Fans of mixed martial arts (MMA) or UFC, don’t miss the big fight
UFC 178: Johnson vs Cariaso. Who? I wouldn’t blame you for thinking that, considering just a few months ago, this event was supposed to have been headlined by Light Heavyweight kingpin Jon Jones and the man who many say was the closest to ever beat him, Alexander Gustafsson.
As fate would have it, Gustafsson had to pull out due to injury, so they had former Olympic wrestler Daniel Cormier step in as a replacement, but Jones got injured!
As a result, the spotlight now falls on a Flyweight title fight between Demetrious Johnson and Chris Cariaso. This card is nonetheless a fascinating one. Here’s why.
Cat Zingano vs Amanda Nunes (Main Card)
Cat Zingano’s TKO victory over Miesha Tate in April 2013 was supposed to have been her stepping stone to a title shot against Women’s Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey but a knee injury put a stop to all that. Now she’s back and needs to re-establish her position.
Meanwhile, for Nunes (who’s No. 8 in the official UFC Women’s Bantamweight rankings), it’s the perfect opportunity for her to “cut in line” with a big win here. There’s a lot to be proven, so this should be an exciting fight.
Dustin Poirier vs Conor McGregor (Main Card)
McGregor came into the UFC with a lot of hype and so far he’s delivered, riding on an 11-fight winning streak – most by knockout.
Meanwhile, six of Poirier’s 16 career wins have come by submission, while McGregor’s losses have all come by submission as well, so Poirier needs to take this fight to the ground where he might have the edge.
Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone vs Eddie “The Silent Assassin” Alvarez (Co-Main Event)
This bout may be the co-main event but it’s undoubtedly got the most attention. We’re talking “Fight of the Year” stuff, as the former Bellator champion Alvarez finally makes his way to the UFC.
Cerrone, when he’s “on”, is one of the most terrifying fighters in the world. (His last four fights all won him some kind of bonus – Performance/KO/Submission of the night.)
Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson vs Chris “Kamikaze” Cariaso (Main Event)
“Mighty Mouse” Johnson is the favourite, defending his title. He hasn’t lost since he became the first UFC Flyweight Champion.
Cariaso, who has won his last three fights in a row, is a solid Muay Thai fighter who will look to brutalise Johnson with leg kicks to the body. His best bet is to keep the fight standing, and stuff Johnson’s takedowns.
For me, the main event has got to be Conor McGregor. He knows how to hype a fight, talks a lot of trash, and so far has always backed it up. Either way, it’ll be a fun card, and you know what I’ll be doing come Sunday morning.
By Mister Young
UFC 178: Johnson vs Cariaso will air on 28 Sep, from 8am (main card at 10am), on Fox Sports, Singtel mio TV Ch 114.
About Mister Young
Mister Young (@mister_young) is an Assistant Programme Director and DJ at Power 98FM. When he’s not thinking about radio, Mister Young enjoys watching modern-day gladiators put their consciousness on the line in UFC & ONE FC.
Join Mister Young on “theExFactor”, every weekday from 4pm-8pm with co-host Jacqui on Power 98FM.
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