Ronda Rousey takes center stage in Rio this Saturday at UFC 190. World Series of Fighting is going head to head with the world leader by putting on one of its better cards in recent memory.
There is even a pretty nice prospect vs. gatekeeper matchup in the world of boxing with Danny Garcia vs. Paulie Malignaggi. All in all, yet another busy weekend in the world of combat sports.
Let’s take a look at the five most intriguing bouts taking place this weekend.
5. Islam Mamedov vs. Jimmy Spicuzza – WSOF 22
Mamedov burst onto the scene back in the spring with his shellacking of Leon Davis at WSOF 20. He adds to the long list of Dagestani imports beginning to take over the world of MMA. Spicuzza is a good fighter and should provide a solid test for Mamedov. However, this should mostly be a showcase fight for Mamedov, as the WSOF needs to build up some contenders for their champion Justin Gaethje.
4. Jessica Aguilar vs. Claudia Gadelha – UFC 190
This is a de factor number one contender’s bout for the women’s strawweight title. Aguilar, the former WSOF champion, has long been regarded as the best strawweight in the world and hasn’t lost in almost 5 years. Gadelha is coming off of a contentious split decision loss to now champion Joanna Jederzejczyk, a bout many thought she had won. Expect a highly technical, competitive bout where the winner will most definitely be deserving of the next shot at the title.
3. Shogun Rua vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueria – UFC 190
After their battle 10 years ago, the two legends of the sport return for another go. The biggest question leading into the fight is who really has the most left? Shogun has lost 4 of 5 and has taken an exorbitant amount of damage, especially in recent years. Lil Nog is 39 years old and is coming off a vicious knockout loss to Rumble Johnson. I tend to think this will come down to power and durability. In both instances, I’ll side with Shogun. Either way, I’ll probably be watching this one through my fingers with my hands over my face.
2. Neil Magny vs. Damien Maia – UFC 190
Magny comes into the fight riding a 7 fight win streak in one of the toughest divisions in the UFC. Maia is easily the toughest fight of Magny’s career and a welcome test to see if he belongs in the upper echelon of the division. Maia most recently put a halt to the momentum of former prospect Ryan Laflare. A win here would be three straight for the Brazilian and a potential top contender’s bout might not be far off. However, a loss here would cement Maia’s status as gatekeeper while Magny would likely take his place in the queue.
1. Jake Shields vs. Rousimar Palhares – WSOF 22
The WSOF welterweight title is on the line when these two submission specialists enter the cage on Saturday night. Shields is coming off of two impressive finishes and boasts one of the best resumes in the history of the sport. He seems to harbor some genuine ill will towards the champion, most of which seems to derive from Palhares’ perceived lack of respect for opponents inside the cage. While Palhares may be a one-trick pony, his one trick is pretty devastating. This will be a high level grapple fest with two of the best in the world looking to match wits.