Featherweight Championship (145)
[#1/#7DD/#4P4P] Jose Aldo (25-1-0, -106) vs. [#3] Conor McGregor (18-2-0, -116)
Jose Aldo is the All-Time #1 ranked Featherweight and #4 ranked Absolute fighter.
Conor McGregor is the All-Time #12 ranked Featherweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Jose Aldo (3-0-0)
2014-10-25: W vs. [#6FW] Chad Mendes (17-3-0) via UD (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
2014-02-01: W vs. [#8FW] Ricardo Lamas (16-4-0) via UD (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
2013-08-03: W vs. [*] Chan Sung Jung (13-4-0) via TKO (Punches) in 2:00 of round 4

Last 3 Fights: Conor McGregor (3-0-0)
2015-07-11: W vs. [#6FW] Chad Mendes (17-3-0) via TKO (Punches) in 4:57 of round 2
2015-01-18: W vs. [#37FW] Dennis Siver (22-11-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:54 of round 2
2014-09-27: W vs. [#18LW] Dustin Poirier (18-4-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:46 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Jose Aldo 413, Conor McGregor 154
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Jose Aldo leads 2-1
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Middleweight Championship (185)
[#1/#1DD/#2P4P] Chris Weidman (13-0-0, -136) vs. [#2] Luke Rockhold (14-2-0, +113)
Chris Weidman is the All-Time #2 ranked Middleweight and #14 ranked Absolute fighter.
Luke Rockhold is the All-Time #10 ranked Middleweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Chris Weidman (3-0-0)
2015-05-23: W vs. [#3MW] Vitor Belfort (25-11-0) via TKO (Punches) in 2:53 of round 1
2014-07-05: W vs. [#6MW] Lyoto Machida (22-7-0) via UD (49-45, 48-47, 49-46)
2013-12-28: W vs. [#14MW] Anderson Silva (33-6-0) via TKO (Leg Injury) in 1:16 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Luke Rockhold (3-0-0)
2015-04-18: W vs. [#6MW] Lyoto Machida (22-7-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 2:31 of round 2
2014-11-07: W vs. [#9MW] Michael Bisping (27-7-0) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 0:57 of round 2
2014-04-26: W vs. [#21MW] Tim Boetsch (18-9-0) via Submission (Inverted Triangle Kimura) in 2:08 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Chris Weidman 203, Luke Rockhold 238
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Chris Weidman leads 2-1
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Middleweight (185)
[#4] Yoel Romero (10-1-0, +122) vs. [#5] Ronaldo Souza (22-3-0, -145)
Ronaldo Souza is the All-Time #7 ranked Middleweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Yoel Romero (3-0-0)
2015-06-27: W vs. [#6MW] Lyoto Machida (22-7-0) via KO (Elbows) in 1:38 of round 3
2014-09-27: W vs. [#16MW] Tim Kennedy (18-5-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:58 of round 3
2014-04-19: W vs. [#23MW] Brad Tavares (13-4-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Last 3 Fights: Ronaldo Souza (3-0-0)
2015-04-18: W vs. [#29MW] Chris Camozzi (22-10-0) via Submission (Armbar) in 2:33 of round 1
2014-09-05: W vs. [#7MW] Gegard Mousasi (37-6-2) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 4:30 of round 3
2014-02-15: W vs. [#20LHW] Francis Carmont (24-11-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Yoel Romero 168, Ronaldo Souza 238
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 2 win(s) against common opposition.
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The second UFC event in a three-day span, ‘The Ultimate Fighter Season 22’  finale is headlined by a featherweight bout that could determine the next contender to the winner of Jose Aldo vs Conor McGregor title unification bout, which takes place the very next day at UFC 194.  I suspect that this placement was intentional, so that the UFC has a suitable substitute in case Aldo or McGregor pull out of their scheduled bout.  Of course that would mean losing the main event, but hey, it’s a TUF Finale card on Fox Sports 1.  Keeping the featherweight title bout at 194 is far more important to the UFC, and this card would still have a strong headliner in Tony Ferguson vs Edson Barboza.  But let’s hope that everyone stays healthy, and both cards remain intact.

