The UFC will look to make an impression on the casual fight fan Saturday night on FOX. After a failed success by Strikeforce, along with CBS on major network television, the UFC will seek to capitalize on an ever growing market. With a one hour broadcast the UFC will showcase two of their best heavyweights in the division.
Cain Velasquez vs. Junior Dos Santos will be the headliner, with nine other preliminary fights on the card. The only other recognizable bout the less than casual fight fan might know is Clay Guida, who is going up against Benson Henderson. Some people might even remember Cub Swanson if you followed the now debunk WEC, who squares up against Ricardo “The Bully” Lamas, although nothing should compare to the headlining fight’s hype and entertainment.
Here’s a look at the action worth watching on Saturday night:
Fight Previews
Cub Swanson vs. Ricardo Lamas
Swanson comes in with a record of 15-4 and having not fought in over a year due to two injuries that kept him out of his last two bouts with Erik Koch. He has also fought the tougher opponents of the two with the likes of Chad Mendes, Jose Aldo, and Jens Pulver.
Lamas is 10-2 in his career with three wins by either TKO or KO. Lamas is coming off an impressive win against veteran Matt Grice at UFC Live 4, with a TKO in the first round. “The Bully” has fought the lesser of the two fighters, but this would be a huge fight to propel him up in the featherweight division.
Seeing that Swanson hasn’t fought in a year it will be tough to judge his cardio. That being said he has always been a high motor guy who will throw punches until his arms fall off. Lamas has improved his stand-up recently in his fight against Grice. This could end up being “fight of the night” don’t take your eyes off of this one. I will give the slight edge to Swanson in this fight.
Prediction: Swanson wins via submission in round 3.
Clay Guida vs. Benson Henderson
Guida is a long time veteran of the UFC with his first bout dating back to 2006. He comes in with a record of 29-8. Guida has won his last four fights after losing two in a row to Kenny Florian and Diego Sanchez.
“Bendo” comes in with a 14-2 record, with eight wins via submission. He was also a former member of the WEC, with impressive wins over Jamie Varner and Donald Cerrone, twice. Although he is a new comer to the UFC Henderson has already proven himself as no slouch in his first two bouts.
This match will be full of energy, with both fighters trying to get the advantage on the ground. Guida will be trying early and often to take down “Bendo” and use the clinch to ground and pound his opponent. But he better be careful in doing that, as he could leave a opening for Henderson setting-up his famous Guillotine choke. I see Henderson using his athleticism and submitting Guida to move up the ranks in the lightweight division.
Prediction: Henderson takes it via submission in round 2.
Cain Velasquez vs. Junior Dos Santos
Velasquez will look to continue his dominating run in the UFC, with his 9-0 record. Eight of his nine wins have come via TKO/KO, with six of those coming in the first round. He has not faced a great fighter in their prime yet and he will get a true test in this fight.
Dos Santos looks to be the real deal and a true test to Velasquez’s run. JDS has a impressive record of 13-1, with his only loss coming on a submission. Dos Santos will look to standup the entire fight and withstand Cain’s take downs.
This match will definitely live up to the hype. Both fighters are arguably in their prime as top-notch heavyweights. Velasquez will seek to impose his take down abilities to wear down JDS and use his ground and pound to try and win this fight. Dos Santos will need to stay on his feet if he wants a chance to take the heavyweight belt from Velasquez. I’ll give the edge to Velasquez on the ground and to Dos Santos when they’re trading punches. If JDS wants to win this fight he will have to knockout Velasquez, he can do it, but I don’t see it happening.
Prediction: Velasquez wins via Unanimous decision.


