The excitement leading up to UFC 182

2015 is just a few days away, and the UFC plans on starting the new year with a bang. UFC 182 will be held this Saturday night, January 3, 2015. The main event of this epic card will feature the undefeated MMA star and former Olympic wrestler, #2 ranked Light Heavyweight fighter, Daniel Cormier and the always impressive #1 ranked pound for pound UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Jon "Bones" Jones. Cormier and Jones were originally scheduled to fight at UFC 178, but due to injuries, this fight was rescheduled. 

The bitter rivalry between these two originated last August. At a UFC 178 press event, Cormier and Jones indulged in a traditional stare down, and moments later, things went from normal to bad really quick. Their stare down turned into a brawl which made headlines on every sports news outlet, but the drama didn't stop there. Both Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones were involved in a series of intense back and forth trash talking. Now the talking is over, and these two undefeated stars will finally face each other. 

What makes this main event bout exciting, other than the trash talking, is what these two talented fighters have already accomplished in this sport. They are elite fighters. Daniel Cormier was always the underdog in each of his 15 MMA bouts, and he always comes out victorious. He is a former XMMA Heavyweight Champion, a former King of the Cage Heavyweight Champion, and a former Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Champion. Jon Jones became the youngest UFC Champion at age 23, and since then he has defeated everyone who challenged him for the belt. I had the privileged to watch Jon Jones competed twice, and it was definitely entertaining to watch him performed in the cage. 

Along with the main event, I am also excited to see Josh Burkman make his return to UFC, where he will face the always dangerous, Hector Lombard. The co-main event will feature the undefeated Myles Jury, and Donald Cerrone, who's on a five fight winning streak. Nate "The Great"Marquardt will be competing that night as well.

Main Card Predictions 

Winners: 

Josh Burkman 

Kyoji Horiguchi

Nate Marquardt 

Donald Cerrone

Daniel Cormier (Tough decision, but I'm rooting for the underdog in this one)

  

Does CM Punk have the tools to compete in the MMA world?

Last Saturday night during UFC 181, the popular MMA organization broke the internet after announcing the signing of Phil Brooks, better known as his stage name, CM Punk. CM Punk has competed and held titles in wrestling organizations such as: Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), Ring of Honor (ROH), and most recently,World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Over the years, he has gained a loyal fan base, mainly because of his style of wrestling, and his personalty in and outside of the ring. Now, having already accomplished so much in the wrestling industry, the question that comes in mind to many is, can CM Punk do the same in the MMA world?

Even though, CM Punk has a 0-0 MMA record, he still has a chance of doing well in the MMA world. Yes, I am aware that professional wrestling isn't real, but that doesn't change the fact that the wrestlers have to work extremely hard not only in the gym, but also in the ring as well. They're ability to take punishment and give their all every night while competing is truly impressive. I never wrestled before but, I'm confident that it takes a lot of endurance, cardio, and bravery to do what these wrestlers do. The point I'm trying to make here is, I think CM Punk can easily make the transition into MMA because of his pro wrestling background. In case you didn't know, CM Punk has a Kenpo background, he's friends with UFC fighter Chael Sonnen, and is currently training Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Will MMA be a one time thing? Will he be the next UFC champ? Which division will he compete in? Who knows for sure what the future holds for CM Punk, but I must said, I am stoked to see him compete in 2015. Good Luck!