never been finished in MMA and will push the pace to the final bell.
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