Urijah “California Kid” Faber
“MIGHTY MOUSE” DEFENDS UFC’S LIGHTEST BELT
Los Angeles, CA- The crown jewel of MMA, the UFC is on the big network yet again for UFC on Fox 9 from the Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, CA this Saturday. In the main event, flyweight (125 lb.) champ Demetrious Johnson (18-2-1, 6-1-1 UFC) defends his belt against Joseph Benavidez (19-3, 6-1 UFC).
MAIN EVENT REMATCH FROM UFC 152
This will be the second time these two will share the Octagon, with Johnson taking a split nod last year. Johnson and Benavidez have both improved since then, which makes this a tough one to call. This is a fight that should be highly competitive, and will likely go to the cards yet again with Johnson keeping his belt. “Mighty Mouse” is just a bit better in most areas.
SLEEP TRAIN PAVILION AKA “HOUSE OF URIJAH”
Bantamweight (135) contender Urijah Faber (29-6, 5-2 UFC) takes on Michael McDonald (16-2, 5-1 UFC) in the co-main event in a bout that likely has title implications. Uriah has been hot recently and I expect him to continue that streak against McDonald. Faber is a Sacramento native that will have the crowd on his side as he continues yet another title run.
ANOTHER TEAM ALPHA MEMBER IN IMPORTANT CLASH
On the televised undercard, Faber’s fellow Team Alpha Male member Chad Mendes (15-1, 6-1 UFC) will be looking to continue his recent string of knockouts versus Nik Lentz (24-5-2, 1 NC, 8-2-1, 1 NC UFC). Mendez has shown improved striking since working with Dwayne Ludwig (21-14, 2-4 UFC), and is getting closer to earning another shot against featherweight (145) champion Jose (Joe-za) Aldo (23-1, 5-0 UFC), the man who handed him his only professional defeat. Mendez should add another knockout to his resume, although he is in against a tough opponent.
DANZIG IN WIN OR GET GET OUT OF UFC
Veterans Joe Lauzon (22-9, 9-6 UFC) and Mac Danzig (22-11-1, 5-7 UFC) square off at lightweight (155) in the opening clash on the Fox card. A loss for Danzig likely means his being cut from the UFC roster, and I expect just that to happen. This quality night of action on Fox begins at 8PM ET/5 PM PT with the prelims starting at 5PM ET & 2PM ET/PT on Facebbok.com and UFC.tv
Zak Young