Main Event:  [#2 FW] Frankie Edgar vs [#6 FW] Chad Mendes

Worth: $15

Why: This is a top-notch matchup between two of the most elite fighters in the division.  The winner could become the next title contender, depending on a couple of factors.  As Mendes has already lost twice to the reigning champion Aldo, and was stopped by McGregor in their fight for the interim title, should he beat Edgar it’s unlikely that he will face the winner of Aldo-McGregor next.  Edgar on the other hand has already lost to Aldo but never fought McGregor, so if Conor unifies the titles then Edgar is likely to be his next opponent.  The other factor is the Max Holloway vs Jeremy Stephens fight which also takes place the next day at UFC 194: should Holloway win and extend his UFC streak to eight straight, he will likely jump the line ahead of Edgar as the next contender.

Let’s set the featherweight title picture aside for a second, and focus on the actual fight.  It’s a very close matchup of well rounded fighters with similar skill sets. Mendes is the harder puncher of the two, but Edgar is extremely tough, and also seems like a better technician and tactician.  Though at 34, Edgar is four years older than his opponent, he has not yet shown any sign of decline in his recent fights.  I believe this is Edgar’s fight to lose, and hope that he fights for the title next – particularly if McGregor comes out victorious at 194.

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Featherweight (145)
[#2/#10DD] Frankie Edgar (19-4-1, -134) vs. [#6] Chad Mendes (17-3-0, +110)
Frankie Edgar is the All-Time #11 ranked Featherweight and #8 ranked Absolute fighter.
Chad Mendes is the All-Time #6 ranked Featherweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Frankie Edgar (3-0-0)
2015-05-16: W vs. [#3BW] Urijah Faber (32-8-0) via UD (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
2014-11-22: W vs. [#13FW] Cub Swanson (21-7-0) via Submission (Neck Crank) in 4:56 of round 5
2014-07-06: W vs. [*] B.J. Penn (16-10-2) via TKO (Punches) in 4:16 of round 3

Last 3 Fights: Chad Mendes (1-2-0)
2015-07-11: L vs. [#3FW] Conor McGregor (18-2-0) via TKO (Punches) in 4:57 of round 2
2015-04-04: W vs. [#8FW] Ricardo Lamas (16-4-0) via TKO (Punches) in 2:45 of round 1
2014-10-25: L vs. [#1FW/#7DD/#4P4P] Jose Aldo (25-1-0) via UD (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Frankie Edgar 209, Chad Mendes 153
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
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Lightweight (155)
[#5] Tony Ferguson (19-3-0, -184) vs. [#12] Edson Barboza (16-3-0, +156)

Last 3 Fights: Tony Ferguson (3-0-0)
2015-07-15: W vs. [#16LW] Josh Thomson (22-8-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
2015-02-28: W vs. [#23LW] Gleison Tibau (33-11-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 2:37 of round 1
2014-12-06: W vs. [#84LW] Abel Trujillo (12-7-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 4:19 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Edson Barboza (2-1-0)
2015-07-25: W vs. [#56LW] Paul Felder (10-2-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2015-02-22: L vs. [#9LW] Michael Johnson (16-9-0) via UD (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
2014-11-22: W vs. [#22LW] Bobby Green (23-6-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Tony Ferguson 149, Edson Barboza 139
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
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Lightweight (155)
[#20] Joe Lauzon (25-10-0, +168) vs. [#25] Evan Dunham (16-6-0, -203)

Last 3 Fights: Joe Lauzon (2-1-0)
2015-07-25: W vs. [#71LW] Takanori Gomi (35-11-0) via TKO (Punches) in 2:37 of round 1
2015-01-31: L vs. [#10LW] Al Iaquinta (13-3-1) via TKO (Punches) in 3:34 of round 2
2014-09-05: W vs. [#27LW] Michael Chiesa (13-2-0) via TKO (Doctor Stoppage) in 2:14 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Evan Dunham (2-1-0)
2015-07-18: W vs. [#39LW] Ross Pearson (18-9-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
2015-01-03: W vs. [*] Rodrigo Damm (12-9-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2014-07-16: L vs. [#12LW] Edson Barboza (16-3-0) via TKO (Kick to the Body and Punches) in 3:06 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Joe Lauzon 139, Evan Dunham 146
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Joe Lauzon leads 1-0
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In the second week of December, UFC will be putting on an unprecedented three events in three consecutive days. Kicking off the three-day weekend of MMA action is a Thursday evening Fight Pass event (the last one of the year, and also the first two back-to-back Fight Pass cards with UFN 79). While there are no huge fights on this card, it has exceptional depth, and should put the value of a Fight Pass subscription solidly into the green for the year.

