After a hectic June, most of the major MMA promotions are slowing down a bit in July.  Still, there are a few big events taking place this month, so here's a breakdown of where and when they are.

UFC 73 (July 7; Sacramento, Calif.): I will have a full preview of this event in the next 24 hours.  Suffice to say, this is one of UFC's most complete cards in a while.  There are two title matches (for the middleweight and lightweight crowns) as well as a grudge match between Tito Ortiz and Rashad Evans.

Fans not heading to ARCO Arena to watch the fights in person can view them on pay-per-view starting at 10 pm. EST on Saturday.  This card is definitely worth the $40+ bucks it will cost you.

IFO: Fireworks in the Cage (July 7; Las Vegas, Nevada): International Fight Organization (IFO) is Hall of Fame boxing referee Richard Steele's fledgling MMA league.  And while the league should be considered nothing more than a minor league, this next event does boast a couple of well-known fighters in Marvin Eastman and Wes Sims.

Bodog Fight (July 14; Trenton, New Jersey): This is quite an intriguing card that I will be attending live.  There are two title fights (including a women's title matchup), a main event featuring Eddie Alvarez vs. Matt Lee, and Baltimore's own Binky Jones.  I will have more on this card and on Jones' preparation for his fight against Nick Agallar as the event nears.

The August MMA schedule looks quite promising and I will have more news on August events closer to the end of this month.

Have I missed a July MMA event?  Drop me an email or post a comment if there's an event that should be on my radar.