UFC Fight Night 57: What to Watch For

On Saturday, November 22, 2014 the UFC heads to the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, TX for UFC Fight Night: Edgar vs. Swanson.

With the UFC putting on so many fight cards this year, the overall quality of the events has gone down. UFC events used to be just that…events. But with so many now, the “must watch” factor just isn’t there most of the time. That isn’t the case with UFC Fight Night 57 though.

This free card is loaded from top to bottom with great matchups and intriguing fights.

Paige VanZant vs. Kailin Curran

On the UFC Fight Pass portion of the preliminary card, fans with the streaming service will be treated to a women’s strawweight bout between Paige VanZant and Kailin Curran; two of the division’s brightest young starlets. While TUF 20 will crown the inaugural UFC women’s strawweight champion, the winner of this bout will find herself in a great position to make a run at the title in 2015.

Ruslan Magomedov vs. Josh Copeland

The UFC heavyweight division is about as weak a division as there is in MMA today. The top of the division is elite, but there is no real depth outside of the top 10; that’s why Ruslan Magomedov and Josh Copeland are so important. They are both tough and talented fighters who could make a run at the title, but even if they don’t, they add great depth to the division. The winner of this bout will fly up the rankings and earn a bout with someone in the top 10.

Matt Wiman’s Return

It’s been nearly two years since Matt Wiman stepped inside the UFC Octagon and it will be great to see him back in action. Wiman is one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC with four “Fight of the Night” awards and a “Submission of the Night” to his credit. The lightweight division is arguably the deepest and most dangerous division in the UFC, and Wiman only makes it more exciting.

Bobby Green vs. Edson Barboza

Bobby Green and Edson Barboza are two of the most entertaining and explosive fighters in the UFC today. Barboza is coming off of an impressive first-round finish of Evan Dunham while Green is coming off of a split decision victory over Josh Thomson and has won his last eight bouts. Don’t blink because this one could end at any moment.

Frankie Edgar vs. Cub Swanson

In the main event of the evening featherweight contenders Frankie Edgar and Cub Swanson look to make their case for a shot at the UFC featherweight title. With Dennis Burmudez’s loss at UFC 180, the winner of this bout will likely earn the right to redeem themselves against Jose Aldo.