UFC on Fox 10 is the first UFC on Fox fight card without a title fight since August 2012, but it isn’t lacking notable competitors. Every bout on the main card will feature at least one top-10 fighter across multiple divisions.
Most notably, the event will feature a lightweight contest between former champion Benson Henderson and Strikeforce veteran Josh Thomson. While Henderson lost his belt to Anthony Pettis the last time he appeared, Thomson emerged as a serious title threat by stopping Nate Diaz in his UFC return.
With several other intriguing matchups also scheduled, competition for performance bonuses will be vicious, but here are the likeliest winners heading into UFC on Fox 10.
Fight of the Night
Prediction: Benson Henderson vs. Josh Thomson
Main events are always at an advantage when it comes to fight night bonuses. Not only are they the matchups that get the most attention, but they are freshest in the minds of UFC President Dana White and the decision-makers following fight cards.
With that edge in hand, Henderson and Thomson should be considered heavy favorites to walk away with Fight of the Night honors.
Having gone the distance in seven of his eight UFC bouts, Henderson already has two Fight of the Night bonuses under his belt. A third could be on the way as long as he pushes the pace against Thomson and doesn’t get caught with anything early on.
Other Candidates: Darren Elkins vs. Jeremy Stephens, Sergio Pettis vs. Alex Caceres, Eddie Wineland vs. Yves Jabouin
Knockout of the Night
Prediction: Stipe Miocic
There is a ton of knockout potential on this fight card.
While many different fighters could walk away with the bonus, heavyweights often have to be favored due to the raw power they generate in their strikes. Chances are a heavyweight knockout is going to appear more devastating than a bantamweight knockout that occurs on the same fight card.
Already the owner of one Knockout of the Night award, Stipe Miocic has a good chance to pick up a second on Saturday. The American’s blend of wrestling and boxing skill makes him a strong bet to avoid being dragged down by jiu-jitsu ace Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC on Fox 10.
Other Candidates: Donald Cerrone, Jeremy Stephens, Eddie Wineland
Submission of the Night
Prediction: Sergio Pettis
Submissions are where the preliminary card fighters will have a chance to shine.
The eight main card fighters at UFC on Fox 10 have combined for only four UFC submission losses, so it’s unlikely many competitors will be tapping once the broadcast goes to network television.
For rising talents like Sergio Pettis, the door will be open. Meeting Alex Caceres, who has been submitted twice in his three years competing under the UFC banner, the younger brother of lightweight champion Anthony Pettis has a good shot of earning his first fight night bonus this weekend.
Other Candidates: Yaotzin Meza, Mike Rio, Nikita Krylov
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