UFC 144 Preview

The UFC is heading back to Japan for the second time in its history this Saturday night (February 25,2012).  UFC 144 is showcasing a terrific card in the land of the rising sun.  Tickets sold out quickly leading Dana White to make the decision to head back to Japan in the near future.

The card features 12 fights that should make for a very entertaining night.  Many of the fights feature Japanese fighters and rightfully so.  Japanese fans can recognize the fighters and cheer them on to victory.

The preliminary card features  Zhang vs. Tamura, Mizugaki vs. Cariaso, Fukuda vs. Cantwell, Yamamoto vs. Lee, and Gomi vs. Mitsuoka.

In the main card, the PPV starts off with a dynamic lightweight bout between Joe Lauzon and Anthony Pettis. Both of these fighters are trying to climb the heavily competitive lightweight ladder in hopes to face the winner of the Edgar vs. Henderson title fight.

Next up is a featherweight bout between Hastu Hioki and Bart Palaszewski.  This is a great stylistic clash between the grappler in Hioki and the boxer in Palaszewski.  Both of these fighters are fighting for the chance to challenge current featherweight champ Jose Aldo; no easy task for any fighter in that division, let alone the UFC.



Next up is a middleweight fight between Yushin Okami vs. Tim Boetsch.  Okami is looking to rebound off a dramatic TKO loss to Anderson Silva.  Tim Boetsch has looked impressive since dropping done to middleweight and is looking to continue his momentum when he faces Okami this Saturday night. 

Jake Shields will be taking on Japanese superstar Yoshiro Akiyama in a welterweight match up.  Shields is looking to bounce back from a devastating knockout loss to Jake Ellenberger.  Shields was going through a lot emotionally prior to the fight, and is looking showcase American jiu jitsu against Akiyama.  Akiyama has had an up and down career in the UFC as of late.  He now drops to welterweight in order to revitalize his often times hot and cold mma career.

Next up is a heavyweight match up between Cheik Kongo vs. Mark Hunt.  Both of these fighters have knockout power in their hands and they will be looking to keep these fight standing.  Both are looking to reclaim their relevancy in the heavyweight division, which is currently being dominated by Junior Dos Santos.

The co-main event features a great match up between Rampage Jackson and Ryan Bader.  Both are looking to move up the light heavyweight ladder.  Rampage is looking to put on a show for the Japanese crowd and wants to use his street fighter mentality to punish Bader.  Bader is looking to continue his momentum after an incredible knockout win over Jason Brilz.  Both of these fighters are vying for a spot to rematch Jon Jones for the light heavyweight championship of the world.  

The main event is what everyone is clamoring to see.  Frankie Edgar takes on Ben Henderson in a lightweight title fight.  Edgar is dominating his opponents as of late, which can be seen when he finished Gray Maynard via TKO.  He is finding his stride using his speed and superior boxing skills to leave his opponents guessing the entire fight. Edgar is regarded as being the best lightweight the UFC has ever seen and also is on many people's top pound-for-pound list. 

Henderson has been on a tear as of late as well.  He is coming off an impressive victory over Clay Guida where he utilized his sheer size and strength as well as excellent striking skills.  Henderson is looking to validate the notion that the WEC fighters can hang with UFC competition.  He is very athletic and a monster at 155lbs.  Some feel that he is the man to send Edgar down to the featherweight division.  

This title fight should be very entertaining as both fighters are looking to add to their legacy.  Look for a barn-burner fight and, win or loose, it is a win for the fans.