Road To The Octagon: UFC on FOX 18
This Saturday night (January 30, 2016) the UFC returns with the anticipated UFC on FOX 18 from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
The free television event features a pivotal light heavyweight main event between No. 2-ranked former title challenger Anthony “Rumble” Johnson and streaking contender Ryan Bader, whose been very vocal about a title shot due to five straight victories.
He’ll almost certainly get it if he can get past the monstrous challenge of “Rumble,” who most recently rebounded from his discouraging title loss to Daniel Cormier at UFC 187 by knocking out Jimi Manuwa at September’s UFC 191, but that opportunity will be held up based on what happens in the awaited return of former champion Jon Jones.
Either way, his fight with Johnson is undoubtedly the biggest of his career, and one that will shape the near future of the relatively shallow UFC light heavyweight division. To prepare for the event, the UFC has released Road to the Octagon for UFC on FOX 18’s main bouts. Watch the full segment for “Rumble” vs. Bader right here, and look out for the second and third videos on the following pages:
Jump to the next page to watch Road to the Octagon: Barnett vs. Rothwell….
The UFC on FOX 18 co-main event carries pivotal title implications as well, as longtime veteran and former UFC champion Josh Barnett seeks to halt the streak of unlikely contender “Big” Ben Rothwell.
No. 8 Barnett won an impressive bout against Roy Nelson in his last fight, while No. 7 Rothwell has been vicious in finishing Matt Mitrione, Alistair Overeem, and Brandon Vera in his last three bouts.
The winner could find themselves knocking on the door of contention in another shallow division, especially with a convincing performance. Watch the full Road to the Octagon: Josh Barnett vs. Ben Rothwell here:
Jump to the next page to watch Road to the Octagon: Alcantara vs. Rivera….
Finally, the third main bout at UFC on FOX 18 features bantamweight veteran Iuri Alcantara, who will take on New Jersey native Jimmie Rivera in a dire contest for both fighters’ career trajectory.
Alcantara will seek to prove he’s still one of the best competitors in a 135-pound division that everyone’s suddenly talking about thanks to the emotional return of former and current champion Dominick Cruz, while Rivera will look to build on an incredible 17-fight win streak with his third UFC victory.
Watch Road to the Octagon: Alcantara vs. Rivera right here:
