UFC Lightweight Title On The Line In Co-Main Event Saturday
By Richard Hunter | @RichardHunter
LAS VEGAS (105.3 THE FAN) -- Even with UFC fans well accustomed to monthly blockbuster pay per views, the rarity of having two titles defended in one night always causes an added buzz around any fight card.
Saturday night at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas (9:00 p.m. CST) Johny Hendricks puts his welterweight title on the line in a highly anticipated rematch with Robbie Lawler. Directly preceding that, "Ultimate Fighter" coaches Gilbert "El Nino" Melendez and Anthony "Showtime" Pettis face off for Pettis' lightweight title.
It's a fight that has been a long time coming, with injuries to Pettis and Melendez's protracted contract negotiations causing delays. The wait will be over Saturday night, as the flashy and creative style of Pettis meets the hard nosed grit of Melendez.
Pettis has been vocal about predicting a first round finish, and that against a guy who has never been knocked out or submitted. The champ isn't short on confidence, and his last three fights ending in first round finishes would seem to add some credibility to his bravado.
Listen to Richard Hunter talk to Anthony Pettis about his match up with Gilbert Melendez:
Anthony Pettis
(Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)
Melendez is a true veteran of the sport, and he acknowledges that this may be his last serious run at a title. The UFC belt is one of the few major championships that he has never held, and coming very close to it via a split decision loss to then champion Benson Henderson last year has made him all the more determined to not leave Saturday night's outcome in the hands of the judges.
Richard Hunter talks to Gilbert Melendez about his game plan for Saturday:
Gilbert Melendez
(Photo by Valerie Macon/Getty Images)
Add to this duo of title defenses an intriguing heavyweight match up between #3 ranked Travis Browne and Ultimate Fighter alum Brendan Schaub in the feature bout, and Saturday night is set to deliver as one of the best pay per view cards of The UFC's year.
UFC 181 airs live exclusively on pay per view Saturday, December 6th from Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Follow Richard Hunter on Twitter for live cage side updates.
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