As most of you have heard, UFC 151 was cancelled. Dan Henderson sustained a knee injury that may require surgery. Many of the fights have now been relocated to cards coming up in the near future.
One card in particular that will benefit from the cancellation is UFC 152 in Toronto, featuring Jon Jones versus surprising challenger Vitor Belfort. After Jones turned down Sonnen, many thought his next opponent would be Lyoto Machida, who earned a shot with his second round knockout of Ryan Bader.
But it was not to be, and in a surprise move by the UFC, “The Phenom” Vitor Belfort will get the right to challenge the man who has been basically unstoppable.
It will be interesting to see if Belfort can get inside Jones’ long reach and use his lightning-fast hands to do some damage. If Belfort stays on the outside where Jones is comfortable with him, this fight could turn ugly for the challenger really fast. Belfort’s best chance is to slip under the reach of Jones, do some damage, slip back out without getting tagged too much. It should be an excellent fight.
The rest of the fight card is pretty stacked as well. I’ll give you some fights to keep an eye on.
Joseph Benavidez versus Demetrious Johnson
The two flyweights throw-down for a chance at the first-ever flyweight title. They are both exciting fighters and with a title on the line, expect the pace to be kicked way up. Both men are known for their dynamic wrestling and powerful strikes. Don’t blink, as flyweights are the fastest fighters in the UFC.
Brian Stann versus Michael Bisping
These two middleweight contenders want title shots. We’ll see who wants it more come Sept. 22.
Stann has the power, and Bisping has excellent technical striking. Both are trying to climb the middleweight ladder and get a shot at the champion, or a top contender’s bout. These two men have everything to lose, but an explosive and sudden win can do wonders for their careers. I can’t wait to see who comes out with the win.
Jimy Hettes versus Marcus Brimage
A fight between featherweight up-and-comers that is sure to be a treat for fans. Hettes has a rare combination of Judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu that he has used to win two straight fights in the Octagon. He has easily dominated his two previous competitors, and is looking to do much of the same in this fight. Brimage has raw, explosive knockout power and never gives up. He as two UFC wins thus far, and both have been exciting and fast-paced. Keep a close eye on this fight.
This fight card could be the most stacked of 2012. There are quality match ups, two amazing title fights lined up, and some of the best fighters in the world coming to Toronto for the third time to compete. If the fighters all preform to their highest abilities, then Toronto fight fans will have lots to cheer about and a night they will never forget.