Five Fights to Watch: June
Author : Joshua Taylor1338599066
Jake Ellenberger vs Martin Kampmann (TUF: Live Finale: 6/1) - This fight may very well end up producing the next WW Title challenger. Ellenberger is a great prospect who could give any WW a good fight but he has shown cardio issues late in fights. Kampmann is very well-rounded but not particularly great in any area. He is usually slow to get started so I am interested to see if Jake can capitalize early and score a finish or if Martin can survive into the later rounds and finish off a tired Juggernaut. Hopefully both men come to impress looking to cement their title shot.
Ian McCall vs Demetrious Johnson (UFC on FX 3: 6/8) - With just a one week break we get another UFC card with a couple of spectacular fights. I wish this rematch was scheduled to happen earlier as it sucks to have Benavidez on the shelf for such a long time but it was a weird situation and I am just glad they are going to find a true winner here. The first fight was a lot more competitive than I had anticipated and I think McCall will be even more comfortable in the Octagon this time around. I am looking for this fight to be just as high-paced as the first and probably just as close. Hoping Uncle Creepy can come out on top but either way this should be a great, close battle.
Scott Jorgensen vs Eddie Wineland (UFC on FX 3: 6/8) - I know this fight is probably not on many people's list for most anticipated fights of the month but I really enjoy watching both these guys compete and I think this will be a real scrap. Jorgensen will obviously want to take this fight down but Wineland showed some excellent takedown defense against Faber and I could see them ending up having a largely stand-up war. Both guys really need to get back in the win column so I expect them to really get after it in this one. Can't wait.
Hatsu Hioki vs Ricardo Lamas (UFC on FX 4: 6/22) - On the second FX card of the month we have a spectacular fight which for some odd reason has been relegated to the Fuel TV portion of the card. Perhaps the UFC is upset with Hioki for requesting another fight before taking on Aldo? In doing that he may have gotten a tougher test than he was hoping for. Lamas has looked really good since dropping to the FW division and Hioki will need to be impressive in winning if he hopes to guarantee a shot at Aldo. Personally I am picking this fight because I am hoping more for a really impressive Hioki performance than a back and forth war but Lamas just may play spoiler to the whole thing.
Cub Swanson vs Ross Pearson (UFC on FX 4: 6/22) - Is Cub EVER in a boring fight? Win or lose the dude just comes out and puts it all on the line every time and is always pulling off some crazy attacks. And while Pearson is a more traditional striker by comparison, he too can pull off some exciting strikes. I am hoping this fight stays on the feet and we are treated to some fancy spinning attacks and a few close calls. Either way though, this should be a really fun fight.