Main Event:  [#7 W115] Rose Namajunas vs [#22 W115] Paige VanZant

Worth: $5

Why: Rose Namajunas and Paige VanZant are both promising prospects in the women’s strawweight division. Despite the discrepancy in rankings, in my opinion this is a very closely matched bout, and the winner will likely be one or two fights away from a title shot – whether they’re ready for it or not.

Fight:  [#27 LW] Michael Chiesa vs  [#32 LW] Jim Miller

Worth: $7.50

Why: A long-time veteran of the UFC’s lightweight division, Jim Miller has always been one of my favorite fighters to watch in action.  Once touted as a contender after building up a 7-win streak between 2009 and 2011, Miller was never able to beat the elite of his division, and now that his career is winding down he has become more of a gatekeeper type.  Miller has lost 2 of his last 3 fights, and fighting on a Fight Pass card is not a good sign for his future.  However he is still a fun action fighter, and so is his opponent Michael Chiesa.  Though Chiesa is still young and has a respectable 5-2 record in the UFC, it is unlikely that he has the athleticism or the skill set to crack the Top 10, so this is a fight without any real implications… but it should be an exciting one to watch nonetheless.

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Women Strawweight (115)
[#7] Rose Namajunas (3-2-0, 115.5lb) vs. [#22] Paige VanZant (6-1-0, 115.5lb)

Last 3 Fights: Rose Namajunas (1-2-0)
2015-10-03: W vs. [#47SW] Angela Hill (2-3-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 2:47 of round 1
2014-12-12: L vs. [#6SW] Carla Esparza (10-3-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 1:26 of round 3
2013-07-13: L vs. [#15SW] Tecia Torres (6-0-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Last 3 Fights: Paige VanZant (3-0-0)
2015-09-05: W vs. [#53SW] Alex Chambers (5-3-0) via Submission (Armbar) in 1:01 of round 3
2015-04-18: W vs. [#32SW] Felice Herrig (10-6-0) via UD (30-26, 29-27, 30-26)
2014-11-22: W vs. [#134SW] Kailin Curran (3-2-0) via TKO (Punches) in 2:54 of round 3

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Rose Namajunas 68, Paige VanZant 96
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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Lightweight (156)
[#27] Michael Chiesa (12-2-0, 156.0lb) vs. [#32] Jim Miller (25-6-0, 155.5lb)

Last 3 Fights: Michael Chiesa (2-1-0)
2015-04-04: W vs. [#75LW] Mitch Clarke (11-3-0) via UD (29-26, 29-28, 29-28)
2014-09-05: L vs. [#20LW] Joe Lauzon (25-10-0) via TKO (Doctor Stoppage) in 2:14 of round 2
2014-05-24: W vs. [#24LW] Francisco Trinaldo (18-4-0) via UD (30-26, 30-27, 30-26)

Last 3 Fights: Jim Miller (1-2-0)
2015-07-25: W vs. [#53LW] Danny Castillo (17-9-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
2015-04-18: L vs. [#8LW] Beneil Dariush (12-1-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2014-07-16: L vs. [#2LW/#10P4P] Donald Cerrone (28-6-0) via KO (Head Kick and Punches) in 3:31 of round 2

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Michael Chiesa 250, Jim Miller 138
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Jim Miller leads 1-0
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Lightweight (156)
[#185] Cody Pfister (12-4-1, 156.0lb) vs. [#206] Sage Northcutt (6-0-0, 155.5lb)

Last 3 Fights: Cody Pfister (2-1-0)
2015-07-11: W vs. [#225LW] Yosdenis Cedeno (10-5-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2015-02-14: L vs. [#108WW] James Moontasri (9-3-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 1:49 of round 2
2014-09-06: W vs. [#1653LW] Brett Glass (4-3-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in ? of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Sage Northcutt (3-0-0)
2015-10-03: W vs. [#385LW] Francisco Trevino (12-2-0) via TKO (Elbows and Punches) in 0:57 of round 1
2015-08-28: W vs. [#1506WW] Rocky Long (21-33-1) via Submission (Neck Crank) in 3:30 of round 2
2015-06-26: W vs. [#873WW] Gage Duhon (5-2-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 4:26 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Cody Pfister 152, Sage Northcutt 68
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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In a weekend full of great fights, a few encounters are bound to fly below the radar. Considering the state of the UFC and their mammoth schedule, a contest between undefeated prospects like Colby Covington and Warlley Alves would normally be main card material. However, it is currently situated on the Fox Sports 1 undercard of UFC 194.

