Before the big game this weekend, the Bay Area has another “W” to look forward to courtesy of San Jose’s Jon Fitch (24-4-1 MMA, 14-2-1 UFC).

UFC 156: Aldo vs. Edgar, also dubbed “Super Saturday,” takes place at the Mandalay Bay Event Center in Las Vegas. This heavily stacked card features American Kickboxing Academy’s team captain squaring off against Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt Damian Maia (17-4 MMA, 11-4 UFC). Both fighters are considered Top 10 contenders and have made a deep impact in the very talented welter weight division.

Maia, the BJJ specialist, is coming off two impressive wins, one via TKO and the other via submission. Fitch returns after displaying the most dominant performance of his career with a win over top prospect Erik Silva last October.

Both athletes have phenomenal grappling skills and ever improving striking, which is going to lead this bout into what could be one of the standout matches of the night. In the past, Fitch has held a strong second spot in the 170-pound division ranks, but due to a couple of setbacks in 2011, he has fallen back a few spots. After destroying his last opponent, a firm message was sent to his division that Fitch is on his way back to title contention. 

Other fights include the return of heavyweight Alistair Overeem, who takes on the giant Antonio “Big Foot” Silva. Also, the 145-pound belt will be on the line as champion Jose Aldo defends his title against former 155-pound champion Frankie “The Answer” Edgar. UFC 156 will air live on Pay-Per-View Saturday, Feb. 2 at 7:00pm.