UFC 139

There are some CRAZY good fights on the UFC's card tonight. So no time to waste!

Stephan "The American Psycho" Bonnar vs. Kyle "Kingsbu" Kingsbury"
light heavyweight

Two gigantic 205 pounders go at it here, and this could be an interesting fight. Kingsbury is on a four fight winning streak, and a win over Bonnar could steer him towards some stiffer competition. Bonnar has strung together a couple of wins after a three fight skid had him on the verge of getting pink slipped. Bonnar is the better fighter, with solid stand up, killer cardio, and an extremely underrated ground game. Kingsbury is one of those fighters who got into MMA due to being a freakishly athletic individual, and has picked up the skills necessary in a very short period of time. This fight comes down to how tough Kingsbury's chin is, and can he grind out Bonnar long enough to eke out a decision, or possibly get a stoppage. Honestly, as tough as Kingsbury is, I think his stand up isn't good enough to faze Bonnar, and he'll have a hard time getting Bonnar to the mat, where he may not have any advantage anyway. Kingsbury is a tough fighter, and an imposing physical specimen to boot, but Bonnar is too well rounded, and I like "The American Psycho" in an exciting three rounder.

Bonnar via Unanimous Decision


Martin "The Hitman" Kampmann vs. Rick "The Horror" Story
welterweight

With both men coming off losses, and Kampmann suffering back to back defeats, there is much to be gained in victory by both men. After scoring a big upset over Thiago Alves, Story seemed posed to break into the top tier of welterweights, but then had his plan derailed by Charlie Brenneman. An excellent wrestler with a chin like granite, and an amazing ability to take fighters out of their comfort zone, Story is a tough match up for any fighter. After a contentious split decision loss to Jake Shields, Kampmann bloodied and battered Diego Sanchez but was on the losing end of another decision. Honestly, he got hosed in that fight, but he comes into this bout with a bit of a chip on his shoulder, and is looking to get back on track to a title fight. Kampmann is one of the most precise and technical strikers in the 170 pound division, and backs that up with very good wrestling, outstanding submissions, and a strong chin. His wrestling will likely be enough to stave off take downs from Story, and if that's the case, it's going to be a long night for "The Horror" as his chin is durable, but his striking is just not on the same level as Kampmanns is. Story will be thwarted on take down attempts early, and pay the price for it. He may try to go the route Sanchez did, and try to steal rounds late with flurries and pressure, but by the time it gets to that point, he'll be too far behind on the judges cards for it to matter. Kampmann may get a late stoppage, but it's more likely that he gets the decision nod in another exciting three rounder.

Kampmann via Unanimous Decision


Urijah "The California Kid" Faber vs. Brian Bowles
bantamweight

In a battle to become the next man to challenge Domini Cruz for the bantamweight title, Faber and Bowles will undoubtedly put on a heck of a show. Faber has a motor that doesn't stop, and is extremely creative and innovative with his attacks. Bowles is much more measured, and precise. Bowles probably has the edge in technique, but Faber possesses such a wide arsenal of offense, that it's hard to anticipate exactly what you're going to get when you face him. Both men have a wrestling background, though Fabers is far more extensive. Bowles may be the slightly larger fighter, and definitely has the reach advantage here, and is probably the more heavy handed. This fight will be two tough guys going 110% and trying to force the other to make a mistake first. Both are very talented, but I think the conditioning and all around game of Faber edges out Bowles, and again, it will come down to the judges, but I think they will be divided in their decision.

Faber via Split Decision


Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva vs. Cung Le
middleweight

Former Strikeforce middleweight champion Le makes his UFC debut against one of the most decorated, and beloved fighters in MMA history in Silva. Le brings an dynamic and exciting striking game to the table, along with a surprising take down defense, which against Wanderlei, probably wont come into play. Silva doesn't try and surprise you, he just comes out as pure, unbridled aggression, and tries to take your head off. I'd be surprised if this fight makes it out of the first round, and down right shocked if it makes it out of the second. Le is very talented on the feet, but he's staring down the barrel of turning forty, and has never been up against the caliber of striker of Silva. "The Axe Murderer" is a road worn fighter himself, and many speculate that it should be his last fight, should he lose. A warrior in the truest sense, Silva will go out, press the action, and deliver a highlight reel quality knock out, and I'm calling it now, KO of the Night for Silva by the end of the second round.

Silva via KO, Rd. 2


Mauricio "Shogun" Rua vs. Dan "Hendo" Henderson
light heavyweight

The main event is a dream match up between two men who are already MMA legends, and looking to be state their case that they should be in the ever expanding pool of contenders for the 205 pound title. After getting manhandled by the champ Jon Jones, Rua rebounded with a thorough dismantling of Forrest Griffin, avenging the loss he suffered to Griffin in his UFC debut. After scoring the Knock Out of the Year against Michael Bisping in 2009, Henderson went on to win the Strikeforce light heavyweight title, and now finds himself back in the UFC, trying to get another shot at UFC gold. Cast in the mold of Randy Couture, Henderson is a cagey vet with outstanding wrestling chops, and a right hand that you really don't want to be on the receiving end of. Rua has a slick Muay Thai based stand up, that blends kicks, punches, and knees together in a whirlwind, and is more than capable of submitting fighters on the ground if it should go there. Can Rua stave off the wrestling and avoid the big shot from Henderson long enough to impose his game plan and chop down the tree of "Hendo"? Rua will need to pick his shots early, and just wear him down, which is when Henderson makes mistakes, and the try to capitalize on what was once, but is no more a stout chin. This will be exciting for sure, but I see Rua pulling away late, and getting a late second, or early third round stoppage.

Rua via TKO, Rd. 2