The only reason UFC 152 is better than its predecessor is because UFC 151 never took place.
This obviously makes the upcoming fight card infinitely better and fans are excited to finally see some of the best athletes in the world compete in some high profile bouts. However, this event will not be one for the ages.
UFC 152 features two co-main events. The first of the two is the final for the inaugural flyweight championship between Joseph Benavidez and Demetrious Johnson. Each competitor had to win a semifinal round to reach this point.
Unfortunately, these are two marginally successful fighters who moved to the lighter class because they failed at bantamweight, both losing to Dominick Cruz.
In the more high-profile main event, Jon Jones will defend his light heavyweight title against Vitor Belfort. This is where the fight card comes up short.
Jones has proven in his short time in UFC that he is already one of the best ever to compete. Belfort has shown a lot throughout his career, but he will not last long in this title shot.
Oddsmaker Joey Oddessa told MMAjunkie.com, “You can’t make the line high enough for Jones vs. Belfort.” He set an opening line at -1300, although it has dropped to -800, according to Bovada. This is still enough to consider the champ an overwhelming favorite.
Even Belfort himself knows that it will be an uphill battle. He told UFC Tonight (via MMAJunkie.com), “Here I am with 35 years old, 17 years into my career, fighting the best fighter of all-time, in the history of the UFC.”
He goes on to say that he will “put up a fight,” but it seems more like admiration of his opponent, rather than someone who he expects to win in the coming days.
Jones was initially scheduled to face Dan Henderson at UFC 151, but an injury forced Henderson out of the fight. When the champion refused to face Chael Sonnen, the entire event was canceled.
Either of these competitors would be a step up from Belfort. The former light heavyweight champ struggled after he lost his rematch against Randy Couture. This forced him into the middleweight division, where he has had some success, but it will not continue once he moves back up a weight class.
It is possible there is no one available that would present a real challenge to Jon Jones. Almost everyone who has tried has been knocked out or was forced to submit. Still, this is about providing fans with the best possible show.
Belfort is an all-or-nothing fighter, so the match should end quickly. Meanwhile, fans that spend the money on the pay-per-view will be left waiting until the next great UFC match.
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