By Nisar Khan
Houston will be home to UFC 166 tonight. All eyes will be on the Toyota Center as Cain Velasquez and Junior Dos Santos conclude a trilogy for the UFC Heavyweight Championship. The following is preview, breakdown, picks and points to watch out for in tonight's event.
Houston will be home to UFC 166 tonight. All eyes will be on the Toyota Center as Cain Velasquez and Junior Dos Santos conclude a trilogy for the UFC Heavyweight Championship. The following is preview, breakdown, picks and points to watch out for in tonight's event.
Houston is preparing for UFC 166, which will see the completion of an epic trilogy over the Heavyweight Championship between Junior Dos Santos and Cain Velasquez. With a jam-packed card sure not to disappoint, the fight fans around the World are preparing for a thrilling night inside the Octagon.
In addition to what may be a classic ending to the Dos Santos/Velasquez trilogy, a clash of fearless Heavyweights could make some noise in the co-main event.
In spite of Daniel Cormier announcing that he will drop to Light Heavyweight after his fight, that takes nothing away from a potentially ferocious fight. Heavy Hands are ready to go... and so is Gilbert Melendez. Having lost to Benson Henderson in a close encounter for the UFC Lightweight Championship, a win over fellow compatriot Diego Sanchez could set him up for a shot soon for the Lightweight Championship.
Plus, if the four big Heavyweights on the card were not enough to tempt you into the action, the introduction of two more on the main card sure will. Gabriel Gonzaga takes to the Octagon to face Shawn Jordan - another knockout is possibly in the offing.
If you prefer watching smaller people fight, then UFC 166 has got that, too. Former #1 Flyweight contender John Dodson battles Darrell Montague to open the main card.
Revival of Contenders?
UFC 166's main card could see the revival of title hopes for John Dodson and Gilbert Melendez. Having been former contenders for the belts in their respective divisions, we could see them make a claim to the titles once again. In spite of John Dodson not being particularly close in his fight with Demetrius Johnson in January, a strong win over fellow-Flyweight Darrell Montague could make himself some noise to open the main card.
On a closer-call, comes Gilbert Melendez. "El Nino" was edged out by Benson Henderson in a five-round battle in April this year, with many believing that the challenger should have dethroned Henderson. However, Benson Henderson got the decision victory, and Melendez may see this as his chance to make a name for himself.
So where does this put them, exactly? Of course one factor is the matter in which they win. Obviously Melendez was closer, but he may still have to wait before he gets his shot. A few wins for Dodson on the trott would put him back into contention.
How will Cormier do in his last fight at Heavyweight?
Regardless of the outcome in his fight with "Big Country" Roy Nelson, Daniel Cormier has told the media that he will step down to 205 in the Light Heavyweight Division following UFC 166.
Let's take a look at the opportunity he has here. Roy Nelson no doubt is an esteemed Heavyweight, and this fight will be very interesting. Of course, Cormier will want to leave the division going out on a high, meaning that he will have to finish (or dominate) Roy Nelson.
Finish Roy Nelson? Now that's one hell of a task. We all know that Roy Nelson has one tough chin, not only that but he can pack a punch to go with it. Cormier is in for a huge task, arguably his toughest challenge to date, we'll have to see how he does.
Then, he goes down to Light Heavyweight. We'll see what momentum he comes in, and how his fight with Nelson could affect his rankings.
Heavyweights. Heavy Hands.
With six Heavyweights crammed onto the main card, we are sure to see some fists flying come UFC 166. Gabriel Gonzaga and Shawn Jordan do battle in the main card too, we are sure to see some big shots there. Plus, Roy Nelson and Daniel Cormier (which was alluded to earlier) and without a doubt, the main event.
That's all needed to say for this particular point. Knockouts are coming.
Completing the Trilogy
Cain Velasquez and Junior Dos Santos will be set to complete a wild trilogy over the UFC Heavyweight Championship dating back to their first encounter merely 707 days away from fight night. Within that time frame, the title changed hands on the encounters between the two, but neither has lost - except to each other.
Its been a wild ride since it all started in November 2011. When Junior Dos Santos finished Cain Velasquez much quicker than expected, it would light the fuel to the fire of Cain Velasquez who wrecked Bigfoot Silva at UFC 146, while Junior Dos Santos finished Frank Mir emphatically. Then came the rematch - UFC 155. Five rounds of domination by Velsquez left Cigano damaged after, and Velasquez re-captured the gold. In May, we saw the two fight in separate bouts at UFC 160, both looking sharp once again with finishes. It leads to this. The trilogy completes, and we will truly find out who is the Baddest Man on the Planet.
Who will prove the best? Will Cain Velasquez retain his title? Or will Dos Santos re-capture the Gold that is coveted to him?
By Nisar Khan - Read more articles from this author
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| Cain Velasquez defends his Heavyweight Championship tonight in his third encounter with Junior Dos Santos (Image Courtesy: ESPN.com) |
Houston is preparing for UFC 166, which will see the completion of an epic trilogy over the Heavyweight Championship between Junior Dos Santos and Cain Velasquez. With a jam-packed card sure not to disappoint, the fight fans around the World are preparing for a thrilling night inside the Octagon.
In addition to what may be a classic ending to the Dos Santos/Velasquez trilogy, a clash of fearless Heavyweights could make some noise in the co-main event.
