UFC 139 Fight Card Breakdown: Stephan Bonnar Vs. Kyle Kingsbury

Light heavyweights Stephan Bonnar (13-7) and Kyle Kingsbury (11-2, 1 NC) meet at UFC 139 tonight in the promotion's first ever event in San Jose. The fight is expected to kick off the pay per view (PPV) broadcast.

Bonnar is best known for his legendary 2005 Ultimate Fighter Finale bout with Forrest Griffin that single-handedly triggered the UFC explosion in popularity. Since then he's had mixed success in the UFC, going 7-5, enduring a suspension for failing a steroid test in 2006 and battling numerous injuries. Nevertheless, the 34 year old is riding a 2 fight win streak into tonight's bout.

Kingsbury is himself a veteran of the Ultimate Fighter reality show, having been an alternate on season 8 and doing well enough to win a UFC contract. He lost his UFC debut to Tom Lawlor at The Ultimate Fighter 8 Finale but has reeled off 4 straight wins since then. He's also twice won the Fight of the Night bonus.

Bonnar is a blackbelt in both Taekwondo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, making for an entertaining fighting style that eschews the more common wrestle-boxing style. Kingsbury is a raw athlete and former collegiate football player whose training at the American Kickboxing Academy has polished his game. Bonnar should have the striking advantage at range, but watch for Kingsbury to try to win the fight in the clinch.

I expect Kingsbury to dominate early with some brutal clinch work but he'll likely fade in the later rounds. Look for Bonnar to win the fight but lose the decision.