Headlined by the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship main event between defending champion Jon Jones and challenger Glover Teixeira, Saturday’s UFC 172 pay-per-view is shaping up to be one of the best shows of 2014.
The fight card is so much more than the main event, though, as the company has bolstered this PPV in order to draw the fans in. With the battle between Phil Davis and Anthony Johnson co-headlining the show, this is a must-watch event.
Here is all the vital viewing information for UFC 172, a full fight card and a preview of the co-main event.
Where: Baltimore Arena, Baltimore
When: Saturday, April 26 at 10 p.m. ET
Watch: Pay-per-view (check local cable provider)
Live Stream: UFC.TV (subscription required)
Breaking Down the Co-Main Event: Phil Davis vs. Anthony Johnson
While the battle between Jones and Teixeira is stealing all the headlines, one of the most exciting fights of the night will be the light heavyweight bout between Phil Davis (12-1, 1 NC) and Anthony Johnson (16-4).
Both men are fighting for the right to be considered a legitimate championship contender.
For Davis, the road to this point has been tumultuous. After reaching a title eliminator against Rashad Evans, Davis was defeated via unanimous decision and went on to fight to a no-contest in his next bout against Wagner Prado.
Davis beat Prado in the return match and went on to add two victories against Vinny Magalhaes and Lyoto Machida. Despite the recent success, outspoken UFC president Dana White discounted the championship contender.
White told Steven Marrocco of MMA Junkie about his perception of Davis and his lack of focus on long-term goals:
I like Phil, and I don’t want to throw Phil under the bus, but Phil needs to get over that mental hump, and he needs to get on the Internet and f–king check the rankings and see where he’s ranked. He’s one of the best light heavyweights in the world, but he doesn’t come off to me like I’ve got guys (who are) breathing down my f–king neck for fights: ‘I want this fight. I want this, I want that.’
With the odds stacked against him and even the owner of the company making comments, Saturday night’s battle against Johnson in the co-main event is Davis’ chance to prove his worth to the company.
Johnson was re-signed by the UFC in February, and he will be looking to capitalize on the success he found fighting in other promotions (six straight victories). A victory over Davis would be the perfect start to a second run with the company and begin his ascent back into title contention.
As much as Johnson needs this victory, Davis has the wrestling skills and heavy hands to make his challenger pay and make his boss reconsider his words.
If White was trying to light a fire under Davis, how he reacts to the pressure on Saturday will be a huge test. The stage has been set for Davis to cement himself in the division.
Predicted Winner: Phil Davis via unanimous decision
Stats via UFC.com.
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