The excitement leading up to UFC 189

UFC 189 will finally take place this Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. This MMA card is filled with intriguing matchups. Along with that, the MMA world is in for an absolute treat because, there will be two title bouts in the co-main and main event. 

 
Main Event Title Bout

Originally, the main event was suppose to be a title bout for the UFC Featherweight Championship between the champ Jose Aldo, and Conor McGregor. However, due to a rib injury, Aldo had to pull out of the fight, now making it a interim title bout. Replacing Aldo this Saturday night is, #2 Featherweight contender, Chad Mendes. Mendes has a NCAA division I wrestling background, and his striking, in each of his UFC bouts has noticeably improved. He already challenged Aldo for the belt twice. In his rematch against Aldo, despite the loss, he had an incredible performance where landed huge shots, and was also awarded a Fight of the Night bonus. Back in April, Mendes looked remarkable against Ricardo Lamas. His upcoming opponent, Conor McGregor, has been on a tear since he entered the UFC organization in 2013. He is undefeated in the UFC, and has won most of his bouts via technical knockout. Throughout his entire MMA career, McGregor suffered two losses via submission, so it's going to be very interesting to see how he matches up with an elite wrestler like Mendes.

Co-Main Event Title Bout

This co-main event title bout has been flying underneath my radar. With all of the excitement surrounding the main event, I keep forgetting that there is another highly anticipated title bout on this epic card. The current UFC Welterweight champion, Robbie Lawler versus the #2 Welterweight contender, Rory MacDonald, is a must see rematch. Last year, Lawler has been a man on a mission. He competed four times, and had outstanding performances against top contenders such as: Jake Ellenberger, Matt Brown, and former Welterweight champion, Johny Hendricks. Lawler redeemed himself in his rematch bout against Johny Hendricks, where he captured the belt. His upcoming opponent, Rory MacDonald, is a true threat in the Welterweight division. MacDonald trains, and is the protégé of the former Welterweight champion, Georges St-Pierre, who once held and defended the title for six years. Similar to Lawler, 2014 was a great year for MacDonald. He won all three of his UFC bouts last year. Both men faced each other in 2013, and I can't wait to see what happens this Saturday night.
 

FIGHT PREDICTIONS:
Brad Pickett
Brandon Thatch
Dennis Bermudez
Robbie Lawler 
Chad Mendes 

Fight On!