One of the most anticipated title fights in UFC lightweight history is just hours away, as Rafael dos Anjos readies himself for the first defense of his UFC title against the ever-popular Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone. The winner of tonight’s main-event will likely propel themselves into a super fight against the newly crowned featherweight king, Conor McGregor.
Before we get to the title fight, let’s take a look at the opening bouts of the UFC on Fox 17 main card. There is a variety of interesting fights on the main card, all of which should lead to an exciting night of fights for viewers. The UFC on Fox 17 main card begins live from Orlando, FL at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT on Fox with prelims on Fox Sports 1 at 5 PM ET/2 PM PT and Fight Pass at 3:30 PM ET/12:30 PM PT.
#7 Randa Markos (5-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC) vs. Karolina Kowalkiewicz (7-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) – Women’s Strawweight
Since her time on The Ultimate Fighter, Randa Markos has developed into one of the hidden gems of the Women’s Strawweight division. While Markos may have came up short in her UFC debut against Jessica Penne, the Canadian has really began to come into her own. At UFC 186 in April, Markos put on the most impressive performance of her career, beating Irish veteran Aisling Daly by unanimous decision. A win against Kowalkiewicz could move Markos in the the top 5 and within touching distance of a title shot.
Debuts don’t come more difficult than facing Randa Markos. The UFC brass has shown remarkable faith in Kowalkiewicz by giving her such a big named fighter in her debut and the Polish star has very little to lose in her Octagon debut. Kowalkiewicz earned her call up to the big show with some impressive performances at KSW and an upset victory over Markos would likely earn her a spot in the division’s top 10.
#15 Nate Diaz (17-10 MMA, 12-8 UFC) vs. #6 Michael Johnson (16-9 MMA, 8-5 UFC) – Lightweight
There are few fighters in the UFC as polarizing as Nate Diaz. Since the Stockton native’s debut, fans have either loved him or hated him, but after an extended hiatus from the sport Diaz is finally back to make a run toward contendership. In a UFC career that has spanned 8 years, Diaz has picked up some very impressive wins, including a dominant decision victory over the event’s headliner, Donald Cerrone. In Johnson, Diaz is faced with an opponent in his prime. If Diaz takes home the win he will be right back into contention, especially if his old adversary Cerrone takes home the belt.
When Michael Johnson exploded onto the scene on the 12th season of The Ultimate Fighter, the Blackzillian was a raw fighter with a very basic wrestling orientated fighting style. While Johnson would go on to finish runner-up on the show, the Missouri native has emerged as the best talent to have appeared on that season. Over the last few years, Johnson has developed an impressive striking game under Henri Hooft and is likely one or two wins away from a shot at the title. Inconsistency has plagued Johnson over recent years and Diaz should act as a stern test for the burgeoning talent.
#2 Junior dos Santos (17-3 MMA, 11-3 UFC) vs. #9 Alistair Overeem (39-14 MMA, 4-3 UFC) – Heavyweight
When all is said and done, Junior dos Santos will be remembered as one of the most devastating heavyweights of all-time. Since erupting on to the stage in 2008, with a first round knockout out of now-UFC champion Fabricio Werdum, dos Santos has displayed a varied fan-friendly fighting style. Cigano forever etched his name into the history books with a first round knockout over Cain Velasquez in 2011, which won him the heavyweight title. Subsequent rematches with Velasquez ended in defeat, and now coming off a win over Stipe Miocic, the Brazilian readies himself for a fight with Overeem. A win over the resurgent Overeem would put dos Santos in line for a title shot.
For a period of time in the early 2010’s, Alistair Overeem was the most feared man on the planet. Like dos Santos, Overeem holds wins over the current UFC champion and is known for his knockout skills. Overeem’s impressive wins over Werdum, Lesnar and Todd Duffee were marred when he failed a PED test in the build up to a title fight with dos Santos in 2012 and the subsequent years haven’t been all that kind for the Dutchman, but following 2 recent wins, the UFC has decided to finally re-book the fight that fans were clamoring for in 2010. A win over Junior dos Santos would earn Overeem a shot at the winner of February’s title fight between Fabricio Werdum and Cain Velasquez.