UFC Heavyweight King Cain Velasquez
CAIN VELASQUEZ-JUNIOR DOS SANTOS “RUBBER MATCH”
Los Angeles, CA– A highly intriguing trilogy between UFC heavyweight (205 + to 265 lbs.) champion Cain Velasquez (12-1, 10-1 UFC) and arch rival Junior Dos Santos (16-2, 10-1 UFC) concludes this Saturday at UFC 166. Junior won the first match with a quick KO 1, but was dominated for five rounds and out on his feet multiple times in the rematch. Junior was thought to be the superior striker going into match number two, but Cain caused some serious damage to the Brazillian and showcased an impressive arsenal of tools, which includes better stan dip (boxing). I think Cain keeps his belt in the rubbermatch, though it would have to be a more competitive affair than their last fight, that’s how one-sided it was from the mid point of round one to the final bell. I see another decison going to the champion, though both men certainly have the power to end things early.
CORMIER SUPERIOR TO GUYS AT 205 & -265 LBS.
In the co-main event, unbeaten former Olympian Daniel Cormier (12-0, 1-0 UFC) takes on Roy “Big Country” Nelson (19-8, 6-4 UFC) in what is presumed to be Cormier’s last fight at heavyweight before he drops down to light-heavy (205). Nelson is as game as they come, but Cormier should win a decision without too many problems. On the undercard, ex-Strikforce lightweight (155) champion Gilbert Melendez (21-3, 0-1 UFC) and Diego Sanchez (24-5, 13-5 UFC) will clash in what looks to be the fight of the night.
SOME THINK GILBERT BEAT EX-CHAMP BENSON HENDERSON
The San Franciscan Melendez will come out of this with his hand raised, as he is easily one of the best at lightweight. Many felt he deserved the nod in his last outing against former champ Benson Henderson (19-3, 7-1 UFC), and Diego is no “Bendo.” In a fight that is unlikely to go the distance, heavyweight Gabriel Gonzaga (15-7, 10-6 UFC) battles Shawn Jordan (15-4, 4-1 UFC). This fight is the biggest toss-up on the card for me, and I can see either man getting knocked out. I am leaning towards the younger Jordan, but I would not be shocked if Gonzaga gets it.
NON-TELEVISED UNDERCARD
MIDDLEWEIGHTS (185):
C.B. Dollaway (13-4, 7-4 UFC) vs Tim Boetsch (16-6, 7-5 UFC)
MIDDLEWEIGHTS:
Hector Lombard (32-4-1-1, 1-2 UFC) vs Nate Marquardt (32-12-2, 10-5 UFC)
FLYWEIGHTS (125):
John Dodson (14-6, 3-1 UFC) vs Darell Montague (13-2). Monatague’s UFC debut.
LIGHTWEIGHTS:
K.J. Noons (11-7, 0-1 UFC) vs George Sotiropolis (14-5, 7-3 UFC)
LIGHTWEIGHTS:
Tony Ferguson (13-3, 3-1 UFC) vs Mike Rio (9-2, 1-1 UFC)
WELTERWEIGHTS (170):
T.J. Waldburger (16-7, 4-2 UFC) vs Adlan Amagov (12-2-1, 1-0 UFC)
WOMEN’S BANTAMWEIGHT (135):
Sarah Kaufman (16-2) vs Jessica Eye (10-1). UFC debut for both women.
LIGHTWEIGHTS:
Andre Fili (12-1) vs. Jeremy Larsen (8-4, 0-2 UFC). UFC debut for Fili.
BANTAMWEIGHTS (135):
Dustin Pague (11-8, 1-4 UFC) vs Kyoji Horiguchi (11-1). UFC debut for Horiguchi.
ZaK “Attack” Young