With the mixed martial arts world still buzzing over Ronda Rousey’s obliteration of Cat Zingano at UFC 184, the UFC heads to Dallas for another huge pay-per-view event Saturday at the American Airlines Center for UFC 185.
It’s the first card in 2015 that features two title fights as both the lightweight and women’s strawweight belts are on the line.
Anthony Pettis vs. Rafael Dos Anjos
Pettis is coming off a submission win over Gilbert Melendez in the UFC 181 co-main event, while Dos Anjos aims to extend his three-fight win streak and take the title from one of the most dynamic fighters in MMA.
Carla Esparza vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk
Esparza made history in December, earning the inaugural UFC women’s 115-pound title when she submitted Rose Namajunas with a Performance of the Night-winning rear-naked choke. Meanwhile, Jedrzejczyk is 8-0 in her MMA career and coming off a split decision win over Claudia Gadelha, who had previously been considered the consensus No. 1 contender.
Johny Hendricks vs. Matt Brown
On his quest to win back his welterweight title, Hendricks will have to get past the always-dangerous Brown. Since Georges St-Pierre walked away from the sport in 2013, the division has been more competitive than ever. Hendricks and Brown are both looking to bounce back from losses to current champion Robbie Lawler. The winner of this fight — especially if it’s Hendricks — could realistically earn a title shot against the winner of Lawler-Rory MacDonald.
