When Frank Mir and Roy Nelson tangle, two of the most recognizable names in the heavyweight MMA scene will fight at UFC 130 May 28 in Las Vegas.

Since losing to Brock Lesnar at UFC 100 in a fight for the UFC heavyweight title, Mir, 14-5 in his career, has won two of three fights. He knocked out Mirko Filopovic at UFC 119 as well as he forced Cheick Kongo to submit at UFC 107. At UFC 111, his last loss was via knockout to Shane Carwin.

Including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing, Kenpo Karate and wrestling, Mir is a former heavyweight champion who uses a variety of styles in the ring. Via submission, he has won eight of his 14 fights.

Even though Nelson also has quick-strike capability that has led to eight knockouts, he is 15-5 in his career, has the ability to force opponents to submit, winning five fights that way. His style is a mix of Shaolin Kung Fu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Nelson lost to Junior dos Santos by decision at UFC 117 in his last fight after beating Brendan Schaub in the finale of The Ultimate Fighter and then Stefan Struve at UFC Fight Night in March 2010.

Both fighters are moving into the late stages of their MMA careers as they are in their 30s. In this fight, a victory for either one could propel the winner to a shot at the top of the division. This fight is a -115 pick’em in UFC 130 Odds.

Rick Story boldly asked for a step up in competition after defeating Johny Hendricks in December 2010 as he wanted to fight the third ranked welterweight in the world, Thiago Alves. Story will get his wish at UFC 130 in Las Vegas May 28.

In UFC lines, Alves is a -210 favorite and Story is a +165 underdog.

By using his mix of Muay Tai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu styles, Alves, 18-7 in his career, has 11 knockouts. In his division, his quick-strike capability has made him one of the more dangerous fighters. Even though Alves had lost his previous two bouts, including a title shot against Georges St-Pierre at UFC 100, he beat John Howard in his last fight at UFC 124.

Alves represents his toughest test yet in his UFC career as for Story his desire to fight Alves was simple. Story will head into his fight with Alves on a five-fight winning streak as his strength is wrestling and he has a 12-3 career record. Including names like Jon Fitch, Alves, St-Pierre and B.J. Penn, Story has been on a quest to prove he’s as good as the top competition in his division.

Story will have to give Alves as little space as possible to avoid the punishing quick strikes that Alves is known for in order to defeat Alves, who is known for his training habits. As Alves is really strong at takedown defenses, Story also will have to work to get Alves on the ground.

In the second leg of their Champions League semifinal battle, Barcelona host Real Madrid. In the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu last week, Barcelona holds all the cards following their controversial 2-0 victory. To move ahead in the final at Wembley, defending a two-goal lead at home, make the Catalans huge favorites.

Real Madrid will have to implement a more belligerent stance than they did in the Bernabeu, though they will not switch their team about in too great a fashion for this encounter. Mesut Ozil must be given a more critical role, while Emmanuel Adebayor should be deployed in attack to unsettle the home defense with his physical attributes.

Jose Mourinho will not be in the dugout following his dismissal last week, while Pepe and Sergio Ramos are both banned, posing troubles to the defensive unit. Midfielders Sami Khedira and Fernando Gago are injured.

It is worth commenting on the fact that Barcelona will have some serious injury apprehensions ahead of the second-leg of the Champions League semi-final, before mentioning the pride excitement, belligerence and stupidity of El Clasico matches. Eric Abidal, French left back is unavailable following surgery, while Skipper Carles Puyol is out. Real Madrid need to collect at least two goals against the Barca side cannot afford to be left lacking at the back. However, Andres Iniesta is likely to make an appropriate come back.

The internet sportsbooks betting sites have Barcelona as favorites. In the betting picks, Barcelona is 7/10 and Real Madrid is 21/5.