Jason Miller vs. Michael Bisping
In the main event of the evening, coaches Michael Bisping and Jason Miller will engage in a five round, non-title middleweight bout.
The event marks the return of "Mayhem" following a six-year absence from the Octagon, where the popular fighter has made a name for himself outside the promotion, picking up impressive submission victories over the likes of Falaniko Vitale and former EliteXC champ Robbie Lawler while besting top Strikeforce contender Tim Kennedy twice by decision.
Miller has continued to round out his obvious submission prowess whilst under the tutelage of both Joao Assis and Fabricio Werdum out of Kings MMA, where the "Bully Beatdown" host has since picked up his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Mayhem continues to plug away in the striking department with none other than Rafael Cordeiro, the former head trainer of the Chute Boxe academy who has trained the likes of Wanderlei Silva, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and Anderson Silva in the past.
Though Miller is making all the necessary changes to be recognized as part of the upper echelon once again, it might just be a little too much too soon in taking on "The Count" at this point of his career.
Bisping has become a surging contender in the 185-pound division, having gone 3-0 in his three outings inside the Octagon. The Brit is a complete fighter, showing improved takedown defense over the years and complimenting his impressive striking arsenal, which is chock full of kicks, knees, elbows and punches.
Neither man has the juice to put the other away with a hard blow nor do either best each other in the wrestling department, so expect Bisping to outwork Miller on the feet with the jab, sneaking in some hooks and straights along the way, taking home
the decision win after 25 minutes of action.
My heart's with Miller, but my mind is telling me Bisping, who will likely remain one big fight away from a shot at the middleweight title.