The World Series of Fighting is back this weekend with a stacked card from Las Vegas, Nevada. WSOF 9 features two title fights including the main event Welterweight title bout which pits WSOF champion, Steve Carl, against former UFC contender, Rousimar Palhares.

The co-main event features the inaugural WSOF Bantamweight championship as Marlon Moraes takes on Josh Rettinghouse. Moraes is 4-0 in WSOF, and is currently riding a six fight winning streak. Rettinghouse made his WSOF debut back in October, defeating Alexis Vila by decision.

Today I run down 5 reasons why you should watch World Series of Fighting 9.

5. Shane Kruchten: MMA is a lot more than two men or women stepping into the cage to fight one another. It is years of hard work and dedication culminating in a 15 or 25 minute battle to test your mettle against a fellow competitor. For some it is sport, for others it is passion, and for a few it is rehabilitation. Kruchten is a former United States Marine who served time in Iraq. In combat, Kruchten suffered a traumatic brain injury that ultimately developed into post traumatic stress disorder. The PTSD made Kruchten edgy, angry, and ultimately led him to drugs. After a failed suicide attempt, Kruchten was brought back into the world with the help of the Wounded Warriors Project. Part of Kruchten’s rehabilitation has been his developing MMA career. This weekend he steps into the big leagues as he fights for WSOF. Do not miss his fight, and check out this mini documentary about his story. A special interview with Kruchten will be on FanSided tomorrow.

4. Yushin Okami’s debut: After a seven year run in the UFC, Yushin Okami is set to make his WSOF debut this weekend. The former UFC title challenger takes on Svetlozar Savov in the third bout on the main card. Expect an impressive performance from Okami as he looks to make a statement to the WSOF Middleweights.

3. Josh Burkman vs. Tyler Stinson: This bout has all the makings of a ‘Fight of the Year’ candidate. Josh Burkman has 16 finishes in 26 career victories. Tyler Stinson has 24 finishes in 26 career victories. Stinson also has an astonishing 18 first round finishes, many coming before the 30 second mark. Do not blink and do not miss this fight.

2. Two title fights: The WSOF is treating MMA fans to two title fights this Saturday night. In the main event, Steve Carl attempts to defend his Welterweight strap against longtime UFC veteran, Rousimar Palhares. The winner of this bout will take on Jon Fitch next. In the co-main event, the inaugural WSOF Bantamweight title is on the line as Marlon Moraes takes on Josh Rettinghouse in a bout that is sure to bring fireworks.

1. Streamed internationally for free: The only reason you might have had to not watch the fights on Saturday night was due to the fact that your cable subscription does not offer NBC Sports Network. That excuse was thrown out of the window yesterday when WSOF announced that all of their future events will be streamed internationally for free online.

FanSided will have full coverage of the WSOF event this weekend, so stick with us and enjoy the fights!