Why You Should (Still) Watch UFC 130

UFC 130 was primed to be the only show that could follow the virtual explosion that was UFC 129. While this may seem numerically obvious, I mean by this that UFC’s biggest show to date could not be followed by just any old thrown together card; it needed heat and UFC 130 was bringing plenty of it. Unfortunately, the two main torchbearers, Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard, went down with injuries, announced on the same day. The two top lightweights in the world have quietly put together the hottest feud in the sport and it was meant to find resolution, or at least another step toward it this Saturday. Dana White and company found themselves in a bit of pickle. Now UFC 130 reads more like a Spike TV show but its much too late for that. The reality is that the card is still relatively strong and here are 8 reasons to watch UFC 130 in some capacity or another.

1. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson – You never know what you are going to get from Rampage but there is always a chance you get absolute fireworks. In the very least you get an intense build and a big fight atmosphere. While his opponent, Matt Hamill is significantly less marketable he is no less explosive. His strength is unbelievable and wrestling is world class. Both fighters are on their way up. The styles match up could make for lackluster action but night if Rampage has his way these two are going to exchange punches and I tend to think one of them will go down.

2. Roy Nelson vs Frank Mir – Frank Mir is a divisive character in MMA and both lovers and haters will want to tune into this one. One tough hombre, Roy Nelson has the skills in all areas to compete with Mir, one of the few men in the division who can make that claim not to be at a disadvantage on the ground. Nelson is also a pretty easy guy to get behind - predominately self trained, portly belly, and blue-collar fight style. This might be the most interesting fight on the card and has very little chance of being a snooze-fest.

3. Thiago Alvez’s KO Potential – This guy is one of the most dynamic strikers in the welterweight division and he is going to be out to prove it as a long road awaits before he reaches the top of the mountain again. That said, it might be just as interesting to see if he makes weight, a problem that has consistently plagued him during his time in the division. Story is no pushover but the focal point of the fight will be Alvez, even if he is upset.

4. Little Known Heavyweight Prospects – Stephan Struve and Travis Browne are two of the most keen fighters in the heavyweight division today despite their low key status. One of these two is going to get a much-needed win to push them up the ranks. Ohh and do not sleep on this one either, its not a snack break fight. If this goes the distance and its not a 15 minutes knockdown drag-out brawl I will eat my desk.

5. The (Re)Introduction of Jorge Santiago – Santiago has been a staple outside the UFC for some time now and as such might be a touch over-hyped by keyboard warriors like myself. But no one wins 23 fights by being a pushover. He will be looking to improve upon his last stint in the UFC and might be primed to make a good impression here. Brian Stann is an American hero interest story but I still have serious doubts about him as a professional fighter. I think this is Santiago’s chance to make a big impression and he needs to make the most of it.

6. Miguel Torres Upset? – I was on the Miguel Torres bandwagon for a while, I got talked off it and now I am really having trouble seeing this guy as a top contender again. He is fighting a very dangerous Demetrious Johnson and I for one smell an upset. Johnson has the tools to steal a lot of thunder from the former WEC champion and Torress might be a little deflated by missing the main card (this fight is on Spike TV). I was going to suggest Johnson as an underdog to bet on but it seems Vegas agrees with me.

7. Title Implications – At least three fights on this card have potential to wield immediate title implications while at least three others will reverberate through the title pictures in their respective divisions none-the-less. Don’t be surprised if you see at least one of the fighters on this card in a title fight or contenders fight within the year.

8. The Barbarian vs The Spider – Tim Boetsch is the closest thing to a real Viking I have seen in MMA (except for when Brock rocked his beard). He is silly strong and isn’t afraid to pick a guy up and throw him around. Boetsch was doing this at 205 pounds and is now cutting to 185 to fight the dangerous but inconsistent Kendall Grove. One day Grove wows you with a knockout of the night type performance and the next you wonder what you saw in him. Either way, I think this is a great fight and will be well worth the FREE you will pay for it if you have Spike TV.