Anthony "Rumble" Johnson (7-2, 4-2 UFC) vs. Yoshiyuki "Zenko" Yoshida (11-3, 2-1 UFC)

The Story So Far: When Anthony Johnson knocked out TUF 6 runner-up, Tommy Speer, at Ultimate Fight Night 13 the UFC decided to roll out the red carpet for their newest blue-chip, welterweight prospect. Johnson received the gift of being slowly built up on televised Fight Night cards while fighting favorable competition, such as, Luigi Fioravanti and Kevin Burns, twice. Despite losing one fight to Burns (Anthony was poked in the eye and the Athletic commission didn't overturn the ruling) Johnson's profile jumped to one of the best young fighters in the UFC due to a series of impressive knockouts.

Yoshiyuki Yoshida came to the UFC from Japan as a relative unknown. For Yoshida's first fight he had the distinct pleasure of Jon Koppenhaver, err "War Machine", in the classic former TUF cast member versus unknown newcomer. Yoshiyuki came out the victor with an impressive fifty-six second submission victory over Koppenhaver, which indirectly helped accelerate War Machine's fall from UFC grace.

Yoshida's victory cuased him to be thrown into the deep end of the welterweight pool. First, Yoshiyuki was suppose to fight Karo Parisyan at UFC Fight for the Troops but Karo withdrew due to an injury. Josh Koscheck stepped in and KO'd Yoshida back to the ice age. Yoshiyuki rebounded with a submission victory over Brandon Wolff and now finds himself apart of the first fight of a pay-per view card. 

Conventional Wisdom: Yoshida's head looked like a pinata when Josh Koscheck sent the Japanese fighter to the canvass at UFC Fight for the Troops. It was one of the more spectacular knockouts in 2008. Most are assuming that Johnson will be able to replicate Koscheck's success and further build his brand but this time as the lead in fight on a pay-per view card.

WKR Analysis: Don't be too quick to dismiss Yoshiyuki Yoshida. Six of his fights have ended via TKO or KO and he also posses some legitimate submission skills. Once you consider that Anthony was submitted by former UFC fighter Rich Clementi, Johnson may be in trouble on the ground. Plus, Yoshida made the move to Team Jackson in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which requires an obligatory "Greg Jackson is the best coach in MMA' statement.

Fun Fact: Yoshiyuki Yoshida is a 4th degree black belt in Judo.