5 Fights you shouldn't miss this October

Unlike the "dry" month of September, October promises a lot of excitement with some high quality Mixed Martial Arts fight cards. While the fights like Brock Lesnar vs Cain Velasquez are obviously getting all the spotlight, here's a short list of fights that you shouldn't miss this October.

Enjoy!

Josh Thomson vs JZ Cavalcante
When: Strikeforce Diaz vs Noons II, October 9th at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California

HERO's Champ Gesias Cavalcante will make his long-anticipated return to US, fighting the former Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Josh "Punk" Thomson. Cavalcante and Thomson are a well-rounded fighters, who tested their skills against the who is who of MMA Lightweights. Fans can expect a fast pace in this one, with good display of technique on both feet and the ground. And if this match-up plays out as expected, we can witness a legit Fight of the Year candidate next weekend.



Cyrille Diabate vs Alexander Gustafsson
When: UFC 120, October 16th at the O2 Arena in London, England

Thirty-six year old MMA veteran Cyrille Diabate will meet the rising star Alexander Gustafsson (13 years younger) in his second UFC bout. Let me tell you this guys, if I had to bet on a fight that will not go to the judges scores, this fight will be the first one to come up in my mind. Both Diabate and Gustafsson have only one decision in their last five fights, and are well-known for their vicious striking skills. Diabate will look to make a statement that he belongs in the UFC, as Gustafsson wants to bounce back from his submission loss to Phil Davis at UFC 112. It's the New vs Old, Sweden vs France, Battle of Europe and a sure Fight of the Night contender. Expert fireworks, Ladies and Gentlemen.
 
Eddie Alvarez vs Roger Huerta
When: Bellator XXXIII, October 21st at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Being probably one of the most talented fighters in MMA, and surely one of the most underrated fighters in MMA, Eddie Alvarez will look to make a statement against the UFC veteran Roger Huerta. Both Huerta and Alvarez are skilled MMA veterans, who control every aspect of the game. So If you want to watch a perfect example of what Mixed Martial Arts is, tune in to Bellator 33 on October 21st. Huerta can collect a second consecutive victory after the defeat against Pat Curran, and degrade to a negative 1-4 record in his last five fights. But a victory over the Top 10 ranked Eddie Alvarez can put him back on the MMA Lightweight map as one of the top fighters out there. With so much at stake, this fight is surely promising a lot of action at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.



Jake Shields vs Martin Kampmann
When: UFC 121, October 23rd at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California

Former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Jake Shields will make his UFC debut, fighting the Top 10 Welterweight Martin "The Hitman" Kampmann on the main card of UFC 121. Hardcore fans have been waiting for Jake Shields to make his way to the UFC since his days at Rumble on the Rock and Bodog. This fight has everything necessary for a perfect match-up. Shields looking to impress, as Kampmann is climbing his way back to the title shot. Shields is one of the best grapplers in MMA, as Kampmann has an exceptional striking skills. This way or another, Kampmann is a perfect opponent for Jake Shields in his first UFC fight, and a serious test on his way to glory. Both fighters have a lot to lose in this bout, and will surely deliver good entertainment to the fans at the venue. Will the Danish Hitman be the man to cut Jake Shields' 14-fight winning streak? We'll have to wait for October 23rd to find out.

Hector Lombard vs Alexander Shlemenko
When: Bellator XXXIV, October 28th at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida

Bellator's Middleweight destroyer Hector Lombard will face the toughest challenge of his career, in the young knockout artist Alexander "Storm" Shlemenko. And just like the showdown between Cyrille Diabate and Alexander Gustafsson, this fight has a bold "Knockout" written all over it. Shlemenko and Lombard have an amazing 34 knockout finishes in their combined 64 fights. In my opinion, these two fighters are the best that MMA 185 division has to offer in terms of striking, except Anderson Silva and Vitor Belfort. This fight will be a striking war, with only one man left standing.