The UFC returns to Japan, birthplace of the fabled Pride FC, for a card pitting popular Japanese fighters against an assortment of talents from all over the world. While I’m usually not a fan of “Country vs. the World” type cards, there are a few intriguing storylines leading up to fight night.
Is Josh Barnett a heavyweight contender?
Current money lines: Roy Nelson +190 vs. Josh Barnett -240
If you’ve been paying attention to the heavyweight division, you’ll notice that the top-10 is filled with older veterans who were once considered done. Guys who go way back, like Andrei Arlovski, Ben Rothwell, Mark Hunt and Frank Mir have fought back from irrelevancy to enter the title picture. Barnett could easily join that list, and his Pride resume makes him the perfect candidate to headline a Japanese event.
Horiguchi starts over
Current money lines: N/A
The 24-year old Horiguchi is one of the few legit prospects in the flyweight division. However, he was probably thrown into the ring against Demetrious Johnson – one of the pound-for-pound best – much too soon. Now coming off the first loss of his career, it’ll be compelling to see if Horiguchi can learn and improve from the beating that he took at the hands of a champion.
Can Hall live up to his massive promise?
Current money lines: Gegard Mousasi -420 vs. Uriah Hall +305
Since his time on The Ultimate Fighter, Uriah Hall has frustrated many who expected him to be a contender at middleweight. Dana White once said that he “doesn’t have what it mentally takes to compete in the UFC.” Hall does have the tools to be a powerhouse striker, but his lack of aggression is maddening. However, if he beats a contender like Mousasi, there’s almost no choice but to rank him as a top-12 guy. That would be ironic, dontcha think?
Is Kid Yamamoto done?
Current money lines: N/A
Yamamoto was once one of Japan’s biggest MMA stars and widely considered the best bantamweight outside of the UFC. However, his splashy signing quickly turned into disappointment as he yet to win inside the octagon in four fights. At 38 years old, it might be time for him to retire, and I’m sure he’d love to go out with a win. Please, please don’t let this respected fighter keep going for too much longer.
HOW TO BET
Sign in to get the latest UFC Fight Night 75 odds. BookMaker Sportsbook offers daily updates to money lines, over/under, prop bets and more, so make sure to lock in your bets should you find a favorable wager. The card takes place on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. The main card will air on FOX Sports 1 starting 10 p.m. ET.
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