UFC On FOX 2: Main Card Breakdown

This weekend will return to the FOX channel for the second time, but with their first full show. And again they are coming with highly relevant and exciting bouts. The first show of the UFC's television contract with FOX features two Middlweight bouts and a Light Heavyweight fight with serious title implications. Honestly, if these are the kind of cards we can expect from future FOX cards, I am truly excited as an MMA fan right now.

Rashad Evans vs. Phil Davis

Rashad Evans has been the number contender for as long as can be seen as relevant. He earned his shot at Shogun's title back at UFC 114. An unfortunate series of events has kept him from finally gaining his second chance to fight for the championship. Once again, Rashad is in the position to fight for the title he lost to Lyoto Machida at UFC 98. However, this is no gimme fight for Rashad. Phil Davis will come with a significant height, reach, and lat advantage. On top of that, Davis is a highly credentialed wrestler, who could really negate the takedown advantage Evans brings in to many of his fights. On the other hand, Davis will likely be hindered by his limited striking game. If Rashad can use his elite level changes to outstrike Davis, it could end in either a quick finish or dominant victory. But, if Rashad tried to employ the strategy he used against Quinton Jackson and Thiago Silva, Davis's wrestling pedigree may be enough to earn himself the upset.

Chael Sonnen vs. Michael Bisping

This match has had a disappointingly low amount of trash talk. Seriously, we're looking at the UFC's most historically abrasive fighter's showing absolutely nothing but mutual respect for each other. The biggest problem with this is that the actual is like to turn into a very one-sided affair. Bisping has proven to be a tough challenge for other MMA wrestlers like Rashad Evans and Matt Hamill, but Sonnen is a different kind of fighter from either. Chael pursues takedowns with a relentlessness that is simply unparalleled. His records shows that Sonnen is very vulnerable to the triangle choke. His propensity to remain in his opponents guard, regardless of their grappling talent, is the leading cause of this. Yet, I still can't find myself predicting anything but a decision victory for Chael Sonnen here.

Demian Maia vs. Chris Weidman

There is absolutely no way not to be excited about this match up. Granted it is a huge leap in competition for Chris Weidman, but we're talking about two highly accredited grapplers facing off in a fight that could showcase the challenger to follow the winner of Bisping/Sonnen. In many cases, grappler vs. grappler has turned into an ugly kickboxing fight. But in this case, I doubt that will happen. Throughout his UFC career Weidman has used his wrestling to impose his well on his opponents until he either finds a way to finish or earns a decision. And Demian Maia is not someone who minds being taken down, as one of top submission grapplers in MMA today. Yet, Maia should know an easy submission shouldn't be forthcoming since Weidman took even Andre Galvao to a decision at the ADCC's.