UFC Fight Night 107: Jimi Manuwa, 'Fighter To Watch' today in London

England’s own Jimi Manuwa will headline his second Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event later today (Sat., Mar. 18, 2017) at UFC Fight Night 107 airing exclusively on Fight Pass from inside The O2 Arena in London when he takes on former Ultimate Fighter winner Corey Anderson. The last time “Poster Boy” served in a main event, Alexander Gustafsson knocked him out in the second round at UFC Fight Night 37.

As Manuwa gears up for his return to London, he has a unique opportunity at hand. A member of the ultra-thin light heavyweight division, Manuwa has the potential to improve his stock tenfold in 2017. The knockout artist has already made a name for himself, especially after dismantling Ovince Saint Preux back at UFC 204, and can only increase his divisional worth with a win over a young and hungry athlete like Anderson.

While Anderson isn’t well known among casual fight fans, knowledgeable mixed martial arts (MMA) viewers understand how he can control an entire fight with his wrestling and grinding offensive onslaught. Win or lose, Anderson has been able to create uncomfortable grappling scenarios for some of the more seasoned veterans at 205 pounds, including Mauricio Rua and Fabio Maldonado. He’s strong, explosive and capable of scoring points in bunches when he gets an opponent to the ground, so it’s key that Manuwa remains standing.

If the Englishman is able to get past Anderson later today at UFC Fight Night 107 it will prove that he may finally be ready to turn the corner and put a meaningful title run together. Having lost to only Gustafsson and Anthony Johnson, Manuwa can join an elite group of fighters in 2017 if he’s able to thwart rising youngsters like Anderson. But at 37 years of age, time is ticking for “Poster Boy.” He must act now, continue to level the competition with his elite boxing and prove that he can be the wrench thrown into the Core Four (Daniel Cormier, Jon Jones, Johnson, Gustafsson).

MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC Fight Night 107 fight card, starting with the UFC Fight Pass "Prelims" matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. ET, before the UFC Fight Pass main card start time at 5 p.m. ET.