The second UFC show of 2014 comes to you live from Atlanta, Ga., as UFC Fight Night 35 takes place January 15.
Headlined by middleweight contenders Costa Philippou and Luke Rockhold, the card is short on “name talent” but makes up for it by having exciting fighters and intriguing matchups. A number of solid prospects will appear on the card, looking to boost their stocks.
With that, let’s take a peak at who may be taking home the bonuses come fight night.
Submission of the Night: Cole Miller
There are a lot of strikers and bangers on this card, meaning that submissions could come few and far between. However, there is a jiu-jitsu ace training with American Top Team by the name of Cole Miller who could be walking out of Atlanta with some bulkier pockets.
Miller is extremely lethal on the ground and slick in gaining position. He is taking on Sam Sicilia, a guy who can handle himself on the ground but is not on the level of Mr. Miller.
Miller will find a way to ground Sicilia, pound him, advance position and secure a hold. That tapout will get him a little extra money to walk around with.
Also in the running: Trevor Smith, Charlie Brenneman
Knockout of the Night: Yoel Romero
Since entering the UFC, Yoel Romero has shown off a power game that has put two of his opponents to rest. Should he get a third knockout in his third UFC outing, it will likely net him a bonus check.
Romero is taking on a fellow wrestler in Derek Brunson, who has a similar skill set. That being said, Brunson heavily relies on his wrestling to be successful, and he is taking on an Olympic medalist who will beat him in that category.
When that happens, Brunson will be left to stand with the hulking Cuban. That could lead to a big, powerful knockout from Romero that nets him another Knockout of the Night bonus.
Also in the running: TJ Dillashaw, Vinc Pichel
Fight of the Night: Luke Rockhold vs. Costa Philippou
The main event between Luke Rockhold and Costa Philippou is not only the biggest fight on the card, it has the potential to be the best fight on the card.
Both men love to strike, as Rockhold trains with American Top Team and Philippou has worked out with Ray Longo and company. Rockhold‘s kickboxing vs. Philippou‘s boxing is going to be very intriguing, as it will show who is the better man and the better striker.
That clash of styles will make for an awesome bout. The winner is back in title contention and the loser will be on the outside looking in.
Also in the running: Lorenz Larkin-Brad Tavares, TJ Dillashaw-Mike Easton, John Moraga-Dustin Ortiz, Alp Ozkilic-Louis Smolka
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