You've seen the promos, you've heard the hype and the trash-talking, but now there's only one thing to do. Well, two. Step inside the octagon and fight.
That is what is getting set to happen in Denver as Jon "Bones" Jones defends his light-heavyweight title against former champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. It will be Jones' second title defense. The last man to successfully defend his light-heavyweight title twice was Chuck Liddell. This is the highlight of the card, but it is not the only intriguing fight.
Josh Koscheck returns to the octagon and faces UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes. Uncharacteristically of the brash trash talker UFC fans know, Koscheck has been rather quiet. Instead he has paid his respects and has stated it is an honor to fight Hughes.
Also on the card is Nate Diaz, who looks to rebound from consecutive losses. He is taking on Japanese fighter Takanori Gomi, who is looking to get back on track himself after a submission loss to Clay Guida. Diaz is the fighter more in need of a win and an excellent performance. A third-straight loss could raise questions about his future in the octagon.
Two fights on this card involve the big, and I mean REALLY big boys. Heavyweights Ben Rothwell and Mark Hunt match-up as do Travis Browne and Englishman Rob Broughton.
Browne is taking a 2-0-1 record into his bout with Broughton, who is making just his second UFC appearance. Rothwell and Hunt are both looking to build on wins in their last bouts. Rothwell delievered a Superman punch to KO Gilbert Yvel at UFC 115 in June of last year. Hunt, on the other hand, fought in February notching his own KO win over Chris Tuchscherer.
Let's get back to the title fight between Jones and Jackson. This is a battle between the young champion that seemingly can't be beat, Jones, and the once proud champion who is looking to prove he can still destroy anyone in front of him, Jackson.
This bout should be high in excitement and near finishes as each man has power to knock the other out. It might be a match won by the better wrestler and grappler. That might sway the match in Jones' favor, but it is never smart to count out Rampage.
Follow me on Twitter @NiteshDutt.
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