UFC fans can clear the calendar for March 2nd ahead of what looks to be a card for the ages!
Jon Jones vs Anthony Smith
Although this fight is still pending license approval for Jones from the Nevada State Athletic Commission, the UFC will be thrilled that arguably their biggest star is willing to stay active and defend his light heavyweight title less than three months after winning it back.
The penny seems to have dropped with Anthony Smith. Once considered a journeyman of the UFC, Smith is going much better than his 31-13 record suggests.
He has won his last three fights, including finishes against Rashad Evans and Volkan Oezdemir.
This will be by far the biggest test of his long career but he has a well rounded game and is comfortable both on his feet and on the ground.
Against Gustaffson, Jon Jones showed he is back to his very best. His ability to keep perfect distance on his feet and strike with precision counters is a real strength of his game and it is expected he’ll be too good for Smith in this one.
Tyron Woodley vs Kamaru Usman
The welterweight championship title will go on the line in a controversial fight between long-time title holder Woodley and Nigerian sensation Usman.
Much has been made of Dana White matching Usman up with the champ instead of No.1 contender Colby Covington.
Covington and Woodley have engaged each other in a war of words recently and seemed destined to face each other.
Covington recently rejected a fight with Usman and this seems to have left a sour taste in the mouth of White who has sided with a man who has chosen to stay active.
Woodley is explosive in all areas of the octagon, he also has the smarts to back-up his skill set. Usman is the up and comer and there are still question marks over whether he is deserving of a title fight.
Expect lots of strategic action from two men who are known as being decision kings. If this is to be the case, expect a lot of wrestling and this should be enough for Woodley to hold the cards.
Robbie Lawler vs Ben Askren
Mixed martial arts fans will be thrilled to see Ben Askren make his long awaited debut in the UFC.
A former Bellator and ONE FC champion, Askren brings a standard of wrestling that is as dominant as the likes of Daniel Cormier and Khabib.
His undefeated record of 18-0 goes on the line against former welterweight champion and noted wrestler Robbie Lawler.
This may not be the most attractive fight, with a lot of canvas time expected. It sure will be interesting to see how Askren fairs in the strongest MMA organisation there is to fight in.
Other fights to look forward to on a jam packed card include; the return of Holly Holm vs Aspen Ladd, Russian excitement machine Habit Magomedsharipov vs Jeremy Stephens and the up and comer Mickey Gail vs Diego Sanchez.
