Five MMA fights to watch in July

Despite UFC 116 having come and gone, July is still a busy month for Mixed Martial Arts fans, with Dream and Impact FC putting on top notch cards this month. With that in mind, I'd like to present in my opinion, the five fights you shouldn’t miss this month.

Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. Shinya Aoki on July 10th at DREAM 15

A match with two of Japan's top middle weights is always going to be an exciting affair, but the ante is increased when the Dream Lightweight Title is on the line when these two meet on the 10th of July. Coming off an upset loss to Gilbert Melendez for the Strikeforce Lightweight title back in April, Aoki will look to for a return to winning ways against the well rounded Kawajiri. Aoki looks to extend his record, which currently sits at 23-5-0-1 against his fellow countryman whose record of 26-5-2 shows him to be no slouch either. With both men possesing excellent ground skills, expect this to be a submission war! Sdd

Gegard Mousasi vs. Jake O'Brien on July 10th at DREAM 15

OK, so call me biased for including an Irish man on the list, but this match will be a good one, despite not many people having heard of Jake O'Brien. O'Briem had a somewhat short stay in the UFC, leaving with a company record of 4-3, but upon further reading it gets more interesting. In his UFC career his losses came against Andrei Arlovski, Cain Valasquez and Jon Jones. Thes guys are hardly three unknowns. Amongst other lesser names, he also took a unanimous decision win over Heath Herring. His overall record is 10-3. His opponent, former Strikeforce Lightheavyweight Champion Gegard Mousassi will look to bounce back from only his third career loss in April. With both fighters more than capable of an exciting fight, this fight really could go either way.

 Josh Barnett vs. Geronimo Dos Santos 10th July at Impact FC I

Since his bout with "Mighty Mo" ended in rather unusual fashion, an accidental kick to the groin provided enough distraction for Barnett to lock in a Kimura, "The Baby Faced Assasin" will once again look to silence critics with a win over heavy handed Brazilian Geronimo Dos Santos. While the Brazian may be the lesser known of the two, it's worth noting that none of his fights have made it to the third round, Dos Santos frequently lets his fists fly, for better or worse, which reflects his 18-9 record. Barnett needs very little introduction, with a current record of 25-5, i see this one ending in a first round knockout.

Ken Shamrock VS Pedro Rizzo on 18th July at Impact FC II

Both fighters are legends and are almost "founding fathers" of the sport if you will, and therefore need very little introduction. With 69 fights between them, many would say that both fighters best days are behind them, but each one will look to prove the doubters wrong. Coming off his first win in over 6 years, Shamrock will look to put Rizzo away early, and will try to get the Brazilian to Shamrock's comfort zone, the ground game. His last bout saw Pedro retire Gary Goodridge, and he will look to put another legend into retirement again when he meets Shamrock, in a bout which will be very hotly contested.

Paul Daley vs Daniel Acacio on 18th July at Impact FC II

Many had high hopes for veteran Brittish slugger Paul Daley during his brief stay in UFC, but after throwing a cheap shot to Josh Koscheck's face after the bout ended quickly saw Daley sacked, and he will look to bounce back against PRIDE veteran Acaio. Daley is well known for his hand power, and will look to add another knockout to his record of 23-9-2 record. Acacio is well known during his time spent in PRIDE and holds a record of 18-8, and is also known for possessing heavy hands. Only time will tell if they are as heavy as Daley's, but I don’t see this fight going to the judges.