THE MAIN EVENTS for UFC 144 will get their share of the headlines, including a highly anticipated lightweight title fight and the return of the all-time Japanese crowd pleaser Quinton Rampage Jackson. You’re in for a great fight card top to bottom this weekend at our UFC 144 Viewing Parties in Las Vegas. The UFC has pulled out all the stops for this highly significant return to martial arts sacred ground. Several of Japan’s best fighters are showcased on this card, plus two fighters will return from the losing end of recent title fights. Jake Sheilds and Yushin Okami both have their backs to the wall and need impressive performances.
The main event between reigning lightweight champ Frankie Edgar and #1 contender Benson Henderson could turn into a marathon. Each fighter possess a huge gas tank and a solid chin. The co-main event could be the mirror image, however. With light heavyweights Rampage Jackson and Ryan Bader clashing, this fight is likely to be significantly shorter in duration. Have your beers in hand for this one before round one is officially “dinged”.
Edgar and Henderson are both extremely fast and tough cardio warriors who like to take their opponent’s game apart methodically while keeping them guessing over the course of many action packed rounds. Rampage and Bader likely just want to bang it out. Rampage is royalty in Japan, a major star who wants an exciting fight even more than he wants the win. Stemming back from his prime in the formerly prominent PRIDE organization, there is an entire nation of MMA fans waiting to welcome him “home”. Both Jackson and Bader bring a monster right hand shot, and with that a potential one punch finish to their rival’s evening.
My pick for the DON’T BLINK fight of the night is Anthony Pettis vs. Joe Lauzon. Pettis is famous for flying off the cage and landing a head kick to main event participant Benson Henderson in their earlier bout for the WEC title (see it at the end of this post). Meanwhile, his opponent Joe Lauzon just collects “fight of the night” bonuses for a living. Seriously, blink and you might miss this one!
Aliante Station Casino + Hotel – Access Showroom, $10 Cover – HD
Doors Open at 5pm
7300 Aliante Parkway, North Las Vegas, NV 89084
1-877-477-SOAR (7627)
Boulder Station - Railhead, $10 Cover
Doors Open at 5pm
4111 Boulder Highway
Las Vegas, NV 89121
(702) 432-7777
Fiesta Henderson – Cancun Room, $10 Cover
Doors Open at 6pm
777 W. Lake Mead Pkwy, Henderson, NV 89015
(702) 558-7000
Green Valley Ranch Resort, Spa, Casino – Estancia Ballroom, $10 Cover – HD
Doors Open at 5pm
2300 Paseo Verde Parkway, Henderson, NV 89052
(702) 617-7777
Palace Station Hotel & Casino – Louie Anderson Theater – $10 Cover
Doors Open at 6pm
2411 W. Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89102
(702) 367-2411
Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa – CHERRY – $10 Cover
Doors Open at 6pm (Pre-Sale at 5pm)
11011 W. Charleston, Las Vegas, NV 89135
(702) 797-7777
Sunset Station Hotel & Casino – Club Madrid – $10 Cover
Doors Open at 5pm
1301 W. Sunset Rd, Henderson, NV 89014
(702) 547-7777
Here’s the clip from UFC for the famous Anthony Pettis kick. We couldn’t resist.


