USA TODAY: MMAjunkie.com's under-the-radar fights to watch at UFC 162

(This story appears in today’s edition of USA TODAY.)

In addition to the other fights discussed in today’s USA TODAY/MMAjunkie.com UFC 162 coverage, several matchups are flying under the radar. Here are the MMAjunkie.com staff’s favorites:

STEVEN MARROCCO, STAFF REPORTER (@MMAjunkieSteven)
FIGHT: Tim Boetsch vs. Mark Munoz
TV: Pay-per-view main card, 10 p.m. ET
NEED TO KNOW: Although stylistically different, Boetsch (16-5 MMA, 7-4 UFC) and Munoz (12-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC) have walked parallel paths in the middleweight division the last three years. Both won four in a row before a loss silenced talk of title contention. Munoz, a standout wrestler with solid striking, hopes to resuscitate his career after struggling with injuries and depression. He’ll receive no quarter against Boetsch, who can turn any fight on a dime when he starts flinging punches. They’re both a ways from champion Anderson Silva, but the matchup will determine who’s closer.

BEN FOWLKES, COLUMNIST (@benfowlkesMMA)
FIGHT: Andrew Craig vs. Chris Leben
TV: FX, 8 p.m. ET
NEED TO KNOW: In eight years with the UFC, Leben (22-9 MMA, 12-8 UFC) has played every role from overachieving brawler to substance-abusing problem child. Now the 32-year-old needs to prove he’s still a relevant force in the UFC’s middleweight class, though 27-year-old Texan Craig (8-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) will not be an easy out. This is Craig’s chance to put himself on the map and Leben’s last hope for staying there.

MATT ERICKSON, ASSISTANT EDITOR (@MMAjunkieMatt)
FIGHT: Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Dave Herman
TV: FX, 8 p.m. ET
NEED TO KNOW: It might be cliche, but it’s do-or-die time for heavyweights Herman (21-5 MMA, 1-3 UFC) and Gonzaga (14-7 MMA, 9-6 UFC). Herman looked like he might be the next big thing in his UFC debut win, but since then, he’s dropped three in a row and twice tested positive for marijuana. Gonzaga is a former title challenger who fell on hard times, climbed back up outside the UFC, returned to some success, but was brought down to earth in 73 seconds in April against Travis Browne. Gonzaga might survive a pink slip with a loss, though Herman almost certainly will not.

JOHN MORGAN, LEAD STAFF REPORTER (@MMAjunkieJohn)
FIGHT: Edson Barboza vs. Rafaello Oliveira
TV: FX, 8 p.m. ET
NEED TO KNOW: With the potential to offer up a Knockout of the Year performance at any moment, Brazilian striking specialist Barboza (11-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) is always must-see TV. Three “Fight of the Night” bonuses in six UFC fights are a testament to that. Countryman Oliveira (16-5 MMA, 2-4 UFC) likely will try to slow things and control the action with his grappling skills, but Barboza is capable of punishing his opponent on the way in, as well as in the clinch.

DANN STUPP, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF (@MMAjunkieDann)
FIGHT: David Mitchell vs. Mike Pierce
HOW TO WATCH: Facebook-streamed prelims (7 p.m. ET)
NEED TO KNOW: Since joining the UFC, Pierce (16-5 MMA, 8-3 UFC) has suffered losses only to Josh Koscheck, Johny Hendricks and Jon Fitch, all elite-level welterweights. Yet he’s again relegated to a preliminary card, where he’s on a 3-0 run heading into a bout with Mitchell (12-2 MMA, 1-2 UFC). Pierce is a heavy favorite against Mitchell, who recently saved his job with a decision win against Simeon Thoresen. Don’t be surprised if Pierce showcases his underused striking game against an opponent who’s in a must-win situation.

For the latest on UFC 162, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Tim Boetsch)