1. Is Johny Hendricks ready for the big time? Since losing to Rick Story in 2010, Hendricks has been on a tear. He won three straight fights, including a 12-second knockout of Jon Fitch. His last test before being promised a title shot is Josh Koscheck, a one-time welterweight contender who has equally impressive wrestling credentials.

2. Does Nate Diaz deserve a title shot? UFC president Dana White says with a win over Jim Miller, yes. Diaz won his last two fights, but lost the two before that. The lightweight belt is being contested in August and Anthony Pettis is waiting in the wings. Even with a win, Diaz may have some time on his hands before fighting for UFC gold.

3. Is Josh Koscheck over the hill? Koscheck is 34. Hendricks is 28. That age difference means it’s easy to look at the fight as old fogie vs. young buck, but Koscheck took offense, calling any media who pointed out the gap between their ages “retards.” If he wants to prove he’s not an old man, he needs to give a better showing in the cage against Hendricks than he did against Mike Pierce in February, when he barely won a split decision.

4. Will Pat Barry vs. Lavar Johnson last more than a minute? This bout kicks off the month of the heavyweight, and it promises to be the perfect way to start a May that will feature the Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix finals and UFC 146′s all heavyweight main card. Barry and Johnson have 20 knockout wins between them. Chances are that number will be 21 by the time the bout is over.

5. How do the latest crop of “The Ultimate Fighter” products stand up? The preliminary card, airing on Fuel TV and Fox Deportes, is full of TUF castmembers from the past few seasons. John Dodson, Louis Gaudinot and Dennis Bermudez are getting their first shots at fights outside of the TUF finale, and this is their chance to show they’re more than just good TV.

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Gaudinot told MMA Junkie Radio that he’s thinking of cutting his hair, but he’ll still keep it green.

“I was thinking about cutting it before the fight,” Gaudinot said. “I’m kind of used to the long hair now, but I think I might have to cut it just for the next fight so it doesn’t get in my face.”

I can’t understand why he would want to do that.

It’s not like it got in his eyes.

Or made it easier for judges to tell when he got punched.

Yeah, on second thought, visiting a barbershop may not be such a bad idea, Louis.

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The past few days’ warmer climes are a dead giveaway, but for those who prefer to celebrate by the book: Spring officially begins Sunday.

(If you’re annoyed by the fact that this column so often begins with a reminder as to what holiday or season is on the horizon, apologies. Let it be your constant reminder to drink in season, just as you should eat in season.)

More important than the fact that yesterday was St. Patrick’s Day, or that a certain day this year marks the 244th anniversary of the invention of soda water, the start of spring gives us permission to polish off our brown liquors and move into lighter territory (think gin, tequila, light rum). True, bourbon remains an excellent transitional spirit to be enjoyed in the months warming up to Derby Day in early May, but toasting the equinox deserves a bit more effort.

That said, go out. Yes, this column primarily encourages staying in and trying your hand at drink recipes. This weekend, go out. Yes, in the rain. (It’s part of spring, after all.) Sit somewhere with windows that have the capacity to open up to the elements, even if it’s too cold to do it just yet. Allow yourself to daydream about temperatures that reach into the 60s. No — the 70s. We’re almost there, folks.

This is the cocktail you should drink while you’re waiting: The Soiled Dove at Bangers & Lace (1670 W. Division St., 773.252.6499).

Comprised of silver tequila, dry sherry, agave, lime and grapefruit juice, it’s served in a Collins glass with ice (it’s been a long time since you had a tall drink, no?) and is finished with bitters and black salt. As for that added salt: Don’t let the mention of it conjure images of rock salt-strewn sidewalks. We’re past that now.

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Francisco Rivera made a successful return to the UFC on Tuesday night, dominating the striking game against Alex Soto at UFC on Fuel 3 in Fairfax, Va.

Rivera battered Soto with big strikes early and often en route to a unanimous decision win, but to his credit Soto continued fighting on for the entirety of the 15 minute bout despite taking some major punishment.

The one-sided performance came despite Rivera entering on short notice, but he handed Soto his second straight loss inside the Octagon.

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