Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will take its show to Mashantucket, Conn., tonight (Fri., Sept. 5, 2014) when it presents UFC Fight Night 50 from Foxwoods Casino.
The loaded mixed martial arts (MMA) card, which will air on FOX Sports 1, features a Middleweight clash in the main event between top-ranked contenders Ronaldo Souza and Gegard Mousasi in a rematch six years in the making. UFC Fight Night 50 also features a Heavyweight bout between the underwhelming-since-arrival Alistair Overeem and Ben Rothwell.
Entertaining fights at a host of different weight classes round out the rest of the main card.
Now, let's take a look at some of the interesting fights and fighters most likely to earn bonuses for their efforts at this event:
Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza vs. Gegard Mousasi: These are two of the most entertaining 185-pound fighters on UFCs crowded roster. And event though I have admittedly not given Mousasi the credit he is due, I'm sold now. "Jacare" is immensely skilled on the ground, making huge improvements to his striking game; however, he could very well be foiled by Mousasi's composed, honed brand of striking. I could see both men having success, but neither overwhelming the other, and I think this will be a classic display of not only heart and will, but technique.
Ben Rothwell (Fighting Alistair Overeem): Realistically, fight fans have every reason to doubt Overeem even in this fight he should win comfortably. He showed that he can fight smart for three rounds against Frank Mir, but for all the potency his attack possesses, his defense is shoddy and his chin can't make up for it. Rothwell has plenty of power in his strikes, showing that he can -- and will -- unleash it to brutal effect even when the odds are stacked against him. I see Rothwell tucking his chin and unleashing on an overly confident Overeem, leading to another wild and unexpected knockout win.
Derrick Lewis (Fighting Matt Mitrione): I think Lewis has plenty of potential, but is not quite ready for what the top of the Heavyweight division has to offer. That said, Mitrione is not near the top of the weight class. Lewis' frenzied attack will be a violent foil to Mitrione's game. Mitrione's biggest undoing is that he needs to fall in to a rhythm to find much of any success ... and Lewis will have none of that.
Joe Lauzon (Fighting Michael Chiesa): Chiesa has shown that he can beat the measliest of opposition UFC can throw his way, but he's a fighter I'd never bet on taking a big step up the Lightweight ladder. Lauzon is vastly superior in every department, except maybe cardio, though he has shown signs of improvement in that area. Lauzon wins this fight however he likes.
Nik Lentz vs. Charles Oliveira: These two met once previously, when their 2011 UFC bout ended as a dreaded "No Contest" following an illegal knee by Oliveira. Their first bout was very entertaining, and I see no reason why they cannot replicate that performance tonight. Lentz's constant pressure and Oliveira's dynamic skillset will always make for a great fight.
Chas Skelly (Fighting Sean Soriano): I like Soriano a lot, but he's been unlucky in the fights he's gotten. Debuting against a savvy veteran like Tatsuya Kawajiri is a recipe for disaster ... and it showed. Fili would've made for an interesting clash of two prospects, but Skelly is a terrific grappler with the type of game you'd expect to quiet any offense Soriano has to offer. Add to that the fact that Skelly looked very impressive in his fight just two weeks ago, and I think he'll be riding that win into yet another this evening.
And that's that.
UFC has outdone itself with this great fight card, especially considering it will be available on free television. This is the type of fight card you can enjoy from top to bottom, and in a time where can't-miss UFC cards are few and far between, this is definitely one of them.