Tom Szczerbowski USA TODAY Sports
Evan Dunham enjoys a good fight as much as anybody in the UFC and he’s bound to get one this weekend in Las Vegas.
His matchup against Donald Cerrone at UFC 167 has plenty of potential for more Fight of the Night bonuses. The two lightweight competitors have combined for six Fight of the Night performances between them, which is why this contest is such an eagerly-anticipated one.
Both fighters are coming off decision losses against current surging lightweight contender Rafael dos Anjos. Dunham’s fight with dos Anjos was clearly the closer of the two. It was a fight that could’ve gone either way, but ended up going to the Brazilian on his home soil. As usual, when it comes to a Dunham fight, it was a spirited back-and-forth affair with a number of strong exchanges.
Cerrone was rocked in the opening round of his fight against the Brazilian at UFC Fight Night 27, and didn’t get into rhythm until it was too late. Dos Anjos emerged with the unanimous verdict on the scorecards.
While Dunham is hoping to stay relevant in a talent-rich 155 pound division, Cerrone already has his future plans mapped out. After going just 3-3 in his last six fights, he intends to test the waters in the featherweight division after the Dunham fight. At 6-feet tall, it seems like a difficult cut to 145 pounds, but Cerrone is confident that lifestyle adjustments and more intense training will help him to accomplish that goal.
It shapes up as a tremendous matchup of two fighters with a warrior’s mentality who love to stand and exchange shots. Both fighters have been involved in epic clashes during the course of their careers and will be looking to shine on the bright stage of the UFC’s 20th anniversary event. It seems a guarantee that Dunham and Cerrone will deliver an action-packed affair.
Rick LaFitte is an MMA Writer for Rant Sports
