Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to the hurt business tonight (Sat., Jan 27, 2018) for UFC on FOX 27 inside Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, featuring a Middleweight fight between Ronaldo Souza and Derek Brunson, as well as a co-main event that will see Dennis Bermudez take on Andre Fili.
What’s Hot:
In 2012, Ronaldo Souza blitzed right through Derek Brunson in the very first round, knocking him out under the Strikeforce banner in just 41 seconds. A lot has changed since then, though, as both men have gone on to have some success inside the Octagon, but their long-awaited title shots have always seemed to elude both men right when they are on the cusp of getting there. Souza hasn’t competed in nearly a year after getting knocked out by Robert Whittaker. Afterward, ”Jacare” opted to go under the knife for pectoral surgery, so that explains his extended hiatus. The division has changed drastically since then and Souza wants to remind fight fans that he’s still the same killer that will snap your limbs if given the opportunity.
As for Brunson, he is on a two-fight win streak and was last seen beating the brakes of Lyoto Machida four months ago. Now that he has the chance to get some revenge on the submission specialist Souza, he will look to make the most of the opportunity by asking for a shot at the title should he prove victorious in his home state.
Original Card vs Actual Card:
Ilir Latifi was forced out of the event with an injury and his bout against Ovince St. Preux was rescheduled to go down at UFC on FOX 28 next month.
Injuries:
Other than Latifi’s unfortunate setback, there were no other injures of note that affected this event.
New Blood:
The opening bout of the evening will see featherweight Austin Arnett try to shake off a loss on “Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series” when he meets fellow Octagon newcomer Corey Sandhagen.
How The Prelims Look:
The undercard features a couple of good bouts that I personally would’ve bumped up to the main card. Headlining the underbelly is a Lightweight bout that will see Bobby Green face off against former featherweight contender Erik Koch. Both men always seem to prefer to let it play out on the feet, and since both need a win in the worst way, I expect fireworks during this contest.
Also, Mirsad Bektic will make his long-awaited return to action since suffering a knockout loss to Darren Elkins close to a year ago. Considered one of the best rising prospects in MMA, Bektic’s momentum was halted by “Damage,” so he will look to get back into the win column after losing his first-ever fight. Standing in the way of that is Godofredo Pepey, who will be just as eager to get a “W” after losing to Shane Burgos last summer.
Who Needs A Win Badly:
The last three years haven’t been particularity fruitful for Bobby Green inside the cage, who has lost three straight since 2014. In his last bout, “King” fought to a draw against Lando Vannata, giving him a bit more anxiety waiting for his much-needed victory. He needs to get through Koch in order to avoid dropping his fourth in last five outings and possibly getting a pink slip.
Interest Level: 5/10
I’m personally not feeling this card. I get it, they can’t all be home-runs, but it does leave plenty to be desired, and we go back to the same old argument of “over saturation.” In all reality, a fight card is not needed every single weekend. And when you decide to go that route these are the types of events you get. Take a weekend or two off every now and again and the cards will look a bit better and more fans will tune in. That said, the main event will be interesting, as will the co-main.
Win, lose, or draw, Dennis Bermudez always brings it, and he will look to bring the heat when he faces off against Team Alpha Male fighter Andre Fili in an attempt to break his two fight skid. “Touchy,” meanwhile, was last seen taking care of Conor McGregor’s training partner Artem Lobov, so he wants to build on that momentum to earn his second straight win in order to give him consecutive victories for the first time in four years.
Full UFC on FOX 27 Fight Card:
UFC on FOX 27 Main Event:
185 lbs.: Ronaldo Souza vs. Derek Brunson
UFC on FOX 27 Main Card (8 p.m. ET):
145 lbs.: Dennis Bermudez vs. Andre Fili
155 lbs.: Gregor Gillespie vs. Jordan Rinaldi
155 lbs.: Frank Camacho vs. Drew Dober
UFC on FOX 27 Prelims on FOX Sports 1 (5 p.m. ET):
155 lbs.: Bobby Green vs. Erik Koch
145 lbs.: Mirsad Bektic vs. Godofredo Pepey
125 lbs.: Mara Romero Borella vs. Katlyn Chookagian
115 lbs.: Juliana Lima vs. Randa Markos
125 lbs.: Justine Kish vs. Ji Yeon Kim
155 lbs.: Vinc Pichel vs. Joaquim Silva
UFC on FOX 27 Prelims on Fight Pass (4:00 p.m. ET):
170 lbs.: Niko Price vs. George Sullivan
145 lbs.: Austin Arnett vs. Cory Sandhagen
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