The bout is a classic example of Joe Silva matchmaking. Both fighters joined the promotion last year and have built 3-0 records inside the Octagon. Instead of continuing to schedule these fighters against middling opposition, the UFC has created a matchup between top prospects.

Covington is currently ranked 36th and Alves ranks at 39th. The former Oregon State wrestler was actually ranked as the 338th best welterweight before joining the UFC. Alves, who had fought extensively for a higher profile promotion, Jungle Fight, held the 98th spot. The following chart shows the progression of both fighters in terms of ranking points over the last two years.

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Ahh.. another Fight Pass event.  And once again, what could have been a decent card (by Fight Pass standards, at least) got turned into a steaming pile of crap in the weeks preceding the fight, as one after another fighters dropped off the event for various reasons.  First we lost the co-main of Mirko ‘Cro-Cop’ Filipovic vs Anthony Hamilton when Cro-Cop withdrew from the bout with simultaneous reasons of a nagging injury, a decision to retire from the sport, and a failed drug test for HGH.  Then, Thiago Alves, who was scheduled to face Ben Henderson in the main event, also pulled out with an injury.  As a result, the UFC reshuffled a few fights on the card, and were able to salvage the main event.  As for the rest of this card, the most interesting thing about it is that there are now two Dong Hyun Kims on the UFC roster, in the same weight class.  So try not to mix up the established welterweight ‘Stun Gun’ Kim with the debuting welterweight ‘Maestro’ Kim. All right, enough of this nonsence, let’s get on with it.

Main Event:  [#16 WW] Ben Henderson vs [#21 WW] Jorge Masvidal

Worth: $10

Why: This is a fight that just a short while ago we might have seen in the lightweight division.  Former 155 lbs champion Benson Henderson made a move to the welterweight division after two consecutive losses at lightweight, stepping up on short notice against Brandon Thatch at UFC Fight Night 60, and scored a late submission win after working through some difficulties in the early rounds.  For a while Henderson was noncommittal on which weight class he will call home, but it seems that he has finally settled at 170, at least for the time being.

His opponent Jorge Masvidal has also fought at lightweight for most of his career, though he has had a few welterweight bouts on occasion.  He too came out victorious in his first UFC fight at 170 lbs, knocking out Cezar ‘Mutante’ Ferreira in the first round.  With both guys still near their prime, and ranked in the welterweight Top 20 (or close enough to it, in Masvidal’s case), the winner of this bout could earn a Top-10 ranking and make a run for title contendership in the wide open and ultra-competitive division.

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Welterweight (170)
[#16] Ben Henderson (22-5-0) vs. [#21] Jorge Masvidal (29-9-0)
Ben Henderson is the All-Time #19 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Ben Henderson (1-2-0)
2015-02-14: W vs. [#72WW] Brandon Thatch (11-3-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 3:58 of round 4
2015-01-18: L vs. [#2LW/#10P4P] Donald Cerrone (28-6-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2014-08-23: L vs. [#1LW/#5DD/#7P4P] Rafael dos Anjos (24-7-0) via KO (Punch) in 2:31 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Jorge Masvidal (2-1-0)
2015-07-12: W vs. [#169WW] Cezar Ferreira (8-5-0) via KO (Elbows and Punches) in 4:22 of round 1
2015-04-04: L vs. [#10LW] Al Iaquinta (13-3-1) via SD (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
2014-09-27: W vs. [#39LW] James Krause (22-7-0) via UD (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Ben Henderson 287, Jorge Masvidal 139
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Ben Henderson leads 2-0
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Welterweight (170)
[#10] Dong Hyun Kim (20-3-1) vs. [#177] Dominic Waters (9-3-0)

Last 3 Fights: Dong Hyun Kim (2-1-0)
2015-05-23: W vs. [#48WW] Josh Burkman (27-12-0) via Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) in 2:13 of round 3
2014-08-23: L vs. [#4WW] Tyron Woodley (15-3-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:01 of round 1
2014-03-01: W vs. [*] John Hathaway (17-2-0) via KO (Spinning Back Elbow) in 1:02 of round 3

