UFC 73 Preview
A 'Stacked' Card
The UFC will hold a Stacked card at the Arco Arena on Saturday, July 7, it’s no wonder that this Pay-Per-View be called, UFC 73: Stacked.
Tito Ortiz vs. Rashad Evans- The Huntington Beach Bad Boy’s last stand?
This is the first of the triple main event and it features two fighters going down different roads.
For Ortiz, this may be his last shot at earning a Light Heavyweight title match this year and maybe next year.
Ortiz last lost to Chuck Liddell, last December and now needs a win to save himself from freefalling in the Light Heavyweight division.
For Evans, this is his biggest fight yet. Since winning season two of The Ultimate Fighter, Evans has won all of his fights in the UFC and is undefeated in his Mixed Martial Arts career.
Evans last defeated Sean Salmon at a Fight Night event earlier this year. A win over Ortiz certainly puts the former Michigan State standout in good shape in the Light Heavyweight division.
Anderson Silva vs. Nate Marquardt- UFC Middleweight championship
Silva, a tough striker, has been on a role as of lately, winning his three fights in the UFC, including a victory over TUF four Middleweight winner, Travis Lutter.
Silva also defeated Rich Franklin and Chris Leben. He defeated Franklin to win the title. Franklin will certainly get a title shot and could get it against Silva.
But first, Silva has to go through Nate “The Great.” The fighter from Colorado is on a six fight win streak with four of those wins coming in the UFC. He’s best known for fighting with Pancrese and has won multiple times.
Marquardt defeated Dean Lister at a Fight Night earlier this year. A win over Silva would be huge for “The Great.”
Sean Sherk vs. Hermes Franca- UFC Lightweight championship
The Lightweights look to battle it out, as Sean Sherk defends his UFC Lightweight title for the first time since defeating Kenny Florian, last October.
Sherk has lost only twice in his amazing career, once to Matt Hughes and the other to Georges St. Pierre.
The wrestler will have his hands full against the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighter Franca. He defeated Spencer Fisher earlier this year and looks to take full advantage of his opportunity at winning the Lightweight title.
Franca has won four times in the UFC and a victory over Sherk would make it his fifth.
Antonio “Minotauro” Nogueira vs. Heath Herring- Classic Pride Bout
That’s right fight fans, Nog is making his UFC debut as he takes on the “Texas Crazy Horse,” Herring.
Herring is 1-1 in the UFC and looks to win his second straight fight against the man many consider to be the second best Heavyweight in the world.
Herring defeated Brad Imes at UFC 69.
Meanwhile, Kenny Florian looks to re-enter the Lightweight title picture, by taking on Alvin Robinson, who is making his UFC debut.
Stephan Bonnar will make his return to the UFC Octagon as he takes on Mike Nickels. Bonnar failed a drug test last year and was suspended for eight months.
Also a battle of the undefeated fighters is set to take place on the UFC stage, as Frank Edgar looks to fight Mark Bocek, who is making his UFC debut.
Edgar won in his debut against Tyson Griffin at UFC 67.
For more information on UFC 73: Stacked, go to UFC.com.
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