Five Reasons to Watch UFC on Versus

The UFC will make its debut on Versus this Sunday from the 1stBank Center in Broomfield, Colo. If your an MMA fan, you're probably not on the fence about watching this event, but just in case, here are five good reasons to tune in:

1. Jon Jones' graduation day:
"Bones" is one of the most talked about young fighters in MMA, and if it weren't for an illegal elbow he landed in his December fight against Matt Hamill, he would surely be going into his bout against Brandon Vera undefeated. Instead, he's 9-1, with impressive wins on his resume against the likes of Stephan Bonnar, Andre Gusmao and Jake O'Brien. However, never before has Jones faced a fighter like Vera, who is not only the most accomplished opponent he's ever been matched up against, but also the most effective striker. Can Jones get past what is essentially an older version of himself, or will Vera finally get his 205-pound career on track with a win over the rising star?

Prediction: It seems as though the entire world is picking Jones in this fight, and while I want to give Vera the respect he deserves, especially considering how he looked against Randy Couture at UFC 105, I have to go with the youngster via unanimous decision.

2. The arrival of Junior dos Santos:
One of the great mysteries in MMA right now is why Junior dos Santos doesn't get as much attention as, say, Cain Velasquez or Shane Carwin? Perhaps that has something to do with the fact that 26-year-old Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira protégé doesn't speak English, but I know it has nothing to do with his lack of skills. Since making his UFC debut in October 2008, dos Santos' rise up the heavyweight ladder has been nothing short of remarkable. He's 4-0, with big wins over Fabricio Werdum, Stefan Struve, Mirko Cro Cop and Gilbert Yvel. I don't expect him to have much trouble with Gonzaga Sunday night, and I fully expect him to finally get his due as a major player in the heavyweight division come Monday morning.

Prediction: Dos Santos via 2nd round knockout.

3. Cheick Kongo's last chance to be a relevant UFC heavyweight:
The imposing Frenchman is stuck in a two-fight losing streak, highlighted by his one-sided submission loss to Frank Mir at UFC 107. A third loss in a row to Paul Buentello would surely put him on the outside looking in and could possibly spell the end of his UFC career. That would be a shame because Kongo is one of the best strikers in the heavyweight division. His problem has always been dealing with the ground game, and while Buentello will almost certainly choose to stand and trade with him for the majority of the fight, I think "The Headhunter's" overall game is just a little more well-rounded.

Prediction: Buentello via unanimous decision.

4. The return of James Irvin:
As crazy as it seems, Irvin's last fight was in July 2008 against Anderson Silva. Of course, things didn't turn out too well for "The Sandman" on that night and pretty much for the next 18 months because he then had to deal with multiple injuries and a drug suspension (more on his painful road to recovery here). But Irvin is back, and when healthy, he can be one of the more dangerous strikers in the 185-pound division. He's fighting UFC veteran Alessio Sakara, who has looked good in win recent wins over Joe Vedepo and Thales Leites. Sakara has fought twice since Irvin's last fight, and something tells me Irvin's ring rust will be a major reason why he'll lose in his return.

Prediction: Sakara via 2nd round TKO.

5. Because you can:
Earlier this week, Versus returned to the DirecTV channel lineup for the first time in close to six months, just in time for the UFC's debut on the network. Also, this event marks the first live UFC show on a national all-sports network. Historic stuff, people.

When the DirecTV news came out, Dana White was quoted on UFC.com as saying: "Thank God! Just in time for the best UFC Fight Card in TV history." That's very, very high praise from the boss, and it may or may not be exactly true, but it should be enough for you.

Enjoy the show.