UFC Fight Night 18 Preview - Condit vs. Kampmann
by Nick Meyer
UFC Fight Night 18 is just one part of what should be an entertaining double-feature for UFC fans who’ve been suffering from symptoms of withdrawal since UFC 96 on March 7.
The Ultimate Fighter’s Season 9 will also premiere that night, which should be a great segue into a fantastic night of fighting. This years show pits a team of British fighters, coached by Michael Bisping against Dan Henderson and a group of American fighters in a show that UFC President Dana White hopes will revitalize the format of one of cable TV’s most popular reality shows.
When the live action starts, the fight to watch at UFC Fight Night 18 will probably be the main event between Martin Kampmann and Carlos Condit. Kampmann qualifies as a “gatekeeper” to most people and will fight Condit at welterweight in this one. That distinction just might be a misinformed perception, however, because Kampmann boasts quality wins over the likes of middleweight title contender Thales Leites and Jorge Rivera.
Condit was forced to move to the UFC after the welterweight division he reigned over in the WEC was disbanded. He is a well-rounded fighter capable of pulling an armbar at a moment’s notice or finishing fights in a variety of ways on his feet. That kind of versatility is usually the sign of a title contender but Kampmann will be a tough test for him in his first UFC fight.
Ryan Bader is also one to watch on this card, as he possesses the knockout power as well as the image and the talent to become a huge star in the light heavyweight division of the UFC betting, even with all of the quality talent already making headlines in that division.
Carmelo Marrero is a decided underdog against Bader but he is no slouch with a 10-2 record. Don’t forget that he has a win over heavyweight contender Cheick Kongo to his name.
The most intriguing bout for bettors and casual fans of the UFC might be Junie Browning against Cole Miller. Browning has shown a decided weakness in the jiu-jitsu game before and Miller’s height and long legs will make life difficult for Browning to get comfortable anywhere in the octagon.
Browning must show his maturity and not get over-excited against Miller or he could make a mistake and get submitted. Browning did look good in his last fight against David Kaplan, however, showing a crisp striking game and a disciplined style.
Tyson Griffin and Rafael Dos Anjos have the potential to wage a close battle in the lightweight division, and Griffin is one of the most overlooked potential contenders in the division.
All things considered, it should be an exciting night for UFC fans on Wednesday, especially the fact that both the Fight Night and first episode of The Ultimate Fighter are on free TV.