Last 3 Fights: Dominic Waters (2-1-0)
2015-07-12: L vs. [#50WW] George Sullivan (17-4-0) via UD (29-27, 30-25, 29-28)
2015-03-21: W vs. [#649LW] Jack Montgomery (16-18-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 1:05 of round 1
2015-02-06: W vs. [#671WW] Mikey Gomez (17-12-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Dong Hyun Kim 189, Dominic Waters 139
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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Welterweight (170)
[*] Alberto Mina (11-0-0) vs. [#235] Yoshihiro Akiyama (14-5-0)

Last 3 Fights: Alberto Mina (3-0-0)
2014-08-23: W vs. [#144WW] Shinsho Anzai (9-2-0) via TKO (Punches) in 4:17 of round 1
2013-12-21: W vs. [#174WW] Glenn Sparv (12-3-0) via TKO (Knee and Punches) in 2:44 of round 1
2011-08-07: W vs. [*] Boy Eggels (2-1-0) via Submission (Armbar) in 3:11 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Yoshihiro Akiyama (1-2-0)
2014-09-20: W vs. [#405WW] Amir Sadollah (6-5-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2012-02-26: L vs. [#14WW] Jake Shields (31-8-1) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2011-08-06: L vs. [#3MW] Vitor Belfort (25-11-0) via KO (Punches) in 1:52 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Alberto Mina 462, Yoshihiro Akiyama 434
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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Last week in Melbourne, Australia, Holly Holm scored a huge upset at UFC 193 when she knocked out the reigning women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey, claiming the title with a head kick in the second round.  This weekend we’re off to Monterrey, Mexico, for a rather pedestrian Fight Night event on Fox Sports 1. The original main event for this card pitted Kelvin Gastelum against Matt Brown; after Brown pulled out with an injury, Neil Magny once again stepped up as a short-notice replacement.  The main card also features a flyweight matchup between Jussier da Silva and Henry Cejudo, which will most likely determine the next contender for Demetrious Johnson’s title.  A couple of other so-so fights round out the main card, while the prelims – both the ones on Fox Sports 1 and the ones streamed on Fight Pass – don’t offer anything worth mentioning.

Main Event:  [#13 MW] Kelvin Gastelum vs [#21 WW] Neil Magny

Worth: $10

Why: While I would have preferred to see the original matchup of Kelvin Gastelum vs Matt Brown (because who doesn’t love a Matt Brown fight?), the UFC managed to salvage the main event with a fight that’s almost as interesting.  Thank Neil Magny, who is becoming the go-to guy for last minute replacements in the welterweight division. Magny did not start his UFC career on a high note, dropping 2 of his first 3 fights, but then went on an unlikely 7 win streak against gradually increasing level of competition.  He then took a big step up against Demian Maia, and was dominated on the ground and eventually submitted by a superior grappler.  Magny rebounded with a split decision win against Erick Silva and will now attempt to move further up the rankings against a highly touted prospect who is making his return to 170 lbs after a temporary exile from the division.

‘The Ultimate Fighter’ Season 17 middleweight winner Kelvin Gastelum looked like he was on a fast track to contendership, rattling off four straight wins since dropping to welterweight, but had trouble making weight in almost every fight.  After badly missing weight for what could have been the #1 contender bout with Tyrone Woodley, and subsequently losing a split decision, Gastelum was banished back to middleweight, where he beat up a way over the hill Nate Marquadt.  Somehow, Gastelum convinced Dana White to give him another chance to make 170.  And so we end up with quite an interesting fight between two up-and-comers, the outcome of which will propel one of them into the upper echelon of the division.  Assuming Kelvin makes weight, of course.

