UFC 127: Return of the Prodigal Son | Thebigtip

UFC 127 will see the homecoming of Aussie favourite George Sotiropoulos, the Geelong native is in the form of his life and is unbeaten in his last seven octagon appearances.

Sotiropoulos will be making his second UFC appearance in front of his home crowd, his previous visit ended in a decision victory over Joe Stevenson at UFC 110.

The Aussie’s mettle is sure to be tested at the Acer Arena on Sunday against dangerous striker Denis Siver, who is also in a rich vein of form with seven wins in his last eight outings.

A win for the Australian should leave him one fight from a shot at the lightweight title. This match-up is one that has managed to capture the imagination of the public, pitting together two very capable strikers.

Siver is a decorated WAKO kickboxing champion and possesses some very unorthodox but effective striking techniques.

Throughout his MMA career Sotiropoulos has adopted a more conservative striking game, looking at his best when utilising his boxing.

The 33 year-old will have a significant advantage in the grappling game against a less experienced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, and this could be the key to victory for the Aussie.

The main event of the evening will see welterweight contenders Jon Fitch and B.J. Penn looking to make a case for a shot at Georges St-Pierres welterweight belt.

Penn seems to be enjoying a new lease after the spectacular knockout of Matt Hughes at UFC 123, whereas Fitch is on a five-win streak following his loss to Georges St-Pierres.

This will be a crucial fight for both fighters with the winner earning himself a title shot at the winner of Georges St-Pierres against Jake Shields.

UFC 127 also features a middleweight class between Michael Bisping and Jorge Rivera, Bisping will be eager to make a statement in this fight following some recent below-par performances from the Brit.

The temperature has increased to what is already looking like an intriguing match-up following jibes from Rivera about Bisping’s fighting pedigree and alleged personal insults.

Bisping will be desperate for a win here to propel himself up the middleweight ladder, whereas Rivera will want to make a statement to UFC fighters and fans alike with a victory over a top contender.

Expect a stand-up war in this one, with both fighters promising knockouts.