Though every fight in the UFC has potential for fireworks, there are always a number of particular matchups get my blood pumping. I have an affinity for fighters that go for broke every time out, always seeking the finish in any form that it materializes. It’s hard not to like a guy or gal who simply detests leaving a fight in the hands of the less than consistent judges currently plaguing the sport. That being said, below are three upcoming bouts featuring six fighters who come to put on a show regardless of the outcome.
Three Potentially Explosive UFC Fights On The Horizon
#1 Robbie Lawler vs #5 Matt Brown UFC Fight Night Saturday July 26th
Robbie’s resurgence as of late has been inspiring to many. The hard hitting Lawler is 4-1 in his last five outings scoring a third round TKO over #7 ranked Jake Ellenberger in his last fight. Robbie’s only loss since returning to the UFC was a decision loss his to current Welterweight Champion Johny Hendricks in a thrilling, back-and-forth, five round affair.
Matt Brown is on an absolute tear in the division, stopping all five of his last opponents inside the distance. His epic three round war with Eric Silva back in May is on the short list for one of the most entertaining fights of the year, ending with Silva battered on the canvas, and Brown’s arm raised in victory.
This is an intriguing matchup, and not only for its obvious title implications. The experienced veteran Lawler is a vicious striker, with power to be respected, and solid wrestling skills to back it up. Brown is an absolute savage who is not afraid to stand in the pocket and bang with anyone, he likes to drag his opponents into deep water from start to finish, setting a scorching pace, mixing in knees and elbows with his combination of punches and kick. When these two collide, I expect nothing less than a bell-to-bell barn burner from these welterweight contenders.
Ross Pearson vs Abel Trujillo UFC Fight Night Saturday August 16th
The Ultimate Fighter season 9 winner Ross Pearson is a deceptive 2-2 with one no contest in his last five. Pearson lost a controversial decision to Diego Sanchez in June, before that, his fight with Melvin Guillard ended in a no contest after Guillard landed an illegal knee to Pearson’s head.
Abel Trujillo is 3-1 with one no contest in his past five bouts. Another fight up for the title of 2014’s most entertaining is Trujillos brutal two round battle with former WEC champ Jamie Varner, ending in “Killa’s” spectacular KO of Varner after weathering an impressive volley from Varner in his own right. Truijillo’s only loss in the UFC comes from unbeaten #4 ranked lightweight Khabib Nurmagomedov.
The bad taste left in Pearson’s mouth stemming from being on the wrong end of a disappointing decision will leave “The Real Deal” hungry for a finish in this bout. Trujillo’s confidence in his striking coming off his knockout win over Varner after having his chin tested should be extremely high. Combined, Ross’ desire to get back in the win column, and Abel’s lust for another highlight reel performance in search of a step up in competition could make for an explosive concoction of substantial proportions.
Jordan Mein vs Brandon Thatch UFC Fight Night Saturday August 23rd
At only twenty four years old, Jordan Mein already has thirty seven pro fights to his credit. Going 3-2 in his last five, Mein won a decision in his last fight against Hernani Perpetuo in April. Before that At UFC on Fox 7 in April of 2013 Mein ran headlong into the buzzsaw that is Matt Brown resulting in a second round TKO loss, his only in the UFC.
Brandon Thatch is 2-0 in his UFC career and 5-0 in his past five bouts, all ending in the first round. At UFC Fight Night Belfort vs Henderson, Thatch put on a striking clinic against gritty veteran Paulo Thiago, who eventually succumbed to a vicious knee to the body just over two minutes into the first round.
In my opinion, this fight has the makings to become the equivalent of a lit match dropped inside a bag full leftover fireworks. Both Mein and Thatch like to utilize knees and elbows in their respective clinch attacks, and neither will back down from a bloody shootout contested in the center of the octagon. Expect Mein to wade in and make it a dirty brawl, while Thatch tries to use his reach to pick Mein apart from the outside.
While there are many exciting and interesting fights coming up in the next couple of months for the UFC, I believe that these three bouts certainly have the potential for Performance of the Night bonuses.
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