On the back of two quality pay per view events, the UFC returns to action this weekend live from Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Former middleweight contender and number nine ranked welterweight Damian Maia will headline the event, in front of his home nation, where he will face the undefeated Ryan Laflare. Although big names such as Ben Saunders and Raphael Assuncao, have had to withdraw from the event due to injury, we are still in for an entertaining night of fights. Here are three fights you should be watching this weekend.
Damian Maia Vs Ryan Laflare
Maia returns to the octagon for the first time since May last year, and faces an up and coming prospect in Ryan LaFlare. Although undefeated and victorious in his first four UFC fights, Laflare faces a huge step up in competition. Maia is one of the most decorated grapplers in the UFC, with constantly improving striking and underrated wrestling skills.
For me this is classic grappler vs striker style matchup, Maia will be looking to get this fight to the ground as quickly as possible where he is far superior. Maia has only one submission victory out of his last five fights, so he will be keen to get Laflare to tap on Saturday. If Laflare is to have any chance in this fight, he must keep it standing at all costs. Laflare has good hands, which he showcased in his decision victory over John Howard. Although lacking real knockout power, Laflare will feel if he can keep the fight standing he can out-strike Maia, and maybe earn a stoppage victory as Maia has a questionable chin.
This fight is very intriguing and may not be as clear cut as people think. Octagon rust may be a factor for Maia who has been out of action for a while, and if Laflare gets his takedown defence right we could be in for a huge upset.
Erick Silva Vs Josh Koscheck
Taking the fight on just a few weeks notice, Koshcheck is really stepping into the lion’s den when he faces the always exciting Erik Silva in front of his home crowd. Silva is always entertaining and loves to start fights with a bang, finishing 11of his career victories in the first round, and with Koscheck on a four fight losing streak, blink and you could miss this one. A former top contender Koscheck has looked a shadow of his former self in his last three bouts, and will be looking to prove he still has what it takes to compete in the UFC.
Because of the frantic pace Silva sets early he has been known to gas, if Koscheck can survive the first round he should be able to use his wrestling skills to take down a tired Silva with ease for the remainder of the fight. This is a big ‘if’ though, as Silva has ferocious knockout power and a very good submission game. Silva will look to come out and blow through Koscheck as quickly as possible.
With Erick Silva involved you can always expect fireworks and this fight is no different, for me this is definitely a front runner for fight of the night.
Francisco Trinaldo Vs Akbarh Arreola
This fight is a must watch for grappling fans, with both fighters having very strong BJJ skills. Arreola has 17 victories by submission, and is coming off an impressive performance submitting UFC veteran Yves Edwards in the first round. BJJ brown belt Trinaldo has been submitted twice in his career, and Arreola may have a slight advantage if the fight goes to the mat. Trinaldo has power in both hands and will have the advantage in the striking department, but I believe this fight will be spent mostly on the ground.
Fans can expect to see multiple submission attempts in this fight and slick transitions, as both fighters will showcase their ground skills. Arreola has never been submitted in his 31 fight career, but faces his biggest test to date in Trinaldo this Saturday.
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