The UFC will present it's 21st 'Fight Night' card this Wednesday night, in anticipation of the launch of Season 11 of 'The Ultimate Fighter.' The first UFC event in North Carolina since UFC 5, a stacked card has been organised full of intriguing fights.
Main Event: Takanori Gomi vs. Kenny Florian
Without a doubt Takanori Gomi is a superb addition to the UFC roster. Having fought at a world class level for years, Gomi holds wins over the likes of Marcus Aurelio, Jens Pulver and Duane 'Bang' Ludwig. On his day, Gomi could pose himself as a legitimate threat to Lightweight Champion BJ Penn, as he did when they fought in 2003. Some argue that he's had better days, and this fight with Kenny Florian will distinguish which Gomi has entered the Octagon, and how he'll react to new surroundings.
This is the kind of fight Kenny Florian lives for; a chance to prove himself against the 'big dogs' in MMA. In his last outing, 'Ken Flo' bounced back from a crushing loss to BJ Penn by battering the iron-willed Clay Guida in two rounds, and since his days on 'The Ultimate Fighter,' Florian has developed into one of the most well rounded fighters in the world. Another shot agaist reigning champ Penn is what he craves, and a good win over Gomi certainly puts him in contention for that.
In all areas, it is impossible to say one fighter will take the initiative and dominate the other. However, in this writer's opinion, Florian will win a grueling decision having been through some sticky moments early on.
Stefan Struve vs. Roy Nelson
When one looks at Roy Nelson, it is hard to believe that 'Big Country' is a professional MMA fighter, and a very decent one at that. Darts may be the first guess of a sport that people would think he participates in, but without a doubt, Nelson is for real. After violently knocking Brendan Schaub out in the TUF 10 Finale, no one will take his combination of solid boxing, surprisingly good cardio and a crushing ground game lightly. This could potentially be just the ticket to beating 'Skyscraper' Stefan Struve, although his foe is currently on a run of good form.
Currently 3-1 in the UFC and at only 22 years of age, the Netherlands' Struve is taking the hard route to the upper echelons of the organisation's Heavyweight division. Hard fought wins over Denis Stojnic, Chase Gormley and most recently Paul Buentello have given rise to the 6'11" man as a crowd favourite. A win over Roy Nelson would surely send the fans home happy, and he will be gunning to beat 'Big Country' in style.
A prediction for this fight? Backing Struve to win by submission isn't the most popular way of thinking this bout will go, but with the immense length of his legs, he may have the answer to Nelson's crushing ground game, and be able to use hip movement to sink in a triangle.
Main Show Undercard
Fresh from a six month absence from the Octagon, Nate Quarry faces off against TUF 4 alumini Jorge Rivera. This has 'war' written all over it, with both keen to stay standing and throw bombs (although this is not to say their ground games are poor). A sneaky punt on a Quarry stoppage may be worthwhile, as his better chin might see him through a tough early going, and lead him to prevail late on.
In the final bout on the main card, Ross Pearson will attempt to achieve what fellow Brit Paul Kelly couldn't when he tries to beat hard-hitting German Dennis Siver. 'The Real Deal' looked awesome last time out against Aaron Riley, and if he performs as well this time, the winning streak of Siver should come to an end. Pearson looks to be developing into a good fighter, versed in all areas, although if he wants to progress through the ranks, he must beat the in-form German in front of him.
How To Watch UFC 'Fight Night 21'
Please visit the official UFC website for more information on this.
