Martin "The Hitman" Kampmann (20-5) vs Johny "Big Rig" Hendricks (13-1)
I believe the UFC put this fight on the same card just in case GSP or Condit were to pull out of the fight. Kampmann or Hendricks would be worthy replacements. This fight will determine who is the next #1 contender after GSP/Condit. Kampmann should be on a 7 fight win streak but two extremely controversial losses to Jake Shields and Diego Sanchez set him back. Johny Hendricks exploded into the top rankings with his one punch upset victory over former #2 welterweight Jon Fitch. Then he defeated top 5 welterweight Josh Koscheck in a close fight. This is a very interesting fight. It's definitely the best fight at welterweight behind GSP vs Condit. Kampmann has proven himself as a comeback fighter in his past two wins. Thiago Alves had the fight won but he went for a takedown in the last minute and Kampmann submitted him for it. Jake Ellenberger severely rocked Kampmann on multiple occasions but gassed and Kampmann knocked him out with vicious knees. Kampmann also has wins over Thales Leites, Jorge Rivera, Rick Story, Jacob Volkmann, Paulo Thiago, and a close win over Interim Champion Carlos Condit. Johny Hendricks lives up to his nickname, "Big Rig". He is powerful and strong. Nobody had ever one punched koed Jon Fitch before. He has tkoed Amir Sadollah, Charlie Brenneman, and TJ Waldburger. He is a powerhouse and a threat to almost any fighter in his division. His wrestling is top tier. The striking is close. Kampmann has more tools in his stand-up. He can box, kick, use knees, and counter strike. Hendricks has a huge advantage in power and an advantage in speed. His boxing is also improving as shown when he fought Josh Koscheck. Both men have the chin of a truck. Kampmann has been hit by many power punchers before without going out. The only men to TKO him were Nate Marquardt, a man way bigger than him, and Paul Daley in a controversial stoppage. Hendricks is hiding a shield in that Brian Wilson like beard of his. Hendricks has an advantage in wrestling but Kampmann is not a bad wrestler himself. He is tough to takedown and even harder to keep down. Kampmann has an advantage in his Ju-Jitsu. He has good sweeps and submissions. A big problem with Kampmann is that he tries to beat you at your own game instead of fight his fight. Against Jake Shields he tried to grapple the grappling wizard. He brawled with Diego Sanchez, wrestled Rick Story, grappled with Volkmann and Paulo Thiago. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. He can't afford to wrestle or brawl with Hendricks. I'm rooting for Kampmann but I see Hendricks winning a close decision.