It’s a clash of the heavyweights at UFC 70: Nation’s Collide, which is taking place in England on April 21. The trip to England will be the first for the UFC since 2002.
Mirko Cro Cop vs. Gabriel Gonzaga- Winner gets Couture?
The main event features two heavyweight title contenders squaring off against each other. Cro Cop is fighting in his second bout here in the UFC and is considered by many to be Randy Couture’s next opponent. Cro Cop easily defeated Eddie Sanchez in his debut in February.
Gonzaga goes into this match in a similar spot to Cro Cop in terms of positioning in the heavyweight title hunt. Noted mostly for his striking and submissions (UFC.com), Gonzaga made quick work of Carmelo Marrero at UFC 66.
No doubt, this match has title implications. If Cro Cop wins, it makes him the #1 contender for a heavyweight title match with Randy Couture later on this year. If Gonzaga wins, it brings him one step closer to a title match with Couture. Expect a good match.
Assuerio Silva vs. Cheick Kongo- A chance for redemption
Silva makes his return to the Octagon for the first time in almost a year and goes up against Kongo. Both men have struggled during their time in the UFC. A win for either man improves their chances of making some noise in the heavyweight division.
Michael Bisping vs. Elvis Sinosic- Light Heavyweight action
Bisping, the season three winner of The Ultimate Fighter looks to go one step further in his quest for a shot at Chuck Liddell and his Light Heavyweight title. The fighter from Liverpool looks to keep his undefeated record going with a match against a well-known UFC veteran.
Sinosic returns to the UFC for the first time in over a year and has a lot going against him. The Aussie hopes to snap a five match losing streak in the UFC. Sinosic told UFC.com, he plans on giving Bisping his first loss.
Andrei Arlovski vs. Fabricio Werdum- Werdum makes his debut
Werdum makes his UFC debut against one of the best knockout artists in the UFC. According to his fight profile on Sherdog.com, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist arrives from Pride Fighting and has a record of 9-2-1. A win over Arlovski will get Werdum on the right track in the Heavyweight division.
For the “Pit Bull,” a victory brings him one step closer to title contention. After losing twice to Tim Sylvia last year, Arlovski ended 2006 with a win over Marcio Cruz at UFC. This will no doubt be a great match.
For more information on the matches, go to UFC.com
