The little hype around UFC 140 has centered on two puzzles: Jon Jones and Lyoto Machida. Jones and Machida are two of the most unique fighters in the entire UFC.
What may be flying under the radar is the other main event, a rematch of heavyweights, Frank Mir vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.
Despite the rankings, Mir is a top five heavyweight and is riding a two-fight win streak since the debacle against Shane Carwin.
Nogueira, meanwhile, has us all saying, “He’s back!” for the 1,000th time in his career after a knockout victory against Brendan Schaub.
Their first match was nothing short of a squash match as Mir showed his improved boxing skills and floored Nogueira. It was later revealed that Nogueira was suffering from a severe staph infection, something Mir believes had no part in the final outcome.
The brash heavyweight will have a chance to prove that correct if he can defeat the legendary Nogueira at UFC 140.
While all eyes will be focused on the spectacle of styles in the main event, it could be Mir and Nogueira who end up stealing the show.
As the old saying goes, “Styles make fights.” In the case of Jones and Machida, though, styles don’t make fights.
Machida is known to be one of the most elusive fighters in the UFC. Like Chuck Liddell of old, he lures his opponents into his web of traps and pounces on them with lightning-quick agility.
Just when his opponents feel like they’re in range to tag him, Machida quickly bounces out.
Jones has shown to be particularly methodical in his approach lately. He won’t rush in. Greg Jackson has likely told the young champion to resist the urge to chase Machida around the cage.
This could lead to a virtual stalemate that would be the equivalent of trench warfare—neither side will want to make a move.
Mir and Nogueira will not suffer from the inability to confront each other. Mir will be confident in his striking now that he knows he has bested “Minotauro” once before on the feet.
Nogueira will likely want to squash any confidence Mir has and prove his striking is superior. “Big Nog” has never been known to be scared of standing in the pocket as well.
Finally, I think this fight will outshine Jones vs. Machida based on the possible outcomes.
The majority of fans will celebrate like it’s New Years if their hero, Nogueira, floors Mir with a powerful punch. Even an ugly decision will be treated like the second coming due to the fact fans hate Mir so much.
What would be even more impressive is if one man manages to tap the other out. Both have esteemed credentials as far as Brazilian jiu-jitsu goes and are dangerous in any position on the mats.
If Mir proves the first bout was no fluke, then the fans still win. Another heavyweight title challenger will emerge to follow in the footsteps of Brock Lesnar or Alistair Overeem.
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