Tyson Pedro vs. Paul Craig announced for UFC 209 Light heavyweight Tyson Pedro (5-0) made one hell of a first impression, surviving an early knockdown against Khalil Rountree and then managing to pick up a first round submission victory anyways. He’s now been matched up opposite Paul Craig (9-0), a fellow submission specialist who also scored a tapout victory in his UFC debut, choking out Luiz Henrique da Silva. Both undefeated fighters are slated to square off in two months at UFC 209 on March 4, 2017 in Las Vegas. I think the odds are going to be pretty close on this one with a slight lean towards Craig due to the fact that Pedro’s chin appears to be slightly vulnerable. Here’s the announced fight card thus far: Alistair Overeem vs. Mark Hunt Darren Elkins vs. Mirsad Bektić Todd Duffee vs. Mark Godbeer Paul Craig vs. Tyson Pedro Iuri Alcântara vs. Luke Sanders Lando Vannata vs. David Teymur Mauricio Rua vs. Gian Villante UFC Fight Night 107 If that wasn’t enough light heavyweight action for you, former champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua will be competing once again, continuing to prove his doubters wrong. Shogun (24-10), looked to be on his way out after two knockout losses in 2014, but he bounced back in a big way with victories over Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Corey Anderson. Now, he’s looking to halt the momentum of Gian Villante in two months (March 13, 2017) at UFC Fortaleza. Villante (15-7) hasn’t been incredibly consistent, but he’s always been exciting, earning three “Fight of the Night” awards already in his UFC career. This fight could be a changing of the guard, or Shogun could continue his magical run back towards the top. I’d expect the odds to be close with a slight lean towards Rua with the opening odds due to his popularity. Here’s the announced card thus far: Vitor Belfort vs. Kelvin Gastelum Edson Barboza vs. Beneil Dariush Josh Burkman vs. Michel Prazeres Luis Henrique da Silva vs. Ion Cutelaba Maurício Rua vs. Gian Villante
