MMA: The Month Ahead

MMA: The Month Ahead 

By Jack Maher 

In 2019 every month seems to promise high profile, entertaining MMA bouts across multiple organisations, and the month of June is no different. There are some brilliant fights to look forward to, so below I have written a guide to some fights taking place in the month of June that promise high-level entertainment and should be at the very top of your viewing list.

Gustafsson vs Smith – UFC Stockholm June 1

The UFC returns to Sweden to kickoff the month and the nations favourite fighting son is back in the main event. Gustafsson is a major fan favourite and will look to get back to winning ways in his home country. Hoping to spoil Gustafsson’s homecoming is Anthony Smith, who knows that a win over Gustafsson puts him back in the conversation for a shot at the light heavyweight championship. Both Gustafsson and ‘Lionheart’ have recently fell short against 205lb king Jon Jones, so both men will feel that a win is crucial if they hope to remain at the top of the division.

Caldwell vs Horiguchi 2 – Bellator 222 June 4th

While Sonnen vs Machida and Macdonald vs Gracie may be the higher profile fights on this card, I believe that Caldwell vs Horiguchi 2 is the fight worth looking out for. Horiguchi is on a 12 fight win streak and is arguably one of the top 15 p4p fighters on the planet. On that win streak he has beaten Bellator bantamweight champion Darrion Caldwell, a result which shocked most. The bout is for Caldwell’s championship, which adds another interesting component to this fight as Horiguchi is contracted to RIZIN. Caldwell will be eager to avenge his loss to Horiguchi and not let his belt fall in to the hands of a fighter from another organisation, While Horiguchi will attempt to shock the world once more against the much larger Caldwell.

Ferguson vs Cerrone – UFC 238 June 8th

A fight announcement that shocked many, Ferguson vs Cerrone on paper looks to be be one of the best fights of the year. The former lightweight interim champion Tony Ferguson makes his return against Donal ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone who recent fought in the main event of UFC Ottawa, besting Al Iaquinta over 5 rounds. You would have to search far and wide to find a Ferguson or Cerrone fight that didn’t entertain the audience, so putting them up against each other is a fight worthy of the term ‘dream fight’. The two veterans have a combined 26 post fight bonuses. Do not miss this fight.

Mousasi vs Lovato Jr. Bellator 223 June 22nd

Gegard Mousasi is one of the best middleweights on the planet, and on June 22nd he travels to London to defend his title against the undefeated Rafael Lovato Jr. The 2007 World Jiu-Jitsu champion will attempt to claim the Bellator middleweight championship in his biggest test to date in what is only his 10th professional fight. The veteran Mousasi will be looking to make the second successful defence of his title in what will be his 54th fight. Lovato has lethal BJJ, and while Mousasi is also a strong grappler his biggest advantage over Lovato is his striking experience. These two are arguably the best 2 middleweights Bellator has on its roster, so this fight is not one you should ignore.

Houston vs Dalby – Cage Warriors Night of Champions June 29th

On a main card that features a total of six title fights, it is the welterweight title fight between Ross Houston and Nicolas Dalby that has caught my eye. Ross Houston claimed the 170lb belt with a split decision win over Stefano Paterno last year in a fight that Cage Warriors fans voted as the organisations fight of the year. Houston makes his first defence against interim champion Nicolas Dalby, who some of you may remember from his classic draw with Darren Till back in 2015 that earned both men fight of the night honours. ‘Lokomotivo’ has won his past three fights by stoppage and picked up the interim title in his last outing. Neither man has been finished in their respective careers despite some close calls, which serves as an example of both men’s durability and heart. The event will be broadcast on UFC Fightpass.

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