On Saturday, February 26th the UFC will present UFC 127 which features a number of big fights for the evening. As with every mixed martial arts event, a number of questions have existed since the announced of the card. These are five interesting questions that we will know once the final hand is raised at UFC 127.
Which BJ Penn is going to show up in Sydney, Australia?
With or without this win, BJ Penn is going to be a featured name in the UFC Hall of Fame. However, a victory on Saturday brings him one step closer to another chance at holding the UFC Welterweight title. In order to defeat Jon Fitch, the Penn that decimated Kenny Florian, Diego Sanchez, Sean Sherk and Matt Hughes must enter that cage. Anything less and he will quickly find himself in trouble. Fitch is the type of fighter that pressures his way to victory. He may not win over many fans with that style, but a win is a win. Anything less than BJ Penn at his best may be forced to wilt under that pressure.
Is Jon Fitch ready for his biggest test since GSP?
Jon Fitch is an amazing 13-1 in the Octagon. With that record he has rolled over opponent after opponent, except for one man. On Saturday he will face an opponent in Penn that has a high level of freakish talent that can cause problems for many different fighters. The opening waves of the contest will say a lot as to how this battle will go for Fitch. If he can survive the barrage that crushed Hughes he will go a long way to grinding out the victory in the style for which he has become known.
Does a victory guarantee George Sotiropoulos a title shot?
Coming into his July 2010 bout against Kurt Pellegrino, George Sotiropoulos was next in line for a title shot. However the WEC merger and the Frankie Edgar versus Gray Maynard rivalry placed the Australian on the backburner. With victories over UFC mainstays such as Pellegrino, Joe Lauzon, George Roop, Joe Stevenson; Sotiropoulos is on the cusp of a title shot. The question is when and does this victory guarantee said shot next? If he defeats Denis Siver, do not be surprised for him to have to win one more before he stands across the cage from the champion. While he is 7-0 in the Octagon, I believe Sotiropoulos may be a victim of bad timing and that can be a killer in mixed martial arts.
Is Ross Pearson versus Spencer Fisher a “Loser Leaves Town” Fight?
The UFC’s lightweight division is stacked from top to bottom with guys who are legitimate contenders. A loss can have you quickly looking up at everyone or in another organization all together. Both Spencer Fisher and Ross Pearson can use a win to stay relevant in this organization. Pearson was defeated by Cole Miller at UFC Fight Night 22 while Fisher is 1-2 in his last three fights. This fight can easily become “Fight of the Night” and I expect it to as both will leave it all in the cage in hopes of keeping their spot on the UFC roster because who ever loses may receive that dreaded call.
What should we make of Kyle Noke versus Chris Camozzi?
Kyle Noke and Chris Camozzi are both 2-0 in the middleweight division. With both fighters being under the age of 30, this is another attempt at UFC matchmakers to slowly push potential talent through the ranks. Fans have noticed this recently with Jon Jones, Ryan Bader, and Jake Ellenberger. As the opening fight on the main card, Noke and Camozzi have a chance to wow the man and take a step closer to becoming “names” in the division. Expect both fighters to come out hard during this fight that will not go the full 15 minutes.
