Blockbuster UFC on FOX 5 set to feature Henderson vs. Diaz, Rua vs. Gustaffson, and Penn vs. MacDonald
Posted on August 15, 2012, 12:05 PM by Mike DrahotaThe UFC has announced a blockbuster card for the end of the year, and it will air live on Fox. UFC on Fox 5, taking place at a yet-to-be-named location, will showcase a title fight when Ben Henderson defends his Lightweight strap against the surging contender Nate Diaz. Henderson, of course, is coming off of two decision victories over Frankie Edgar, although the last has come under much scrutiny from both the media and fans. His last performance may have left some question marks about the champion, who is undefeated in the UFC but also has not finished a single fight. Diaz comes in strong off of a submission victory over Jim Miller and should be a tough test for the champ.
The allure of this card does not stop there. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, fresh off his riveting TKO over Brandon Vera in a brawl, will return to the cage to gauge his relevancy at Light Heavyweight. The test will be tough, as young rising star Alexander Gustaffson has been named his opponent. Last seen dismantling Thiago Silva in April, Gustaffson is widely considered one of the frontrunners to challenge Jon Jones for the belt. This fight should be a number one contender's match for sure. Shogun will come to stand and bang, Gustaffson has shown some evasive tactics as of late after training with Dominick Cruz.
Finally, the long-awaited bout of BJ Penn vs. Rory MacDonald will round out the card's main bouts. Originally scheduled for UFC 152 in Toronto, the bout was put on hold when MacDonald required 40 stitches in a huge cut over his eye. This battle is a classic test of old school vs. new school, and will be a very tough matchup for the returning Penn, last seen facing Nick Diaz in a one-sided decision loss last October.
There is an unknown fourth main bout expected to be announced in the coming days, with these fights scheduled, one can only speculate as to those participants. The UFC has shocked the world by announcing a card like this on free TV, and December 8th should be a great day for MMA.
Comments
Sick card. I like that the UFC is looking to give the fans a marquee event on free TV. It will help attract a ton of new viewers.
Donald Cerrone vs. Anthony Pettis has just been announced as the 4th fight, completing the main card!
Perhaps the most stacked main card of all time
the last free card was awesome and its great Macdonald gets his fight...
after Penn giving him so much BS between testing,. his cut,. being team mates with GSP,.. just azzhole stuff Rory wants the fight pretty bad now and he is an intense guy so I see Rory taking it to him if BJ doesnt find a way out,.. it would just look bad for the hall of famer if
for what ever reason couldnt make the fight now
Oh my my
Snore.
This could be another awesome free card. Could this be a new trend where the free cards are better than the PPVs?
Well if you mean better on paper, I doubt it and guess every now and again, maybe twice a year, they will throw on an insane line up like this for FOX.
But if we're talking about the TV cards being better action, that trend has been going on for a couple months though and very well could keep going.
Seeing a card that good so far away in these times is sort of like hearing that they might have found the Higgs Boson.
Guys, I think we found it! (Cheers and monkey sounds in the background)
Seriously the best top 3 fights on a card I think I've ever seen.
The other two that I can remember are UFC 126; Silva Belfort, Forrest Franklin, Jones Bader and UFC 135; Edgar Maynard, Aldo Florian, Stann Sonnen.
I think these fights are even better though and it's on free TV for Americans!
Hopefully the injury bug doesn't strike and if not then best card this year on paper.
I haven't seen any odds but I'm guessing my picks are the dogs; Diaz, Gus and BJ.
To be honest though, all super hard fights to pick.
If BJ at his best shows up he can definitely win but if he doesn't come in fighting like the legend he is Rory may use Penn as a name on his future legacy.
I think if the Shogun who showed up against Brandon fights then Gus will win a decision. Shogun comes in how he fought Machida we will see how good Gus really is or if he isn't at the next level yet. Important note is Vera being a close teammate of Gus should help his gameplan a lot.
Bendo might actually beat Diaz but I just can't pick Bendo after the undeserving luck that fell his way, via judges at UFC 150. People say Bendo can't be subbed but if someone can do it, it will be Diaz. I'm picking the fight to go like Diaz Miller but be less one sided and much closer, with a similar but later ending.
Please stay Healthy!!!
This is off the subject but dam keith your responses are longer then the article itself.i do find it a bit funny,but all in all you make good points.by any chance you a secretary or some kinda reporter?
The Gustaffson-Rua fight is the most intriguing to me. First real big test for Gustaffson (he's had some big fights, but none close to Rua).
Let's see if this kid really has what it takes to take on Jones or not.
If Diaz fights like he has been, he will be unstoppable, and take the LW back belt to Stockton for his homies to snort coke on..
I see Rory winning easily over Penn, most likely by UD. Penn is a legend no doubt but he will undertrain most likely and be overwhelmed. Time to retire BJ, but we love ya.
That's IF they all stay healthy.
Oh, I'm sorry, I meant take on Jones OR Henderson, whoever wins.
I hope this card has no changes coz of injuries. I don't see the BJ and Rua fights going the distance, can't wait I wonder who else is on the card.
well, machida is already next in line to fight jones/henderson winner, maybe rua/gus might be the next contender....i like it....a number contender already in place....and fourth unknown fight will sonnen vs griffin @205...this is truly an awesome card
Money!
Sick bro! This is choice as the Kiwi's say.... eff the Kiwi's, I'm an Aussie!