Five "Must Watch" fights this August

While all eyes will be on the big bouts that dominate August, there are plenty of fights to satisfy all tastes. Despite the fact that there is 3 UFC shows, a Strikeforce event and a WEC card, many fans could miss some of the best fights of the year, because they don't feature the bigger names, but you can be sure they will deliver. So, here are my 5 fights which just might get overlooked, but will certainly pack a punch.

5. Clay Guida vs Rafael Dos Anjos

Where and When: UFC 117, 7th August

While on paper, Guida may not be the most technical, or even have the most impressive record, but man does this guy bring it. It doesn't matter who UFC put him in the cage with, Guida goes in swinging, and always leaves with a smile on his face(and more often than not, a Fight Of The Night bonus to boot). Formerly a Strikeforce Lightweight Champion, he boats a record of 26-11, he also is the proud owner of 3 Fight of the Night awards, and a Submission of the Night award too. This alone will guarantee a war. Rafael Dos Anjos is another fighter known for exciting fights. He too holds a Sub of the Night and a Fight of the Night award. With a record of 14-4, Dos Anjos has only been knocked out once in his MMA career, falling victim to an exceptional uppercut from Jeremy Stephens. Guida will really have his work cut out if he wants to knock out the dangerous Brazilian.

4. Mark Munoz vs Yushin Okami

Where and When: UFC Live: Jones vs. Matyushenko, August 1st.

While still being relatively ignored amongst most fans, it's clear Yushin Okami is possibly the most successful Japanese fighter in the UFC. Currently he is 24-5. Of his ten UFC fights, Okami has only lost two, to Rich Franklin and Chael Sonnen. Technically, he is also the last man to defeat Anderson Silva. Okami is well known for his well rounded skill set, as well as his highly effective counter boxing, most evident in his last bout against Lucio Linhares. While a title shot may have been derailed with the Sonnen loss, Okami realistically could still earn a shot with a win over the wrestling dignitary. Which brings us to Munoz. A very highly decorated wrestler, Munoz is seriously dangerous. While a loss at 205 to Matt Hamill is the only blemish on his 8-1 MMA record, Munoz is a big danger to Okami. With a win over the Japanese fighter, Munoz could be nearing a title shot, as he is currently on a 3 fight win streak.

3. Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza vs Tim Kennedy

Where and When: Strikeforce Houston, August 21st.

Jacare is a name that needs no introduction amongst grappling fans. He is amongst the top 5 ground fighters in the world easily. Holding a record of 12-2, his MMA career looks very promising. Any fighter, no matter how good, is going to have major problems against him. As well as possessing such a deadly submission game, Souza also has a decent pair of hands. Since Jake Shields Strikeforce departure, Jacare will face former army sniper Tim Kennedy for the Strikeforce Middleweight title. A dangerous striker, Kennedy will look to keep it on the feet where he is most comfortable, and will look to exploit any of Jacare's weaknesses in what promises to be an explosive encounter.

2. Joseph Benavidez vs Dominick Cruz

Where and When: WEC 50, August 18th.

Ok, so while the WEC is rapidly gaining popularity, there is still a huge gulf in viewing figures between the UFC and their sister promotion. Not only that, but slowly fans are starting to realise just how talented the majority of these WEC guys really are, and Cruz and Benavidez are two prime examples. Benavidez boasts a record of 12-1. His only loss coming from Cruz. He went on to cause major upset when he locked in a brutally bloddy guillotine choke on Miguel Torres. Cruz is currently 15-1. His only loss is to then WEC poster boy Urijah Faber. It's pretty clear this will be a very highly charged bout, with the Bantamweight strap on the line.

1. 'King Mo' Lawal vs Rafael Cavalcante

Where and When: Strikeforce Houston, August 21st

Ok, so despite the fact that this bout will headline Strikeforce Houston, and that it is a Lightheavyweight title fight, many fans of MMA wont watcht his, for the simple reason that it is under the Strikeforce banner, which is a real shame, as it will be a brilliant fight. Mo's wrestling credentials, as well as his stand up, will make Cavalcante the underdog, but the Brazillian won't be a walkover. His stand up war with Antwainne Britt showed his chin as well as his striking skills. He is also now slouch on the ground, which will give Mo some problems. To be honest, I'll be shocked if this fight goes beyond the first round, but a win for Calvalcante wouldnt be that big an upset, as he has some great skills, and will present a formidable foe for the undefeated King Mo.