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Welterweight (170)
[#13MW] Kelvin Gastelum (11-1-0) vs. [#21] Neil Magny (16-4-0)

Last 3 Fights: Kelvin Gastelum (2-1-0)
2015-06-13: W vs. [#36MW] Nate Marquardt (33-15-2) via TKO (Corner Stoppage) in 5:00 of round 2
2015-01-31: L vs. [#4WW] Tyron Woodley (15-3-0) via SD (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
2014-11-15: W vs. [#23WW] Jake Ellenberger (30-10-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 4:46 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Neil Magny (2-1-0)
2015-08-23: W vs. [#26WW] Erick Silva (18-6-0) via SD (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
2015-08-01: L vs. [#7WW] Demian Maia (21-6-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 2:52 of round 2
2015-05-16: W vs. [#75WW] Hyun Gyu Lim (13-5-1) via TKO (Punches) in 1:24 of round 2

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Kelvin Gastelum 161, Neil Magny 90
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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Featherweight (145)
[#8] Ricardo Lamas (15-4-0) vs. [*] Diego Sanchez (25-7-0)
Ricardo Lamas is the All-Time #13 ranked Featherweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Ricardo Lamas (2-1-0)
2015-04-04: L vs. [#6FW] Chad Mendes (17-3-0) via TKO (Punches) in 2:45 of round 1
2014-11-15: W vs. [#23FW] Dennis Bermudez (14-5-0) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 3:18 of round 1
2014-06-28: W vs. [#21FW] Hacran Dias (23-3-1) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Last 3 Fights: Diego Sanchez (1-2-0)
2014-06-07: W vs. [#39LW] Ross Pearson (18-9-0) via SD (30-27, 27-30, 29-28)
2014-03-15: L vs. [#13LW] Myles Jury (15-1-0) via UD (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
2013-10-19: L vs. [#7LW] Gilbert Melendez (22-5-0) via UD (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Ricardo Lamas 231, Diego Sanchez 532
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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Lightweight (155)
[#45] Efrain Escudero (24-9-0) vs. [#73WW] Leandro Silva (18-2-1)

Last 3 Fights: Efrain Escudero (2-1-0)
2015-06-13: W vs. [#109LW] Drew Dober (15-7-0) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 0:54 of round 1
2015-02-14: W vs. [#430LW] Rodrigo Goiana de Lima (8-3-1) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2014-09-13: L vs. [#34LW] Leonardo Santos (14-3-1) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Last 3 Fights: Leandro Silva (2-0-0, 1 NC)
2015-06-27: W vs. [#111WW] Lewis Gonzalez (10-2-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
2015-03-21: NC vs. [#109LW] Drew Dober (15-7-0)
2014-11-08: W vs. [#328LW] Charlie Brenneman (19-8-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 4:15 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Efrain Escudero 161, Leandro Silva 147
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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Less than five years ago, UFC president Dana White stated that “women will never fight in the UFC“.  What a difference a few years makes.  Today, the UFC has two (somewhat) thriving women’s divisions, and Ronda Rousey is arguably the biggest star of the promotion.  And now we have our first Pay-Per-View card with two headlining matchups featuring the two women champions defending their titles.  And despite both of these fights being major mismatches, and the fact that I’m still somewhat lukewarm on WMMA as a whole, I am very much looking forward to this card.

A couple of other oddities about UFC 193. First, I happened to give every fight on the main card the same valuation of $10. This was not intentional – I truly am more or less equally interested in all five PPV bouts. Second, this is the only card of the year where the cable-broadcast prelims received a negative net valuation.  The fights slated to be of Fox Sports 1 are mostly stinkers, and the only interesting preliminary fight on the card is buried as the opening bout on the Fight Pass portion of the event.

Main Card (Pay-Per-View)

Main Event:  (C) [#1 W135] Ronda Rousey vs [#8 W135] Holly Holm for the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship

Worth: $10

Why: This fight is a huge mismatch, at least judging from what I’ve seen so far in Holly Holm’s two UFC fights. Despite Holm’s boxing credentials, she lacks knockout power in her punches, and failed to score a knockdown or even do any significant visible damage to her opponents.  Most of the knockouts in her pre-UFC MMA career came from kicks, but she is unlikely to be throwing much of those given the threat of the takedown.  And once Rousey gets this fight to the ground, it will be as good as over.  Nonetheless, I am looking forward to another episode of the Ronda Rousey show. Rousey does something crazy in every fight, whether it’s submitting Cat Zingano with her signature armbar in 14 seconds, or knocking out Bethe Correia (who was supposed to have a striking advantage over Rousey) in 34. The likelihood of Holm winning this fight, or even lasting a round, is slim to none. The only real question is ‘how will Rousey dispatch of her opponent this time, and how quickly will she do it?’ The answer, in my opinion, is worth $10 to find out.

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