After January being what was quite possibly the craziest month in MMA history, the train continues to roll on in February.
While a few headliners have fallen by the wayside, there still a number of fights throughout the month that fans should look out for.
Below are the five most under the radar fights scheduled for February.
5. Joe Schilling vs. Robert Thomas – Glory 19
While not technically MMA, Glory kickboxing returns tonight in Virginia with Glory 19. Fresh off of his Bellator knockout of the year candidate win over Melvin Manhoef, multi-sport vet Joe Schilling returns to the Glory ring. He takes on rising Canadian talent Robert Thomas. Schilling looks to ride the momentum and continue the journey to becoming the first big combat sports cross over star in the Bellator/Glory/Spike era.
4. Marlon Moraes vs. Josh Hill – WSOF 18
Along with Justin Gaethje, Moraes is one of the only homegrown stars that the WSOF has been able to groom. Moraes is a violent striker with thunderous power for the bantamweight division. Hill is an undefeated Canadian who packs some power as well. A win for Moraes here and one has to wonder how much longer before Zuffa brass come calling.
3. Tony Ferguson vs. Gleison Tibau – UFC 184
This is the classic matchup of rising contender vs. divisional gatekeeper. Ferguson has won four in a row and seven of eight inside the octagon. Tibau is a mainstay in the lightweight division and has made it clear his goal is to rack up the most wins in lightweight history. A win for Ferguson will likely grant him a top 10 or top 15 fight, moving him closer towards contention.
2. Emanuel Newton vs. Liam McGeary – Bellator 134
After spending much of the early part of his career as somewhat of a journeyman, Newton has firmly established himself as the king of the Bellator light heavyweight division. McGeary has emerged as both an extremely exciting fighter, finishing all nine of his professional fights, and a legitimate threat to the crown. Between the loss of the Lima/Daley bout, the announcement of the Kongo/Lawal fight and the British Invasion storyline, this fight seems to have gotten lost in the weeds. Make no mistake about it, this is the best fight on the card.
1. Edson Barboza vs. Michael Johnson – UFC Fight Night 62
Two rising contenders in the lightweight division who have looked increasingly impressive with each time out. Both excellent strikers who excel with their movement. Has Barboza resolved his defensive issues that have cost him in the past? Will the long layoff stunt the momentum Johnson had last year? Either way, a win here puts either man in the short line for a top contender’s bout.