TONIGHT SEES THE third “Fight for the Troops” event taking place in Fort Hood, Killeen, Texas.
As well as helping raise money and the profile of a US military charity, the night promises to be an exciting one for MMA fans with some cracking fights on the main card.
First up is a bout between lightweights Cole Miller and Matt Wiman which many believe can take the Fight of Night bonus.
Submission specialist Millar looks to build on his win over Ross Pearson in September, when he picked up the Submission of the Night cheque after his rear-naked choke.
Wiman is looking to extend his winning streak to three with a win over Miller, after beating Shane Nelson and more recently Mac Danzig. It should be a close affair and don’t be surprised if it goes the distance.
Next up, colourful heavyweight striker Pat Berry takes on the tough and durable Joey Beltran in a fight that should satisfy fans of toe-to-toe action.
Berry, who once famously quoted his heroes as: his mother, Mike Tyson, and Sagat from the computer game Street Fighter, will look to land his devastating leg kicks and stiff jab. Beltran will definatly test Berry’s chin and stamina as he looks to get back on track after his previous defeat to Matt Mitrione.
Another heavyweight bout sees The Ultimate Fighter season 10 quarter-finalist Matt Mittrione takes on journeyman Tim Hauge. Mittrione was somewhat of a controversial character in TUF series by claiming injuries were preventing him from fighting, giving viewers hope of a reprieve for favourite Kimbo Slice, only to declare he was fine and went on to get beat by his teammate James McSweeney.
His UFC record is an impressive 3-0, however, and with a stand-up game that is improving with every fight, Mittrione must not get over-confident. Looking to finally cement his place in the UFC after being dropped from the organisation twice Tim must use all of his six foot four frame to bully Matt on the feet and if that doesn’t work he could use his superior takedown skills to try and get the victory.
Main event
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Evan Dunham takes on controversial knock-out artist Melvin Guillard in the main event of the evening, with the winner being viewed as a top contender in the Lightweight Division. Dunham heads into the bout trying to get over his controversial split decision loss over former UFC Lightweight Champ Sean Sherk last time out, the first loss of his UFC career.
Guillard will look to utilise his dangerous striking by keeping the fight on the feet and avoiding Dunham’s strong clinch game.
Despite being hit with a spate of injury induced withdrawals, (many would have loved the see the original booking of Kenny Florian V Evan Dunham) this is still an enthralling card.
With UFC president Dana White declaring if Mark Hominick beats George Roop he will become the top contender in the newly formed Featherweight Division, it means every fight has lot riding on it. As usual, British and Irish UFC fans will have to get the coffee in and matchsticks for your eyes ready to watch it live; coverage starts at 2am Sunday morning on ESPN.
