Punches, kicks and all sorts of submission holds will be on display Saturday at the United Center as the UFC stops in with a solid fight card. RedEye breaks down the top bouts, complete with predictions.
JOE LAUZON VS. TAKANORI GOMI
Both fighters are MMA veterans. Gomi was a big component of the old Pride Fighting Championship league in 2004, while Lauzon entered the UFC through the “Ultimate Fighter” reality show and has had 18 fights in the organization.
Why you should watch: Lauzon has entered uncharted territory in having the most post-fight bonuses in UFC history. That includes Fight of the Night, Submission of the Night and Knockout of the Night. He can coerce a submission at any time. Gomi is considered one of the greatest lightweights in MMA, and this fight should be nothing short of spectacular.
Prediction: Lauzon via submission in Round 1.
EDSON BARBOZA VS. PAUL FELDER
This fight was put together late as the original participants had numerous injuries. Barboza and Felder are rising lightweight contenders and don’t like when fights go to the scorecards.
Why you should watch: Who doesn’t love a good knockout or head kick? Between Barboza and Felder, they have a combined 17 KO or TKO victories. Felder is coming off a big victory against Danny Castillo with a huge spinning back fist. Barboza loves leg kicks, and Evan Dunham felt those effects last year.
Prediction: Barboza via KO in Round 2.
MIESHA TATE VS. JESSICA EYE
Along with Ronda Rousey, Tate has been a leading voice of women’s MMA for the past few years. There is an ongoing feud between Rousey and Tate, and many think a third fight will happen in the near future. Eye is no slouch either and is looking to put together a winning streak.
Why you should watch: This is a great matchup for both individuals that will feature the fast hands of Eye and the wrestling skills of Tate.
Prediction: Tate via unanimous decision.
T.J. DILLASHAW VS. RENAN BARAO
Bantamweight title bout
This is the sequel to the UFC 173 fight in which Dillashaw was victorious via TKO in a grueling five-round bout. Now the stage is set for a rematch for which Dillashaw puts the belt on the line. Dillashaw has been out of action for the past year because of an injury.
Why you should watch: There is nothing better than a five-round championship fight. This bout will have a little bit of everything from trash-talking to insulting mannerisms to hard-nose punches and kicks. With these fighters ranked Nos. 1 and 2, respectively, everything will be left in the octagon.
Prediction: Dillashaw TKO via punches in Round 3.
UFC Fight Night at United Center
5 p.m. Saturday, Fox
Ted Gruber is a RedEye contributor. @tedgruber
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