Jake Martin

That MMA Guy

This Semester, the UFC will put on many great fights that it will be tough to keep track of all of them, but that’s a good thing for us die-hard MMA fans. The cards for UFC 134-137 look to be phenomenal with a lot of big-time fights taking place.

The top pound-for-pound fighters will be seeing action through these Pay Per Views and they all are facing interesting challenges. The UFC is not holding back from the fans for the next couple of months, so I thought I would give my take on the top five most anticipated fights for the UFC’s next four PPVs.

5. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua vs. Forrest Griffin II (UFC 134)

Forrest Griffin shocked the world when he upset Shogun Rua 4 years ago by submitting him in the third round. Now Rua is coming for payback, and Griffin is putting himself in line for a title shot should he upset Rua again.

I expect this fight to be more exciting than the first, as Rua will be hungry to get his hands on Griffin after their first fight and find his way back to Jon Jones. This fight has everything from name value, excitement value and both guys’ styles really match up well. Expect the unexpected.

4. Jose Aldo vs. Kenny Florian (UFC 136)

Is the third time the charm for Kenny Florian? Florian is 0-2 in title fights, but this time he is fighting at featherweight and will take on his toughest challenge yet, Jose Aldo.

Aldo is phenomenal. He is good at every phase of the game when it comes to MMA and I do not know if there is a more explosive fighter out there.

It is only fitting to have Florian fight him in a big-time co-main event. I have watched Florian since the first season of The Ultimate Fighter, and I really feel like this is the pinnacle of his career. It is make-or-break time for Florian.

3. Jon Jones vs. Rampage Jackson (UFC 135)

When Jon Jones first became the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, I instantly thought of all the exciting matchups that were in store for him as a champion and the first guy that came to mind was Quintin “Rampage” Jackson.

Both guys have great stand-up and great wrestling, so I knew it would be a really fun matchup. Jones has the advantage in striking because of how dynamic he is, but we’ have never seen his chin tested. We know for a fact that Jackson can take a shot as well as dish it. The only question is will he be able to connect with Jones’ chin with how elusive he is.

2. Georges St-Pierre vs. Nick Diaz (UFC 137)

This is a champion vs. champion matchup and when the fight was first announced, I immediately shouted “finally!”

Finally, someone will get in GSP’s face and make him fight. Not everyone was as pleased with the matchup as I was and people began to say GSP will do what he always does, and that is take him down for five rounds. OK, even if he does, Diaz has the jiu-jitsu to keep GSP cautious on the ground and not be able to just stay in Diaz’s guard without defending submission attempts.

When it comes to the stand-up, Diaz will get in his face and talk as much trash as possible while point boxing. This is not going to be an easy fight for GSP and he better bring it if he wants to retain his belt.

1. Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard III (UFC 136)

How good was Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard II earlier this year? That’s the leading contender in taking Fight of the Year honors, and I can not wait to see these two go at it one more time.

Edgar and Maynard are so evenly matched and match up so well against each other. Edgar has the speed advantage, while Maynard has the power advantage and both guys have amazing wrestling skills. I expect another five-round war between these two with a more clear winner this time around.