Many MMA fans is still recovering from the huge UFC 148 show on Saturday but the UFC is already putting out a new show tonight. MMA Viking takes a look at the midweek card with sponsor NordicBet. Read some insights and thoughts from our staff. Game on!

Mark Munoz and Chris Weidman are both excellent wrestlers. Photo by MMAJunkie.com

Mark Munoz – Chris Weidman: Two excellent wrestlers meet in the main event of the night. While both guys come from a high level wrestling background, there is difference in the way they have been able to transform their skills to MMA. While Munoz has successfully completed just one out of four takedown attempts, Weidman has landed over 2/3 of his takedowns. Striking is quite even between the two but submission savvy Weidman holds the edge on the ground. Weidman is one of the biggest middleweights in the division and holds a five inch reach advantage over Munoz. Beforehand it seems that Weidman should take this. However this is a five round non-title fight. If the fight goes past three rounds (which it surely could), it could be that Weidman’s huge weight cut plays a trick on him and Munoz takes over.

Aaron Simpson – Kenny Robertson: A-train Simpson makes his WW debut against Kenny Robertson who acts a late replacement for injured Jon Fitch. Robertson is familiar to Nordic MMA fans for his amazing spinning backfist knock out of Lucio Linhares at Fight Festival. The former D1 wrestler is competent in all areas but Simpson is a very difficult match up for him. Simpson’s crisp boxing blends nicely these days with his superb wrestling. At 170 Simpson, who walks around at 185-190, could be a major force.

James Te Huna – Joey Beltran: the Kiwi brawler Te Huna welcomes the durable Joey Beltran to light heavyweight. Te Huna hits like a freight train but Beltran can take a shot and will push forward no matter what. Te Huna has had some gas tank issues in the past and if Beltran can turn this fight into a gruelling dirty boxing war, it could be that Te Huna punches himself out.

Karlos Vemola – Francis Carmont: Brute strength meets technical accuracy. Former heavyweight Vemola is the King Kong of the middleweight division with powerful slams and crushing Ground and Pound. Unfortunately the Czech has limited striking defense on the feet. Long limbed Carmont, who trains with GSP & co at the Tri Star gym, has solid Muay Thai skills on the feet and a slick ground game . Look for Carmont to pick Vemola apart on the feet if he can survive the early Hulk Smash by Vemola.

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