MMA Payout had the opportunity to attend the UFC on Fox 5 weigh-ins for tonight. From what we learned, at 10:00am, there was a line at the KeyArena for the 4:00pm weigh-ins.
Will the 209 be able to take the title in the 206?
Despite needing additional time to lose weight, Nate Diaz looked ready for his title shot. Benson Henderson sported a Gary Payton throwback to grab further fan support at the weigh-ins. It will be an interesting matchup between the two with many lightweights (see Donald Cerrone, Anthony Pettis and Gilbert Melendez to name a few) in line for the winner.
Rua-Gustaffson will determine next challenger to Jon Jones*
Jon Jones will be in the building tonight to scout his next opponent at 205. But, how long could the winner wait for their shot. *With Chael Sonnen set for spring 2013 after TUF 17, one of these guys will fight Jones. Of course, if Jones fights Silva after Sonnen then one of these guys may have to wait until 2014 for a shot.
Prodigy versus Prodigy
Guess who’s back? BJ Penn’s facial expressions are always good at weigh-ins and to see it close up was amazing. As he got on stage for the weigh-in, he looked like a guy that just caught the kid that stole from him. I’m not insinuating Rory MacDonald steals just to be clear. A win for MacDonald will springboard his UFC career and at only 23 you might be able to call him the new Prodigy. The UFC would definitely need to start marketing the Canadian if he can take out Penn.
Some other notes:
– Seattle was a pro-BJ Penn crowd. There were tons of BJ Penn “Just Scrap” shirts and RVCA brand shirts.
– Despite being from Stockton, there were a ton of Nate Diaz fans. As it played the UFC Road to the Octagon on the big screen before weigh-ins started, there was an eruption from the crowd as the Nate Diaz segment ran.
– Last time the UFC was in Seattle for Fight Night, Mario Miranda donned a Shawn Kemp Seattle Supersonics throwback at weigh-ins. Last night, Benson Henderson wore a GP throwback and got some love from The Glove on twitter for doing so.
– The weigh-ins were heavily attended as the KeyArena staff had to open up the upper bowl for fans.
I will be in attendance this afternoon for the fights. Follow me on twitter @dilletaunt for some pics and in arena scoop at UFC on Fox 5.
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