With much of the MMA world taking a break off this week, the remainder of March has plenty to offer.
There are a number of title fights and top contender’s bouts throughout the various major promotions.
Below are 5 great bouts in March that have been flying under the radar.
Sergio Pettis vs. Ryan Benoit – UFC 185
After competing at flyweight for the early part of his professional career, the younger Pettis joined the Zuffa ranks and, to the surprise of many, immediately made the jump to bantamweight. Although he has won 3 of 4, his performances have left something to be desired. At UFC 185, Pettis finally returns to flyweight to take on Benoit. He will look to ease back into the division where he eventually hopes to establish himself as a contender.
Alistair Overeem vs. Roy Nelson – UFC 185
Two of the biggest heavyweights in the world and easily two of the hardest hitting. Both men are in need of a victory, albeit for slightly different reasons. Nelson has lost 3 of 4 and needs a win to remain relevant. Overeem looks to continue a slow climb in the shallow heavyweight division all while trying to shed the “bust” label that has followed him since came to the UFC. This one surely will not last long.
Henry Cejudo vs. Chris Cariaso – UFC 185
The UFC has a potential star on their hands in Cejudo, if he can make weight. That is a big if. Dating back to his time with Legacy and his initial UFC bout, the former Olympian has had all sorts of trouble making the 125 pound flyweight limit. After a sensational performance at bantamweight against Dustin Kimura, Cejudo stated his desire to make a run at 125. He is being thrown right to wolves as he takes on a former title challenger in Cariaso. It will be interesting to see if Cejudo continues to show off his improved striking or if he returns to his wrestling roots and a follows a similar game-plan as Demetrious Johnson against Cariaso.
Eduardo Dantas vs. Mike Richman – Bellator 135
This fight has violence written all over it. Dantas, the long-time bantamweight champion, is one of the best finishers in all of Bellator. Richman has looked unstoppable since a move down from featherweight with a sizzling blend of ferocity and accuracy. With bantamweight being one of the weaker divisions in Bellator, a title shot for the winner is not out of the question.
Matt Brown vs. Johnny Hendricks – UFC 185
Because UFC 185 is highlighted by two title fights in the main and co-main events, this fight seems to have gotten lost in the shuffle. Along with champ Robbie Lawler and current number 1 contender Rory MacDonald, Brown and Hendricks have established themselves as the four best welterweights in the world. The winner here will likely get a shot at the title. How the fight plays out is a different question entirely. Will Hendricks utilize his wrestling or can he land that big left hand against the durable Brown? Can Brown force Hendricks into a volume, high output fight? Will the pressure of Brown force Hendricks to wilt?