Blockbuster UFC on FOX 5 set to feature Henderson vs. Diaz, Rua vs. Gustaffson, and Penn vs. MacDonald
The UFC has announced a blockbuster card for the end of the year, and it will air live on Fox. UFC on Fox 5, taking place at a yet-to-be-named location, will showcase a title fight when Ben Henderson defends his Lightweight strap against the surging contender Nate Diaz. Henderson, of course, is coming off of two decision victories over Frankie Edgar, although the last has come under much scrutiny from both the media and fans. His last performance may have left some question marks about the champion, who is undefeated in the UFC but also has not finished a single fight. Diaz comes in strong off of a submission victory over Jim Miller and should be a tough test for the champ.
The allure of this card does not stop there. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, fresh off his riveting TKO over Brandon Vera in a brawl, will return to the cage to gauge his relevancy at Light Heavyweight. The test will be tough, as young rising star Alexander Gustaffson has been named his opponent. Last seen dismantling Thiago Silva in April, Gustaffson is widely considered one of the frontrunners to challenge Jon Jones for the belt. This fight should be a number one contender’s match for sure. Shogun will come to stand and bang, Gustaffson has shown some evasive tactics as of late after training with Dominick Cruz.
Finally, the long-awaited bout of BJ Penn vs. Rory MacDonald will round out the card’s main bouts. Originally scheduled for UFC 152 in Toronto, the bout was put on hold when MacDonald required 40 stitches in a huge cut over his eye. This battle is a classic test of old school vs. new school, and will be a very tough matchup for the returning Penn, last seen facing Nick Diaz in a one-sided decision loss last October.
There is an unknown fourth main bout expected to be announced in the coming days, with these fights scheduled, one can only speculate as to those participants. The UFC has shocked the world by announcing a card like this on free TV, and December 8th should be a great day for MMA.
