C. Mendes (left) and R. Lamas (right) take part in the main fight of UFC Fairfax. Photo: Brandon Magnus/UFC
In categories without so many challengers, as the saying goes, you are always two good wins away from competing for the belt. Knowing this, Ricardo Lamas and Chad Mendes, who were defeated by the champion José Aldo in 2014, this Saturday (04), in the main fight of UFC Fight Night 63 in Fairfax (USA), a fight that could define the direction of the featherweight category.
This is because the winner of the duel will put themselves in a good position to seek a new chance at the belt, while the loser will take a few steps back in the title race. Occupying first and fourth place respectively in the division, Mendes and Lamas have in common, in addition to sharing the octagon in Fairfax, the fact that they suffered their only defeats in Ultimate to José Aldo.
When the gong rings, the similarities between the rivals should also dictate the tone of the fight. Owners of very similar styles, Chad Mendes and Ricardo Lamas come from Olympic wrestling and have physical takedowns as their strong point. Despite this, it is better not to rule out the stand-up fight either, because, even with the preference for grappling, Lamas and Mendes have no less than six knockouts in Ultimate.
TUF champion, Ronda's rival returns after serious injury
J. Peña hasn't fought since 2013. Photo: Disclosure
The UFC in Fairfax could also be important for the women's bantamweight category, as it will mark the return of Julianna Pena to the octagon. The TUF 18 champion, who became famous in the edition by playing the champion and trainer Ronda Rousey cry, will have his first fight since winning the reality show, a year and a half ago.
Ronda's instant rival, since the controversy on the program, and seen by many as a potential challenger for the blonde in the near future, the American of Venezuelan descent was sidelined after suffering a very serious knee injury. On this Saturday's main card, Peña faces Russian Milana Dudieva.
The only Brazilian on the card, Carlos Diego has a tough time ahead of him
Carlos Diego (photo) seeks rehabilitation from his only professional defeat. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
Brazil will have just one representative on the UFC Fight Night 63 card: the Amazonian based in the United States Carlos Diego Ferreira. And, coming off the first defeat of his career, Carlos Diego will not have an easy life ahead. His opponent in the fight that opens the main card will be the North American Dustin poirier, who came very close to fighting for the featherweight belt against José Aldo, but moved up to lightweight.
CHECK OUT THE COMPLETE UFC FIGHT NIGHT 63 SPECIFICATIONS BELOW:
DATE: 04/04/2015;
SCHEDULE: From 12pm (Brasília time);
PLACE: Patriot Center, Fairfax, Virginia (USA);
STREAMING: Combat Channel.
COMPLETE CARD
MAIN CARD
Featherweight (up to 66 kg): Chad Mendes x Ricardo Lamas;
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Jorge masvidal x To the fifth;
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Michael chiesa x Mitch Clarke;
Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Julianna Pena x Milana Dudieva;
Featherweight (up to 66 kg): Clay guida x Robbie Peralta;
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Dustin poirier x Carlos Diego Ferreira.
PRELIMINARY CARD
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Liz Carmouche x Lauren Murphy;
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Gray Maynard x Alexander Yakovlev;
Heavyweight (up to 120 kg): Shamil Abdurahimov x Timothy Johnson;
Middleweight (up to 84 kg): Justin Jones x Ron Stallings.
Comments