UFC Brisbane Preview

Mark 'Super Samoan' Hunt vs Antonio 'Bigfoot' Silva
2 of the baddest men on the planet go head to head, in what is arguably the biggest fight to date on Aussie soil. Australia's adopted son, Mark Hunt, has a chance to again put his name in title contention. His last fight loss, was to the recently defeated Junior Dos Santos, in which he was simply not quick enough with his hands. This time in the octagon he will be staring across at friend 'Bigfoot' Silva. Antonio Silva is a giant, he stands 6'4" and will weigh in the maximum weight of 265lbs. He's a former world champion in 3 other promotions, but failed in his only title fight in the UFC. Both of these guys have ridiculously big power in their hands, don't expect this to go 3 rounds. With the backing of the home crowd let's hope Mark can land the killer blow.

James TeHuna vs Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua
The living legend that is 'Shogun' Rua, will fight right here in Australia! Wow, what an occasion. 'Shogun' is the former Pride Middleweight champion and former UFC Light Heavyweight champion. He's fought and beaten the best, but is coming to the end of his career. He last fought Chael Sonnen and was submitted within the first minute. James TeHuna, fighting out of Sydney, has the chance to take easily the biggest scalp of his career. TeHuna's last fight was much the same as his opponent, being submitted very early on, however James' loss was to the no.1 contender in Glover Texeira. TeHuna has the power in his hands to rock Rua, he must jump all over him if gets the chance because Mauricio does not go down easily. C'mon James we're right behind you!

Anthony 'Hippo' Person vs Ryan 'Darth ' Bader
Crowd favorite Anthony 'Hippo' Perosh was recently on the edge of being cut by the UFC, before a huge knockout victory over Vinny Maghalaes kept his spot secure. Perosh is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and teaches out of his own gym in Sydney. He's 11 years the elder of his opponent here and in Bader, Perosh faces the highest ranked and biggest test he's seen. Bader was considered the future of the UFC, before being beaten by now champion Jon Jones. He has top notch wrestling and will be trying to take Perosh to the mat to control him from there. With Anthony's BJJ skills let's hope if it gets to the mat, he can slap on a quick arm bar or triangle from the bottom.
'Let's Go Hippo!' will be coming from our side of the crowd, join in and get behind Perosh's rise up the ranks!

Soa 'The Hulk' Palelei vs Pat Barry
Soa Palelei fighting out of Perth, made his long awaited return to the octagon recently with TKO victory over debutant Nikita Krylov. Soa is truly a 'Hulk', he's 6'4" and unlike others that weigh 265lbs, he is 120kgs (265lbs) of muscle. He was injured going into his last bout and not wanting to lose his opportunity, went and fought with damaged ribs. He was criticised for his lack of action, but the 'Hulk' did what he had to given the situation. Pat Barry has been in the UFC  for 5 years now, without reaching any great heights. He has big power, but hopefully struggles with the height of Soa here. If Palelei can get a decisive victory over Barry, he could be in line for a top 10 opponent and as Mark Hunt has proved, it only takes a run of a few wins in this division to catch the eye of the matchmakers. Tear him apart Soa! Prove it to them you belong!

Dylan 'The Villain' Andrews vs Clint Hester
'The Villain' gets the chance to fight in his home state, I can't wait to hear the roar when he enters the arena. A contestant on The Ultimate Fighter 17, as was his opponent, Dylan was the last man picked by either team, but he made waves in the house by making the semi finals of the show and calling out the guy no person wanted to face. He was beaten in that semi final fight, but gained admirers for his heart and determination, in refusing to give in. His last fight was much the same with a different result, having badly injured his shoulder early in the fight, Andrews was being well beaten by Papy Abedi, before a barrage of punches he unleashed knocked out Abedi for a 3rd knockout. His team mate from season 17 on TUF, Clint Hester, was one of the favorites on the show, but didn't live up to his ability. He is all about power in his hands, and this could be his downfall. Dylan is much more well rounded, he just needs to steer clear of the right hand of Hester.

With a main card involving 5 Aussie fighters, and the telecast live on Fuel TV, you have no reason to not get your mates around, fire up the barbie and put some Vic or Draught on ice. After all we love to watch some good fisticuffs, so get behind the boys!