10 Wild MMA Fights That You Need To Watch In December

It's going to be a December to remember, as the UFC end the year with plenty of high-level action.

UFC Korean Zombie Fight Night
UFC

If you thought the UFC had any intention of taking a break near the end of the year, then you'll be pleasantly surprised to learn that that is far from the case. The promotion are gifting fight fans an early Christmas present by putting on a number of potentially brilliant fights just before the holidays truly begin.

We've got an incredible headline bout between two former featherweight title challengers in Brian Ortega and Chan Sung Jung which is sure to provide plenty of near submissions and potentially devastating strikes. Both men are known for having incredibly exciting, back-and-forth battles inside the Octagon, but which fighter will be able to implement their gameplan and leave South Korea with the victory?

Along with that, we've got some power-punching heavyweights doing battle in a fight that is bound to end with a knockout, former champions and title contenders hoping to get another shot at the strap, plus some all-action fights that promise to be full of fireworks. So forget the pre-Christmas scraps outside your local pub this year, because the real fights are going to be on your TV instead.

10. Matt Brown Vs. Ben Saunders - UFC 245

Although combat sports is a young man's game, the UFC will sometimes give a nod to the old school, hardcore fans by putting on a fight featuring the older guard. This is exactly what they've done with MMA veterans Matt Brown and Ben Saunders. Both men are in the latter stages of their careers, yet have such fun fight styles that they're still relevant and able to compete today.

Brown has been involved in some of the most bloody, gritty and brutal welterweight fights ever, particularly his battles with Robbie Lawler, Erick Silva and Jordan Mein. His ability to stay in his opponent's face and land the nasty Muay Thai strikes makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone. Just ask Diego Sanchez, who face-planted the canvas after Brown hit him with one of the most ferocious elbows you'll ever see in this sport.

Saunders will certainly give Brown some trouble on the feet, but he truly shines in the grappling. A black belt under former American Top Team coach Ricardo Liborio, Saunders has used Eddie Bravo's rubber guard system to devastating effect inside the Octagon. He'll be hoping to get the fight to the floor so he can exploit any grappling holes that Brown might have in his game.

Contributor
Contributor

Co-host of The Ill-Informed Podcast, jiu-jitsu fiend, MMA lover, movie fan, anime nerd, music snob.