D-Day: UFC on FOX: Diaz vs. Miller
The UFC returns to network TV on Saturday with potentially the most entertaining card FOX has offered to date — UFC on FOX: Diaz vs. Miller from the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, NJ.
The biggest buzz surrounding the throwdown in the Garden State stems from the fact the card features four fights, an increase from the three fights on January’s UFC on FOX card that was headlined by Evans vs. Davis.
The main event Saturday is a lightweight battle between top contenders Nate Diaz (15-7-0) and Jim Miller (21-3-0).
The other bouts on the FOX card:
• Middleweights: Josh Koscheck (19-5-0) vs. Johny Hendricks (12-1-0).
• Middleweights: Rousimar Palhares (23-3-0) vs. Alan Belcher (16-5-0).
• Heavyweights: Pat Barry (7-4-0) vs. Lavar Johnson (16-5-0).
Eric Shanks, president of FOX Sports Media Group, believes the extra fight is all about giving the audience what they are seeking.
“We all believe that we can fit more action into the two hours," he said, "and that’s what UFC fans want. More action. And it leaves us time to tell the stories of the fighters, too.”
UFC president Dana White agreed.
“(The UFC) wants to put exciting fights on network TV," he said. "We try to line up the types of fights on FOX that we would put on PPV.”
In addition to the revamped fight card, UFC on FOX: Diaz vs. Miller will offer a new look behind the microphone. Former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion Randy Couture and UFC middleweight fan favorite “All American” Brian Stann will join the broadcast team.
Stann, fresh off his victory over Alessio Sakara in Sweden, was humble about joining the telecast:
“I was fortunate to get selected for this position as the people at FOX and UFC trust me to do my homework. There are spontaneous things that come up during a fight, and we need to be able to think and speak quickly. I’m going to know all the fighters on the card. I won’t flip out in front of the camera. I’m lucky.”
White had a different, but laudatory, take on the addition of Stann.
“This guy is far from lucky," White said. "Everything that comes out of this guy’s mouth is a home run. We’re pumped to have him as an analyst for us now.”
Besides the improvements to the fight card and broadcast team, most UFC fans and media are excited about Saturday's card because it features explosive fighters who are great at putting on a show and getting a finish.
Yet, some UFC fans are disappointed by the lack of a title fight. To such naysayers, White points out that the fights on this card still have deep implications, especially Diaz vs. Miller.
“Should Diaz win he’s definitely getting a title shot," White said. "If Miller wins, he’s probably a fight or two away.”
Twelve fights are on tap Saturday, including the four that FOX will air and six that will be aired by FUEL TV. Preliminary fights for UFC on FOX: Diaz vs. Miller will begin airing at 5 p.m. ET on FUEL TV. The main card will begin at 8 ET on FOX.
