UFC on Fox: Machida vs. Rockhold Preview

Lyoto Machida. Pic by USA TODAY Sports. Credit: Jason Silva

The UFC returns to prime time Fox for at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Saturday, April 18th:

Lyoto Machida vs. Luke Rockhold

The main event of UFC on Fox 15 features two former champions vying for significance in the middleweight division.

Lyoto Machida is 3-1 since moving down to middleweight with his only loss coming to UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman. The former light heavyweight champion is hoping a win will set him back to a title shot.

Luke Rockhold is also 3-1 in the UFC middleweight division with his lone loss coming to another former light heavyweight champion in Vitor Belfort. The former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion wants the UFC belt as well.

Ronaldo Souza vs. Chris Camozzi

This bout is a rematch between a title contender trying to maintain his value versus a fighter returning home.

Ronaldo Souza is undefeated in his all four UFC fights since coming over from Strikeforce. A win Saturday along with some good timing could lead to a title shot in the near future.

Chris Camozzi comes back to the UFC after seven months fighting in for regional promotion Prize FC. This rematch is significant as his previous loss to Souza was the first of a four fight loosing streak that ended his first UFC tenure.

Cub Swanson vs. Max Holloway

Once again this bout is one between a veteran looking for a rebound versus a rising prospect.

Cub Swanson was vying for a rematch against Jose Aldo before his six fight winning streak was snapped by Frankie Edgar. Swanson is now looking to get back onto the road for a potential title shot.

Max Holloway on the other hand is on a five fight winning streak that started after a loss to title challenger Conor McGregor. A win against Swanson could potentially propel Holloway into the UFC featherweight title picture.

Felice Herrig vs. Paige VanZant

This is a battle of the beauties.

Felice Herrig won her UFC debut against Lisa Ellis after their time together in The Ultimate Fighter house.

Paige VanZant also won her UFC debut, however she didn’t go through the TUF house as she was under 21 years of age and because of alcohol in the house she couldn’t be present.

The rest of the card:

Lightweight Jim Miller vs. Beneil Dariush
Light Heavyweight Ovince Saint Preux vs. Patrick Cummins
Light Heavyweight Corey Anderson vs. Gian Villante
Bantamweight Takeya Mizugaki vs. Aljamain Sterling
Welterweight George Sullivan vs. Tim Means
Featherweight Diego Brandão vs. Jimy Hettes
Middleweight Eddie Gordon vs. Chris Dempsey

Matthew Salzer
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