Despite a seemingly insurmountable number of injury withdrawals, and a controversial pre-fight afternoon -- in which the headliner was not only kicked off the card, but also out of the organization entirely -- Dana White and the UFC brass have still managed to put together a relatively good card of free MMA to entertain fight fans. ‘UFC on Versus 4', also known as ‘UFC Live: Kongo vs. Barry', will be held June 26th at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
As is customary, the entire preliminary card of ‘UFC on Versus 4' will be streamed live on the UFC's Facebook page beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. MST. Highlighting the prelims are featherweight debuts for two of the UFC more recognizable faces. Electrifying brawler Tyson Griffin -- on the heels of a three-fight losing streak -- will return to the division for the first time since 2005, and square off against top-5 145-pounder Manny Gamburyan. Also, Joe "Daddy" Stevenson will throw his name into the featherweight discussion, taking on heralded up-and-comer Javier Vazquez.
Following the prelims, 'UFC on Versus 4' begins at 9 p.m. and can be viewed live on Versus. The headlining bout is a heavyweight scrap between Cheick Kongo and Pat Barry.
Originally the card was scheduled to be headlined by a welterweight tussle between Rick Story and Nate Marquardt, however the day before the event Marquardt failed his medicals and was subsequently cut from the UFC. As always, one man's mistake is another's opportunity, and Charlie Brenneman immediately stepped into the empty spot.
Also featured on the main card is a welterweight bout between John Howard and Matt Brown, as well as a heavyweight bout between TUF-10 competitor Matt Mitrione and Christian Morecraft. Thus far in his UFC career Mitrione has exceeded all expectations, racking up an perfect 4-0 record, with a blistering highlight reel to boot. With a win, he is likely to climb into the second tier of the heavyweight pecking order.
UFC Live 4 Betting Odds & Predictions
Main card:
Cheick Kongo (-200) vs. Pat Barry (+160)
SB Nation Arizona prediction: Kongo via unanimous decision
Rick Story (-500) vs. Charlie Brenneman (+300)
SB Nation Arizona prediction: Story via second round TKO
John Howard (-250) vs. Matt Brown (+190)
SB Nation Arizona prediction: Howard via third round KO
Matt Mitrione (-280) vs. Christian Morecraft (+220)
SB Nation Arizona prediction: Mitrione via unanimous decision
Preliminary card (to be streamed on Facebook):
Manny Gamburyan (+190) vs. Tyson Griffin (-250)
SB Nation Arizona prediction: Gamburyan via unanimous decision
Joe Stevenson (-225) vs. Javier Vazquez (+185)
SB Nation Arizona prediction: Stevenson via second round submission
Joe Lauzon (-300) vs. Curt Warburton (+240)
SB Nation Arizona prediction: Lauzon via first round TKO
Rich Attonito (-115) vs. Daniel Roberts (-115)
SB Nation Arizona prediction: Attonito via unanimous decision
Nik Lentz (+110) vs. Charles Oliveira (-140)
SB Nation Arizona prediction: Lentz via split decision
Matt Grice (+145) vs. Ricardo Lamas (-175)
SB Nation Arizona prediction: Lamas via unanimous decision
Edward Faaloloto (+300) vs. Michael Johnson (-500)
SB Nation Arizona prediction: Johnson via first round TKO