MMA You Want to Watch This Week 8/8 - 8/14

It is, unfortunately, that time of year again... schools are back in session across the country, and summer vacations are staggering to an end.  Well, it's unfortunate if you're going back to school.  If you're a parent, however, this is a time of rejoicing and looking forward to several hours a day of peace and quiet. 

If you're looking for peace and quiet, though, this is definitely not going to be a good weekend for you.  But if you're an MMA fan (which you are, otherwise you wouldn't be reading this), you're in for a treat.  There's a lot happening in MMA and some of it is even free!  Read on for the juicy details...

Strikeforce Challengers 18

Friday, August 12, 11pm, Showtime

Lots of great fights on this card.  Jorge Gurgel, Pat Healy, Danillo Villefort - all will be competing Friday night.  But I think I'm most excited about the Strikeforce debut of Ronda Rousey, the Olympic Judoka who took a bronze in the Beijing games.  The Ronda Rousey who cinched an armbar on the much-acclaimed amateur Taylor Stratford in 24 seconds flat.  Rousey is currently 2-0 as a pro, and is definitely a prospect worth watching.

SBN coverage of Strikeforce Challengers 18

MMA Fight Pit: Genesis

Saturday, August 13, 9pm, PPV

I have to say, there are several very familiar names on this Albuquerque, NM card.  Houston Alexander, Jens Pulver, Razak Al-Hassan, and even TUF refugees Jamie Yager and Junie Browning.  This event is going to be available on PPV through several cable and satellite providers, so check out the link and see if yours is listed.  You know you want to see what Junie's doing now.  Don't lie.  

SBN coverage of MMA Fight Pit: Genesis

UFC on Versus 5

Sunday, August 14, 9pm, Versus

Um, ok, the reasons to watch this event are pretty obvious.  Just look at the main card:

Dan Hardy vs. Chris Lytle

Jim Miller vs. Ben Henderson

Donald Cerrone vs. Charles Oliveira

Duane Ludwig vs. Amir Sadollah

Every one of those fights has the potential to be incredible.  Personally, I'm most looking forward to Cerrone vs. Oliveira.  I adore watching Cerrone fight - I just don't care to read or listen to his interviews.  And I'm firmly on the Oliveira bandwagon no matter what.  I'm super excited for this fight!  Oh, and I also can't wait to see Amir fight again.  I might not be a fan on the same level that Donna and Beth are (coughobsessedstalkerscough), but I do like him and have enjoyed watching him get better every time he fights.  And, in case you hadn't realized it yet, this event is FREE!!

SBN coverage of UFC on Versus 5