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The UFC makes their long awaited return to the O2 Arena in London on Saturday, March 18. The main event sees hometown fighter Jimi “Poster Boy” Manuwa challenge American Corey Anderson in a Light-Heavyweight bout.

Manuwa returns to headline at the O2 Arena once again

Manuwa is currently ranked number five in the Light-Heavyweight division and has a professional record of 16 wins and two losses with 14 of those wins coming by KO/TKO. “Poster Boy” joined the UFC in 2012, defeating Kyle Kingsbury in his debut fight via second-round doctor’s stoppage. His next two fights ended somewhat strangely as Cyrille Diabate and the late Ryan Jimmo were both deemed unable to continue after suffering leg injuries. This was a testament to Manuwa’s brute power and he was viewed by many as an exciting prospect in a languishing Light-Heavyweight division. In his next contest, Manuwa was matched against Sweden’s Alexander “The Mauler” Gustaffson in the main event of UFC Fight Night 37 – also held at the O2 Arena. At the time, this was seen as a massive step up in competition for the Brit. Gustafsson was then ranked number two in the Light-Heavyweight division and fresh from almost capturing the belt in his epic contest with champ Jon Jones. On the night, Manuwa experienced his first professional loss, ultimately falling to the Swede after some well-placed knees to the head and subsequent ground and pound. Since then, “Poster Boy” has amassed a record of two victories and one loss and will be looking to break further into the upper echelons of the 205lb division with a win on Saturday night.

Will Anderson Cause an Upset come Saturday Night?

Corey Anderson is currently ranked number seven in the Light-Heavyweight division and has a professional MMA record of nine wins and two losses. The gritty American won The Ultimate Fighter 19 Tournament back in 2014 and will be headlining his first UFC event this Saturday. Anderson comes from a background in wrestling and has used this to grind out some unanimous decision victories over the likes of Jan Blachowicz, Fabio Maldonado and Tom Lawlor. In his last outing, however, Anderson displayed improved striking technique and used this to put away Sean O’Connell for a TKO victory at UFC Fight Night 102 in December of last year. Anderson is also a purple belt in BJJ and once competed at Heavyweight so if he could use these skills and attributes to his advantage, Manuwa could be in for a rough night. With a win on Saturday, he will undoubtedly break into the top five rankings.

How will the fight play out?

On paper, “The Poster Boy” has the advantage in the striking department. If Manuwa can establish his range and timing early he could cause Anderson some issues. However, he has been susceptible to takedowns in the past with Gustaffson and Anthony Johnson (both of whom aren’t renowned wrestlers) having success in this area against him. Wrestling, on the other hand, is Corey’s forte and if he can use this to tire Manuwa in the latter round, he will stand a better chance of finishing the fight. With both men seemingly having something to prove and aiming for the elite of the Light-Heavyweight division, I fully expect an entertaining and exciting contest.