On Saturday, July 23, 2016, the UFC returns to live network television and heads to the United Center in Chicago for UFC on Fox 20. While the card took a hit when the original co-main event bout between Anthony Johnson and Glover Teixeira was rescheduled to UFC 202 the card is loaded with intriguing matchups.

UFC on Fox 20 may be a little thin in terms of big names, but it does feature some of the most entertaining strikers the UFC has to offer. This card has the potential – given the matchups – to be one of the better sleeper cards of 2016.

If you still need convincing here are three great reasons to tune in on Saturday night.

The Godofredo Pepey Show

After a good run on The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil, Pepey’s UFC career got off to a rocky start; he lost to Rony Jason in the featherweight tournament final, earned a split decision victory and then lost back-to-back fights via first round TKO. But then he found his grove. In his last three outings, Pepey has gone 3-0 with three first round finishes that also earned him three “Performance of the Night” bonuses.

Coming off of a year long layoff fans should be excited to see Pepey back in action. He is explosive, dynamic and always looking for the finish.

Edson Barboza vs. Gilbert Melendez

Barboza vs. Melendez should make for a spectacular co-main event. In Barbosa, you have a dynamic striker with an incredible arsenal of kicks at his disposal. In Melendez, you have a tough and gritty brawler who likes to stand in the pocket and go to war. This fight will produce fireworks.

Holly Holm vs. Valentina Shevchenko

Since we are already talking about dynamic striking, the main event between former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Holm and Shevchenko should serve nicely to close the show. Holm and Shevchenko are just two of the most decorated strikers in women’s MMA.

Holm won multiple world championships in boxing across three weight classes and was twice named “Fight of the Year” by Ring magazine. Then you have Shevchenko winner of five world kickboxing title and 11 world Muay Thai titles. These ladies are going to put on a show.

About The Author

RJ Gardner
Content Coordinator

RJ Gardner is a rabid sports fan and a long time MMA enthusiast. After watching UFC 1 at ripe old age of 11 RJ was hooked and his passion for the sport has continued to blossom over the years. RJ has been covering MMA since 2007 and has had work featured on Bleacher Report, SI.com, CBSSports.com and UFC.com. RJ is also a Petroleum Transportation Operations Manager during the day.