The UFC will return to the MGM Grand Garden Arena Friday, December 30 for its final event of 2011. And while no UFC gold will be on the line Friday night, it’s probably a safe bet that UFC 141 will attract a huge crowd both live and in terms of pay-per-views.
One of the main reasons to expect a solid turnout is the fact that the fight card will mark the return of Brock Lesnar to the Octagon. Lesnar has not fought since losing the UFC heavyweight title to Cain Velasquez back in October 2010. A subsequent fight with Junior dos Santos had to be scrapped after Lesnar faced a second bout of diverticulitis. Lesnar was forced to undergo surgery, putting him out of commission for a prolonged period.
Lesnar’s UFC 141 opponent will be a newcomer to the promotion —former DREAM, K-1 Grand Prix and Strikeforce champion Alistair Overeem. Overeem will enter the Octagon on an 11-fight unbeaten streak. The last time Overeem dropped an MMA bout was September 2007 when he was knocked out by Sergei Kharitonov.
The co-main event on the card will feature a lightweight battle between Nate Diaz and Donald Cerrone. Cerrone is enjoying a great 2011, going 4-0 over the course of the year and earning three “Fight of the Night” bonuses in the process.
For his part, Diaz has gone 1-2 in 2011. Despite the losing record, Diaz —much like Cerrone —is a fighter that can be counted on to deliver an exciting fight, no matter the opponent. This bout is an early favorite for Fight of the Night honors.
Also appearing on the pay-per-view portion of the card will be highly ranked welterweight Jon Fitch. Fitch, coming back from shoulder surgery, will face a fellow high level wrestler in Johny Hendricks on Friday night.
In all, UFC 141 will feature 11 fights, with the five fight pay-per-view card kicking off at 10 p.m. ET.
Bleacher Report MMA will be your source for news, analysis and opinions on all the fights on the upcoming fight card.
Check back often as the fight card nears for all the UFC 141 information you need.
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