It’s Live Discussion time again, friends! We’ve got two big events on two nights, so let’s get things started! UFC 175 is a super-stacked PPV card, as is custom for 4th of July shows. Since the World Cup is still going on (I guess? America lost so I don’t even know what a soccer is any more), here’s a little hype video mocking soccer players and their propensity to drop in feigned injury. Good thing there’s no such thing as that in the tough world of MMA (Quick, delete all footage of anyone pulling guard!). Before the fights begin on Saturday, take a peep at the With Leather Staff Predictions, why don’t you? It features like fifty geniuses.
UFC 175 starts on Fight Pass at 7:00 PM ET, with two middleweight fights. Kevin Casey is back in the UFC after beating up dudes on the B/C/Z-leagues, and he’s taking on Bubba “The Fighting Texas Aggie” Bush, which might be the MOST TEXAS name of all time.
The rest of the prelims will be on Fox Sports One, starting 8:00 PM ET. Human scarecrow George Roop continues to fight as a bantamweight despite being over 6′ tall, as he takes on Rob “Helvetica” Font. There’s also Kenny Robertson vs Ildemar Alcantara in what could be a cool grappling match. In the prelim main event, also known as the People’s Main Event, Urijah Faber is taking on Alex “Bruce Leroy” Caceres. I think this will be a fun fight, partly to see where exactly Caceres stands skill-wise, and if Faber can continue destroying everyone that isn’t a champion in the UFC.
The main card is on pay-per-view at 10:00 PM ET, so don’t think about stealing this (Or at least don’t tell us about it). The PPV is starting off with bantamweights Marcus Brimage and Russell Doane, and that should be fun because both guys stay active. Uriah Hall and Thiago Santos should engage in a violent kickboxing throw down at middleweight, plus there’s some big boys, as Stefan Struve returns to competition after some medical issues kept him out of the cage for a while. He’s taking on Matt Mitrione, and I hope “Skyscraper” punches Mitrione a whole bunch.
The co-main event is a women’s bantamweight title bout, as Ronda Rousey puts her belt and undefeated record on the line against BJJ black belt, Alexis Davis. This could very well be a super-exciting grappling contest between two top level ground fighters.
The main event is a middleweight title fight, as Chris Weidman looks to continue beating up Brazilians as he takes on Lyoto Machida.
On Sunday, Sunday, Sunday, The Ultimate Fighter’s 19th season wraps up with the live finale and coach fight!
The prelims begin at 6:00 PM ET, as always, on Fight Pass. Robert Drysdale will be making his UFC debut, and I expect him to submit his opponent. There’s also a women’s bantamweight fight on the early prelims, as Sarah “Cheesecake” Moras takes on Alexis “Sneaky Zebra” Dufrense, and that might be my favorite nickname.
The regular prelims move to Fox Sports One at 7:00 PM ET. This portion is of the card is kind of filled with dudes I’ve only barely heard of, but I think TUF castmates Dan Spohn and Pat Walsh could put on a good, violent punch fight.
The main card stays on Fox Sports One at 9:00 PM ET. There are some TUF 19 finale fights, Dhiego Lima taking on Eddie Gordon and Matt Van Buren versus Corey Anderson. This season of TUF was a little lackluster, but the semi-final fights picked up in excitement. I think some of these guys have a chance at being prelim staples for months to come.
The main event is the third fight that nobody thinks is necessary, as former lightweight champions Frankie Edgar and BJ Penn square off at featherweight. I think the fight will be good, but considering Edgar was so dominant in the rematch, I don’t see how both guys dropping weight will change much.
