International Fight Week a bringing a big spotlight so don’t overlook any fights!
What will occur at UFC 200 and International Fight Week?
UFC 200 could very well be the biggest MMA event of all time, and the International Fight Week leading up to it could be the best week for MMA period. The UFC has done a 3-event series like this once before, but this time, UFC 200 and International Fight Week takes it to a new level.
On Thursday, we’ll be getting UFC Fight Night: dos Anjos vs Alvarez. The lightweight belt will be on the line in the first event. Then, Friday brings us The Ultimate Fighter: Team Joanna vs Team Claudia Finale. Coaches Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Claudia Gadelha will battle for Joanna’s women’s strawweight title. Finally, UFC 200 will bring three title fights. Daniel Cormier will defend his light-heavyweight strap against Jon Jones, Miesha Tate will defend her women’s bantamweight title against Amanda Nunes, andFrankie Edgar and Jose Aldo will fight for the interim featherweight strap. Also on the card is the return of former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar.
Amidst all this star power, it’s easy for great match ups to be overlooked. Here are a handful of fights that you should not miss
UFC Fight Night: dos Anjos vs Alvarez
Big Country vs Derrick Lewis is a heavyweight bout that pairs two volatile hitters. Roy “Big Country” Nelson is known for his blistering right hand while Derrick Lewis is nothing short of violence. It’s a big step up for Lewis, but Lewis’s power makes a serious threat to anyone. On paper, Nelson should be too much for Lewis, but Nelson’s most recent outtings were lackluster at best. It’s a bombastic collision, and is one that may very well be overlooked.
Joseph Duffy vs Mitch Clarke is a lightweight scrap that features two promising lightweight contenders. Duffy has looked promising in his first UFC bouts. He couldn’t quite get past Poirier, but he didn’t look out of his realm. Duffy is a skilled striker with slick jiu-jitsu, and is a guy to keep an eye on. He meets Mitch Clarke who has been plagued with activity recently. Clarke had one fight last year where he was defeated by Michael Chiesa, but prior to that he upset ranked lightweight Al Iaquinta. Clarke is known for his stellar grappling skills; something tells me we could be in for some epic ground exchanges. These two men will look to make a statement in the stacked lightweight division.
The Ultimate Fighter: Team Joanna vs Team Claudia
On Friday night, TUF 23 comes to a conclusion as Joanna Jedrzejczyk meets rival Claudia Gadelha. The two fought before when Joanna earned a narrow split decision victory over Gadelha. Two season winners will also be crowned. Once again, there isn’t much star power here, but there are very good match ups that you’ll want to pay attention to.
Ross Pearson vs Will Brooks is a fight that most MMA fans should be excited about. Why? Because we’re going to see one of the best fighters to come out of Bellator enter the UFC’s waters. Will Brooks is on an 8-fight win streak, and recently vacated his title to come over to the UFC. He’s an exceptional athlete with fantastic wrestling, and an intelligent striking arsenal. He’s taking on Ross Pearson who is a mainstay at 155 lbs. Pearson is also a great athlete who is known for his slick boxing game, and willingness to trade punches. It’s a brilliant match up to see how Will Brooks can hang in the UFC’s stacked 155 lb division.
Doo Ho Choi vs Thiago Tavares is a fight that I’m looking forward to the most. Doo Ho Choi has the potential to be a star in the featherweight division as he brings some of the most accurate and dangerous punching skills into the cage. In addition, his demeanor makes him stand out. He’s an extremely violent fighter, but the “Korean Superboy” appears to be an unassuming teen. Nevertheless, he’ll look to make it 3-0 in the UFC as he takes the veteran Thiago Tavares. Tavares is an exceptional grappler who will look to test Choi’s takedown defense. A big win here by Choi could send every featheweight a message.
UFC 200
Finally, wrapping up International Fight Week will be UFC 200. This is the big one with three titles on the line, and an entire card full of exciting match ups; many of which I’m sure will be overlooked.
Gegard Mousasi vs Thiago Santos is just the second fight of the night, but is one that I am looking forward to greatly. Mousasi has always been one of the most talented, well-rounded fighters at 185 and 205, but has never been able to win the big fights. He’s coming off a win over Thiago Tavares, and while Thiago Santos isn’t the big name opponent needed for title contention, Santos still a very game opponent that needs to be taken seriously. Santos is a knockout artist who has been on everyone’s radar since producing highlight reel KOs over Steve Bosse and Nate Marquardt. He’ll look to take out Mousasi and propel himself up the rankings.
TJ Dillashaw vs Raphael Assuncao comes to us by way of the Fox Sports 1 prelims. Former bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw is going to try and do what he needs to do in order to get back in the Octagon with Dominick Cruz and get his belt back. Some felt Dillashaw did enough to retain his strap, but nevertheless he’s vying to become the number one contender and regain gold. Assuncao actually holds a decision win over him, but it was so contested and disputed that many refuse to acknowledge it as a win for the Brazilian. Now, Dillashaw and Assuncao will settle the score and fight in what should be a number one contender’s match up at 135 lbs.
Be sure not to miss these fights amidst all the chaos! Thanks for reading!
