UFC 99: Caol Uno Returns and Can History Give Spencer Fisher the Formula for Success?

Back in March, hardcore fans were treated to an announcement that brought back some nostalgic memories of a crafty fighter who was one of the first Japanese lightweights to have an impact in the history of the UFC. Caol Uno(27-11-4) will make his return to the Octagon at UFC 99 against what may be considered one of Joe Silva's best matchups on the card as he takes on Spencer Fisher in a lightweight tilt.

Uno has been battling it out in K-1 Hero's, Shooto, and DREAM since his departure from the UFC back in 2003, but he remains one of the better Lightweights in the world. A very tough fighter to finish, Uno has not only improved his standup skills with quick footwork and speedy hands, but his technical ground acumen continues to be a dangerous weapon. Many fans felt Uno was on a downturn heading into DREAM 3 back in May of 2008, but Uno proved that he wasn't finished making an impact in the lightweight picture. Uno submitted Mitsuhiro Ishida in the second round of their match-up in surprising fashion, putting the world on notice that he still had the skills to win at a high level.

Many fans believe Uno's presence in the UFC is simply a way for the UFC to gain some interest overseas, but he still manages to present some interesting problems to many of the mid to upper-echelon talent in the division. His ground acumen will give most of the UFC's lightweights something to think about, and his technical striking isn't something to scoff at. Anticipating his match-up with striker Spencer Fisher, Uno has also managed to get some help from world-renowned boxing trainer Freddie Roach in preparation for this match-up. It'll be interesting to see if it truly helps Uno gain a little speed in his hands.

While Uno's ground tactics will be the main focus on his side of the Octagon, Fisher will be coming into this bout with aggressive boxing and solid wrestling techniques. The Miletich fighter will be looking to keep this fight standing and try to impose his striking techniques on Uno while staying away from any chance of Uno taking him to the floor. What makes this a more interesting match-up than a simple grappler vs. striker showdown? Uno has been susceptible to being defeated by strikers with solid take down defense, better boxing, and a pressing pace while Fisher has never been submitted. It makes for an exceptional match-up considering many believed Uno would be given an easier bout for his first time back in the Octagon.

Historically, Uno has had problems with high pace action coupled with tremendous take down defense and striking ability. Spencer fits that mold, and he's mentioned in interviews recently that he intends to push the pace on Uno. Will Fisher's strategy work against a much wiser Caol Uno? It's definitely a solid strategy if Uno hasn't learned from his past fights. Fisher hasn't, however, faced a fighter with Uno's ground acumen before, so it really comes down to whether or not Uno can take Fisher to the ground.

Fisher remains one of those exciting fighters in the lightweight division that cannot break into the middle of the pack. He keeps grabbing a paycheck due to his exciting fights and ability to take and deal damage. With a win over Uno, he'll likely get a tougher match-up, but I don't see Fisher making a huge impact anywhere down the road. Uno's fate is a bit different.

If Uno manages to defeat Fisher, I could see the UFC pushing him into an easier battle to showcase him to overseas & American audiences. It isn't unlike the UFC to do so as they have with guys like Junior Dos Santos.

In any case, this match-up is a solid addition to the UFC 99 card. It has the classic grappler vs. striker showdown with some historical aspects regarding each fighter's abilities. Uno may have a tough time with Spencer's style while Fisher could be surprised by Uno's technical ground game. Will Uno come out with surprising technical boxing from his training at Roach's gym? Will Fisher's aggression frustrate Uno? We'll find out Saturday night.