UFC on FX 8: The main card preview

[ads1]What:  UFC on FX 8: Belfort vs. Rockhold

When:  Saturday, May 18

Where: Arena Jaraguá, Jaraguá do Sul, Brazil

Where to watch: Facebook (Preliminary fights starting at 4;30 p.m. ET), FUEL TV (Preliminary fights starting at 6 p.m. ET), FX channel(Main card beginning at 9 p.m. ET)

It has been a while since we’ve had a major MMA event, three weeks to be exact, and while this one isn’t stacked with huge names it is FREE.  How can we argue with FREE right?  The card does have some intrigue as two former Strikeforce fighters will be making their UFC debut in the main and co-main event respectively. There’s also a lightweight fight that could steal the night if both fighters bring their “A” game. You can find a quick synopsis and prediction for each main card fight below:

Vitor Belfort vs. Luke Rockhold

I like this fight. Belfort is usually very exciting and extremely dangerous in the first round or so of his fights, but usually fades as the fight goes on. This is a five round fight so we must take that into consideration, but Rockhold is coming off a long layoff which could also be a factor. This fight will probably be a typically Belfort fight. He’s either going to get Rockhold out of there fast via TKO, or Rockhold will weather the early storm and take charge as the fight goes on. I have Rockhold taking this one via decision or late stoppage.

Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza vs. Chris Camozzi

Camozzi is taking the fight on short notice, and this just happens to be the best opponent he has ever faced. He has won four consecutive fights, but three of his five losses have come via submission. Jacare is a submission ace. The “UFC Jitters” may be a factor for Jacare, but with him fighting in front of his home crowd, Camozzi is going to have to fight a perfect fight to win this I’m afraid. I think Souza gets him outta there early…via submission.

Rafael dos Anjos vs. Evan Dunham

This is the fight I’m looking forward to the most. Dos Anjos is coming off one of the best performances of his life, and Dunham as always been near the top 10 as far as I’m concerned…plus he’s tough as nails. Dos Anjos probably the more dynamic striker, has great kicks, and is very dangerous on the ground. Dunham may be slightly larger with a little more power overall. If Dunham can put dos Anjos on his back and keep him there, or use his clinch game to make this an ugly fight…I think he takes it. If he allows dos Anjos to dictate the pace of the fight….he might be in trouble.

Rafael Natal vs. Joao Zeferino

I don’t know much about Zeferino who is making his UFC debut. I do know that nine of his 13 wins have come via submission with only one KO win on his resume. That tells me this fight will pretty much be anti-climatic since Natal prefers to fight with a similar grappling style. Natal probably takes the decision.

Be sure to join us Saturday night for the live play-by-play, as well as the live weigh-in’s later today at 3 p.m. ET.

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