In spite of Daniel Cormier announcing that he will drop to Light Heavyweight after his fight, that takes nothing away from a potentially ferocious fight. Heavy Hands are ready to go... and so is Gilbert Melendez. Having lost to Benson Henderson in a close encounter for the UFC Lightweight Championship, a win over fellow compatriot Diego Sanchez could set him up for a shot soon for the Lightweight Championship.
Plus, if the four big Heavyweights on the card were not enough to tempt you into the action, the introduction of two more on the main card sure will. Gabriel Gonzaga takes to the Octagon to face Shawn Jordan - another knockout is possibly in the offing.
If you prefer watching smaller people fight, then UFC 166 has got that, too. Former #1 Flyweight contender John Dodson battles Darrell Montague to open the main card.
 |
| Daniel Cormier's last Heavyweight fight will be against Roy Nelson |
Revival of Contenders?
UFC 166's main card could see the revival of title hopes for John Dodson and Gilbert Melendez. Having been former contenders for the belts in their respective divisions, we could see them make a claim to the titles once again. In spite of John Dodson not being particularly close in his fight with Demetrius Johnson in January, a strong win over fellow-Flyweight Darrell Montague could make himself some noise to open the main card.
On a closer-call, comes Gilbert Melendez. "El Nino" was edged out by Benson Henderson in a five-round battle in April this year, with many believing that the challenger should have dethroned Henderson. However, Benson Henderson got the decision victory, and Melendez may see this as his chance to make a name for himself.
So where does this put them, exactly? Of course one factor is the matter in which they win. Obviously Melendez was closer, but he may still have to wait before he gets his shot. A few wins for Dodson on the trott would put him back into contention.
 |
| Will Gilbert Melendez kickstart his fight back to #1 contendership tonight? |
How will Cormier do in his last fight at Heavyweight?
Regardless of the outcome in his fight with "Big Country" Roy Nelson, Daniel Cormier has told the media that he will step down to 205 in the Light Heavyweight Division following UFC 166.
Let's take a look at the opportunity he has here. Roy Nelson no doubt is an esteemed Heavyweight, and this fight will be very interesting. Of course, Cormier will want to leave the division going out on a high, meaning that he will have to finish (or dominate) Roy Nelson.
Finish Roy Nelson? Now that's one hell of a task. We all know that Roy Nelson has one tough chin, not only that but he can pack a punch to go with it. Cormier is in for a huge task, arguably his toughest challenge to date, we'll have to see how he does.
Then, he goes down to Light Heavyweight. We'll see what momentum he comes in, and how his fight with Nelson could affect his rankings.
 |
| Cormier defeated another veteran, Frank Mir, in April. |
Heavyweights. Heavy Hands.
With six Heavyweights crammed onto the main card, we are sure to see some fists flying come UFC 166. Gabriel Gonzaga and Shawn Jordan do battle in the main card too, we are sure to see some big shots there. Plus, Roy Nelson and Daniel Cormier (which was alluded to earlier) and without a doubt, the main event.
That's all needed to say for this particular point. Knockouts are coming.
 |
| Will Roy Nelson make Cormier the recipient of a knockout? |
Completing the Trilogy
Cain Velasquez and Junior Dos Santos will be set to complete a wild trilogy over the UFC Heavyweight Championship dating back to their first encounter merely 707 days away from fight night. Within that time frame, the title changed hands on the encounters between the two, but neither has lost - except to each other.
 |
| Dos Santos vs. Velasquez I: Dos Santos captured the title in the first encounter |
Its been a wild ride since it all started in November 2011. When Junior Dos Santos finished Cain Velasquez much quicker than expected, it would light the fuel to the fire of Cain Velasquez who wrecked Bigfoot Silva at UFC 146, while Junior Dos Santos finished Frank Mir emphatically. Then came the rematch - UFC 155. Five rounds of domination by Velsquez left Cigano damaged after, and Velasquez re-captured the gold. In May, we saw the two fight in separate bouts at UFC 160, both looking sharp once again with finishes. It leads to this. The trilogy completes, and we will truly find out who is the Baddest Man on the Planet.
 |
| Cain Velasquez got his title back at UFC 155 |
Predictions and Picks
- John Dodson to defeat Darrell Montague: Dodson will dominate Montague over the course of the three rounds for the decision victory.
- Gabriel Gonzaga to defeat Shawn Jordan: Expecting a possibly slow fight, but a knockout will eventually come when Gonzaga KO's Jordan in Round 2.
- Gilbert Melendez to defeat Diego Sanchez. This will be a WAR. Two relentless Mexicans taking to the Octagon to fight. Melendez will work harder for the decision victory, but Sanchez will put up a fight.
- Daniel Cormier to defeat Roy Nelson: Expectant of big shots throughout, but none enough to send either crashing down to the apron. Cormier's wrestling will put him ahead on the judges' scorecards for a decision victory.
- Cain Velasquez to defeat Junior Dos Santos: We may very well see Velasquez this time in fact knock out Junior Dos Santos. But not early, maybe in Round 4.
Houston is looking prepared. UFC 166 rocks the Toyota Center tonight.
The Heavyweight Division could be sent into a tailspin, new contenders could emerge, but what is guaranteed is a great night of fights.
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