UFC 98 is an enjoyable event which features eleven fights and a great main event for the UFC light heavyweight title between Rashad Evans and Brazilian challenger Lyoto Machida.

The headliner is a good contest, with both men defending unbeaten streaks and both going into the fight on the back of impressive knockout wins. It’s a slow fight, and at times frustrating, but it’s worth remembering that both men are known for the expert counter striking. A good fight that ends with a devastating knockout for one of the men – the fight remains one of my favourites from 2009.

The PPV portion of the card is littered with fine performances as well.  Matt Hughes and Matt Serra finally come to blows following their long running feud, with both men showing a genuine dislike for the other. It certainly doesn’t disappoint as both men throw everything into three rounds of intense action. The fight of the night bonus heads their way and rightly so, because this is a great fight.

Drew McFederies and Chael Sonnen pick up impressive wins over Xavier Foupa-Pokam and Dan Miller respectively, and we open the PPV portion of the show with a great battle between Sean Sherk and Frank Edgar. Both men are closing in on a shot at the lightweight title and a win here has the potential to throw one of the men towards the front of the cue against BJ Penn. It’s a three round scrap – and a very good one at that.

The preliminary card is littered with some great fights and is certainly interesting viewing if you haven’t seen any of those fights out before.

My personal favourite is the heavyweight tussle between Tim Hague and Pat Barry, with both making their UFC debuts in a blink-and-you-will-miss-it fight. A gutsy performance from both men, who certainly don’t hold much back once the bell rings.

Another favourite was Brock Larson’s impressive submission win over Mike Pyle that was awarded the submission of the night bonus, while Krzystof Soszynski’s knockout win over Andre Gusmao was another dominating display that stuck out in my mind.

Yoshiyuki Yoshida returns to the octagon in a fight against Brandon Wolff and TUF alumni Dave Kaplan and George Roop battle a slow three round contest.

In the nights only other fight, a controversial stoppage ruins what could have been a great fight between Kyle Bradley and Phillipe Nover.

On the second disc of this compilation, you will find the usual bonus features such as the weigh-ins, behind the scenes footage and an excellent countdown show that will get you pumped before you watch the event. The UFC certainly deliver with this countdown show and it certainly gives a great insight into Lyoto Machida’s preparation for the fight.

I’d definitely recommend this. The main card has at least two excellent fights and from top to the bottom, the card has great action. You definitely have to check this one out!

Martin Smith
martin@ifight365.com