This is an event that even non-fans of MMA (but of stand-up combat sports in general) can get into. Both the main event and co-feature will be summits of striking. One is a high-quality welterweight championship match between two of the division's best. The other is an Eastern-European heavyweight slug-fest that is almost certain to end in a brutal KO either way. Miočić, a Croatian-American, and Arlovski of Belarus, have a combined 26 of 38 wins by KO (or 68.5%) - as well as 8 of 12 defeats (66%), for a total of 34 knockouts in 51 matches (68%). The former is a relative newcomer, carving out a decent resume against ranked opposition in the UFC over the last four years, with ostensibly a wrestler's background yet having picked up a reputation for trading bombs. The latter is a longtime veteran and former champ, whose time in the sport was viewed by most as having drawn to a close around when Miočić first arrived in 2011. However, to everyone's surprise, the vampire fang wearing oddball has picked up a 2nd wind in his career and is now a top contender once again. Lawler and Condit are likelier to put on a more nuanced showing, and far likelier to end in a decision or submission - though not at the expense of entertainment. The incumbent champion is known for letting his fists and feet go liberally...and explosively ...and the challenger brings a well-rounded approach cross-trained in all disciplines that has seen him become a two-org champ and beat a who's-who in the division with a relentless aggression that has never cost him a loss by KO - a testament both to his defense & chin. All four have done isolated training in boxing specifically and two of them have fought official pro sanctioned bouts (Arlovski scoring a KO in his pro debut; Condit losing a SD4 in his) - making this a more palatable MMA card to settle for on a weekend utterly devoid of any offerings for boxing fans. That isn't just notable activity, but anything. Complete dead zone. May as well check out some guys that are sure to provide sparks without rolling around on the ground all night. :good Let the fun begin! :happy
Kish, a Muay Thai specialist from Russia, is 4-0 (2 sub), making her UFC debut. Macedonian-American journeywoman Ansaroff lost hers in November 2014, her last time in action. Kish hasn't fought in even longer, returning from a 2-year layoff.
Jesus. How many times are they going to mention that Kish was a MT champion against stiff competition in Thailand, yet is favoring taking it onto the ground? Alright, we get it. She's going outside her comfort zone and doing well. Dial it down. :roll: