Here are my UFC rankings along with the upcoming matches they have planned. BW has some life, and seems like a good place to start this time.
BW: After watching Barao win his last fight, I was all about seeing him get the next title shot... now after watching Faber destroy Bowles, I think Barao can wait one more fight. Faber looked great, and his last fight with Cruz was close and exciting, so lets do it again. In the meantime Barao can fight Miguel Torres to establish the next guy in line.
Michael McDonald did what he should do against a late replacement who isn't on his level. UFC doesn't need to rush him right now, with Faber, and Barao in line for title shots ahead of him. A fight with Assuncao would be a good next step.
Other fights I'd make:
Bowles v Curran - Would Bowles' heavy hands and wrestling be enough to keep Curran's grappling at bay?
Stone v Easton - Let's see these guys try to move up, and get into the mix near the top half of the division.
|
Name |
|
Next fight |
Last Fight |
|
|
1 |
2 |
w/ Demetrious Johnson, 1 Oct |
||
|
2 |
Urijah Faber |
1 |
Dominick Cruz |
w/ Brian Bowles, 19 Nov |
|
3 |
TBD |
w/ Eddie Wineland, 14 Aug |
||
|
4 |
Renan "Barao" Pegado |
TBD |
w/ Brad Pickett, 5 Nov |
|
|
5 |
Brian Bowles |
TBD |
l/ Urijah Faber, 19 Nov |
|
|
6 |
Demetrious Johnson |
10 |
Eddie Wineland, 28 Jan |
l/ Dominick Cruz, 1 Oct |
|
7 |
TBD |
w/ Jeff Curran, 29 Oct |
||
|
8 |
Miguel Torres |
TBD |
w/ Nick Pace, 19 Nov |
|
|
9 |
Michael McDonald |
TBD |
w/ Alex Soto, 19 Nov |
|
|
10 |
Eddie Wineland |
6 |
Demetrious Johnson, 28 Jan |
l/ Joseph Benavidez, 14 Aug |
|
11 |
13 |
Chris Cariaso, 26 Feb |
w/ Cole Escovedo, 24 Sep |
|
|
12 |
TBD |
w/ Johnny Eduardo, 27 Aug |
||
|
13 |
Chris Cariaso |
11 |
Takeya Mizugaki, 26 Feb |
w/ Vaughan Lee, 5 Nov |
|
14 |
Brad Pickett |
TBD |
l/ Renan "Banao" Pegado, 5 Nov |
|
|
15 |
TBD |
l/ Brian Bowles, 3 Mar |
||
|
16 |
TBD |
w/ Nick Pace, 6 Aug |
||
|
17 |
20 |
Walel Watson, 10 Dec |
w/ Ian Loveland, 27 Aug |
|
|
18 |
TBD |
w/ Francisco Rivera, 4 Jun |
||
|
19 |
26 |
Alex Caceres, 4 Feb |
w/ Jason Reinhardt, 14 Aug |
|
|
20 |
Walel Watson |
17 |
Yves Jabouin, 10 Dec |
w/ Joseph Sandoval, 1 Oct |
|
21 |
TBD |
w/ Byron Bloodworth, 1 Oct |
||
|
22 |
TBD |
w/ Norifumi Yamamoto, 12 Nov |
||
|
23 |
TBD |
w/ Donny Walker, 2 Jul |
||
|
24 |
TBD |
w/ Donny Walker, 17 Sep |
||
|
25 |
Jeff Curran |
TBD |
l/ Scott Jorgensen, 29 Oct |
|
|
26 |
Alex Caceres |
19 |
Edwin Figueroa, 4 Feb |
w/ Cole Escovedo, 12 Nov |
|
27 |
Norifumi Yamamoto |
TBD |
l/ Darren Uyenoyama, 12 Nov |
|
|
28 |
Ian Loveland |
TBD |
l/ Yves Jabouin, 27 Aug |
|
|
29 |
Nick Pace |
TBD |
l/ Miguel Torres, 19 Nov |
|
|
30 |
TBD |
l/ Ivan Menjivar, 30 Apr |
||
|
31 |
Vaughan Lee |
TBD |
l/ Chris Cariaso, 5 Nov |
|
|
32 |
Johnny Eduardo |
TBD |
l/ Raphael Assuncao, 27 Aug |
|
|
33 |
Joseph Sandoval |
TBD |
l/ Walel Watson, 1 Oct |
|
|
34 |
Byron Bloodworth |
TBD |
l/ Mike Easton, 1 Oct |
|
|
35 |
Alex Soto |
TBD |
l/ Michael McDonald, 19 Nov |
Heavyweight: I hope JDS's knee isn't going to keep him out of action for too long. At least he still has about 40 days before he will know who he is fighting next. Dana shouldn't be too upset, JDS has great match-ups in front of him for the next year. First in the shoot is Lesnar/Overeem winner. Then there is the Barnett/Cormier winner. Then potentially there is a sellable fight with Frank Mir, or if Cain can rip off 2 impressive wins then a rematch with Cain. Those fights should keep JDS, or whoever becomes champ occupied for the next year, and by then there will probably be another prospect that emerges and is on the cusp of contendership.
I have a feeling that I've seen the Hunt v Kongo fight before it even happens... It was called Kongo v Buentello a few years ago.
Fights I'd make:
Velasquez v Nelson - UFC needs to get Cain Velasquez right, and looking good so that it can sell a rematch 2-3 fights by now. Nelson is a known commodity, who will not be a push over, but really shouldn't give Cain too many problems. This is someone to get him back on the right track.
Schaub v Struve - Which prospect re-establishes himself as a legit threat to be a star
Browne v Russow - Which one of these guys is going to be taken seriously? Browne needs to work on his cardio, and Russow just needs keep winning.
De Fries v Thompson - Their original match up before Thompson's injury... I see no reason to rush De Fries.
|
Name |
|
Next fight |
Last fight |
|
|
1 |
Junior Dos Santos |
TBD |
w/ Cain Velasquez, 12 Nov |
|
|
2 |
Cain Velasquez |
TBD |
l/ Junior Dos Santos, 12 Nov |
|
|
3 |
5 |
Brock Lesnar, 30 Dec |
w/ Fabricio Werdum, 18 Jun |
|
|
4 |
Frank Mir |
6 |
Antonio Nogueira, 10 Dec |
w/ Roy Nelson, 28 May |
|
5 |
Brock Lesnar |
3 |
Alistair Overeem, 30 Dec |
l/ Cain Velasquez, 23 Oct |
|
6 |
Antonio Nogueira |
4 |
Frank Mir, 10 Dec |
w/ Brendan Schaub, 27 Aug |
|
7 |
Roy Nelson |
TBD |
w/ Cro Cop, 29 Oct |
|
|
8 |
TBD |
l/ Junior Dos Santos, 11 Jun |
||
|
9 |
Brendan Schaub |
TBD |
l/ Antonio Nogueira, 27 Aug |
|
|
10 |
TBD |
w/ Rob Broughton, 24 Sep |
||
|
11 |
16 |
Mark Hunt, 26 Feb |
w/ Matt Mitrione, 29 Oct |
|
|
12 |
TBD |
w/ Jon Madsen, 26 Mar |
||
|
13 |
Matt Mitrione |
TBD |
l/ Cheick Kongo, 29 Oct |
|
|
14 |
TBD |
w/ Pat Barry, 1 Oct |
||
|
15 |
TBD |
w/ Jon Olav Einemo, 11 Jun |
||
|
16 |
Mark Hunt |
11 |
Cheick Kongo, 26 Feb |
w/ Ben Rothwell, 24 Sep |
|
17 |
TBD |
w/ Joey Beltran, 8 Oct |
||
|
18 |
TBD |
w/ Rob Broughton, 5 Nov |
||
|
19 |
Pat Barry |
22 |
Christian Morecraft, 20 Jan |
l/ Stefan Struve, 1 Oct |
|
20 |
Joey Beltran |
TBD |
l/ Stipe Miocic, 8 Oct |
|
|
21 |
Ben Rothwell |
TBD |
l/ Mark Hunt, 24 Sep |
|
|
22 |
Christian Morecraft |
19 |
Pat Barry, 20 Jan |
l/ Matt Mitrione, 26 Jun |
|
23 |
Rob Broughton |
26 |
Ednaldo Oliveira, 14 Jan |
l/ Philip De Fries, 5 Nov |
|
24 |
Jon Olav Einemo |
TBD |
l/ Dave Herman, 11 Jun |
|
|
25 |
TBD |
w/ Mark Potter |
||
|
26 |
Ednaldo Oliveira |
23 |
Rob Broughton, 14 Jan |
w/ Nalzinho Novaes |
LHW: Could Rashad Evans get passed by again for a title shot? Dan Henderson is 41 years old, and staked his claim for the title by engaging in an all time classic. I still think Rashad should be at the front of the line, but crazier things have happened.
Ryan Bader v Thiago Silva - Silva's year long suspension should be up at the start of the year. That lines him up for a fight with a resurgent Ryan Bader who after saving his UFC career, can look to start moving back up the rankings
Stephan Bonnar v Rampage - These two have apparently called each other out, and I love the fight. This is the best Stephan Bonnar we have ever seen, and I think he could be very competitive with Rampage. Stephan also happens to be from Chicago, and there is a big card coming up there in January.
|
Name |
|
Next fight |
Last fight |
|
|
1 |
6 |
Lyoto Machida, 10 Dec |
w/ Rampage Jackson, 24 Sep |
|
|
2 |
Rashad Evans |
TBD |
w/ Tito Ortiz, 6 Aug |
|
|
3 |
Dan Henderson |
TBD |
w/ Shogun Rua, 19 Nov |
|
|
4 |
Shogun Rua |
TBD |
l/ Dan Henderson, 19 Nov |
|
|
5 |
Rampage Jackson |
TBD |
l/ Jon Jones, 24 Sep |
|
|
6 |
Lyoto Machida |
1 |
Jon Jones, 10 Dec |
w/ Randy Couture, 30 Apr |
|
7 |
TBD |
w/ Antonio Nogueria, 26 Mar |
||
|
8 |
TBD |
l/ Shogun Rua, 27 Aug |
||
|
9 |
TBD |
l/ Forrest Griffin, 5 Feb |
||
|
10 |
Antonio Nogueria |
13 |
Tito Ortiz, 10 Dec |
l/ Phil Davis, 26 Mar |
|
11 |
16 |
Vladimir, Matyushenko, 30 Dec |
w/ Matt Hamill, 6 Aug |
|
|
12 |
Stephan Bonnar |
TBD |
w/ Kyle Kingsbury, 19 Nov |
|
|
13 |
Tito Ortiz |
10 |
Antonio Nogueria, 10 Dec |
l/ Rashad Evans, 6 Aug |
|
14 |
Ryan Bader |
TBD |
w/ Jason Brilz, 19 Nov |
|
|
15 |
Thiago Silva |
TBD |
NC/ Brandon Vera, 1 Jan |
|
|
16 |
11 |
Alexander Gustafsson, 30 Dec |
w/ Jason Brilz, 30 Apr |
|
|
17 |
Kyle Kingsbury |
TBD |
l/ Stephan Bonnar, 19 Nov |
|
|
18 |
28 |
Igor Pokrajac, 10 Dec |
w/ Mike Massenzio, 11 Jun |
|
|
19 |
27 |
Fabio Maldonado, 14 Jan |
w/ Luis Cane, 27 Aug |
|
|
20 |
TBD |
w/ Cyrille Diabate, 5 Nov |
||
|
21 |
Brandon Vera |
TBD |
w/ Eliot Marshall, 29 Oct |
|
|
22 |
TBD |
w/ Ricardo Romero, 24 Sep |
||
|
23 |
TBD |
w/ Karlos Vemola, 14 Aug |
||
|
24 |
Jason Brilz |
TBD |
l/ Ryan Bader, 19 Nov |
|
|
25 |
Cyrille Diabate |
TBD |
l/ Anthony Perosh, 5 Nov |
|
|
26 |
Luis Cane |
TBD |
l/ Stanislav Nedkov, 27 Aug |
|
|
27 |
Fabio Maldonado |
19 |
Stanislav Nedkov, 14 Jan |
l/ Kyle Kingsbury, 4 Jun |
|
28 |
Igor Pokrajac |
18 |
Krzysztof Soszynski, 10 Dec |
w/ Todd Brown, 3 Mar |
|
29 |
TBD |
w/ Matt Lucas, 12 Nov |
||
|
30 |
Karlos Vemola |
TBD |
l/ Ronny Markes, 14 Aug |
|
|
31 |
Eliot Marshall |
TBD |
l/ Brandon Vera, 29 Oct |
|
|
32 |
Matt Lucas |
TBD |
l/ Aaron Rosa, 12 Nov |
MW: The latest word is Anderson Silva is out until Jun/Jul timeframe, and Chael Sonnen probably won't wait for the title shot. This opens up some interesting options. The first is Mark Munoz v Sonnen. Could Munoz use his wrestling in reverse to keep it standing and try to land a bomb against Sonnen.
Chris Weidman is a stud. Now 3-0 in UFC against lower rung competition, it is time to start stepping up the competition for his next fight I'd get him in with one of the top 20 guys in UFC, Court McGee seems available, and should be an interesting barometer.
The Palhares v Massenzio fight is one of the worst pieces of matchmaking I've seen in recent memory. Palhares is a top 10 talent, and he is fighting a guy who barley survived his loser leaves town match last time out. The other reason this is a bad fight because guys like Maia, Belcher, Kennedy, Simpson, and Herman are out there as better match-ups for Palhares.
Fights I'd make.
Belcher v Maia - Is Belcher ready to take the next step into the elite of the division? Maia doesn't lose to anyone that isn't great, and he would push Belcher.
Stann v Herman - Ed Herman has looked great in his two fights back since he lost over a year to injury. Stann needs to rebound from his destruction at the hands of Sonnen. These are two guys who would lay it all out there and put on a great fight.
|
Name |
|
Next fight |
Last fight |
|
|
1 |
Anderson Silva |
TBD |
w/ Yushin Okami, 27 Aug |
|
|
2 |
Chael Sonnen |
TBD |
w/ Brian Stann, 8 Oct |
|
|
3 |
Mark Munoz |
TBD |
w/ Chris Leben, 5 Nov |
|
|
4 |
Yushin Okami |
11 |
Tim Boetsch, 26 Feb |
l/ Anderson Silva, 27 Aug |
|
5 |
16 |
Anthony Johnson, 14 Jan |
w/ Yoshihiro Akiyama, 6 Aug |
|
|
6 |
20 |
Jason Miller, 3 Dec |
w/ Jorge Rivera, 27 Feb |
|
|
7 |
TBD |
w/ Jorge Santiago, 8 Oct |
||
|
8 |
36 |
Mike Massenzio, 14 Jan |
w/ Dan Miller, 27 Aug |
|
|
9 |
Brian Stann |
TBD |
l/ Chael Sonnen, 8 Oct |
|
|
10 |
TBD |
w/ Jason MacDonald, 17 Sep |
||
|
11 |
Tim Boetsch |
4 |
Yushin Okami, 26 Feb |
w/ Nick Ring, 24 Sep |
|
12 |
TBD |
|||
|
13 |
Chris Leben |
TBD |
l/ Mark Munoz, 5 Nov |
|
|
14 |
TBD |
w/ Cung Le, 19 Nov |
||
|
15 |
Chris Weidman |
TBD |
w/ Tom Lawlor, 19 Nov |
|
|
16 |
Anthony Johnson |
5 |
Vitor Belfort, 14 Jan |
w/ Charlie Brenneman, 1 Oct |
|
17 |
TBD |
w/ Eric Schafer, 8 Oct |
||
|
18 |
Ed Herman |
TBD |
w/ Kyle Noke, 14 Aug |
|
|
19 |
Court McGee |
TBD |
w/ Dongi Yang, 17 Sep |
|
|
20 |
Jason Miller |
6 |
Michael Bisping, 3 Dec |
w/ Kazushi Sakuraba, 16 Sep |
|
21 |
TBD |
w/ Costantinos Phillippou, 19 Mar |
||
|
22 |
Nick Ring |
TBD |
l/ Tim Boetsch, 24 Sep |
|
|
23 |
Dan Miller |
TBD |
l/ Rousimar Palhares, 27 Aug |
|
|
24 |
33 |
Costantinos Philippou, 10 Dec |
w/ CB Dollaway, 14 Aug |
|
|
25 |
Kyle Noke |
TBD |
l/ Ed Herman, 14 Aug |
|
|
26 |
CB Dollaway |
TBD |
l/ Jared Hamman, 14 Aug |
|
|
27 |
Tom Lawlor |
TBD |
l/ Chris Weidman, 19 Nov |
|
|
28 |
Eric Schafer |
TBD |
l/ Aaron Simpson, 8 Oct |
|
|
29 |
TBD |
l/ Chris Weidman, 3 Mar |
||
|
30 |
Costantinos Phillippou |
24 |
Jared Hamman, 10 Dec |
w/ Jorge Rivera, 6 Aug |
|
31 |
Jorge Rivera |
TBD |
l/ Costantinos Phillippou, 6 Aug |
|
|
32 |
TBD |
l/ Aaron Simpson, 2 Jul |
||
|
33 |
TBD |
l/ Ed Herman, 4 Jun |
||
|
34 |
Jason MacDonald |
TBD |
l/ Alan Belcher, 17 Sep |
|
|
35 |
TBD |
w/ Chris Camozzi, 29 Oct |
||
|
36 |
Mike Massenzio |
8 |
Rousimar Palhares, 14 Jan |
w/ Steve Cantwell, 8 Oct |
|
37 |
TBD |
w/ Dustin Jacoby, 29 Oct |
||
|
38 |
TBD |
w/ Paul Bradley, 6 Aug |
||
|
39 |
Chris Camozzi |
TBD |
l/ Francis Carmont, 29 Oct |
|
|
40 |
Dongi Yang |
TBD |
l/ Court McGee, 17 Sep |
|
|
41 |
Steve Cantwell |
TBD |
l/ Mike Massenzio, 8 Oct |
|
|
42 |
TBD |
l/ Nick Ring, 27 Feb |
||
|
43 |
Dustin Jacoby |
TBD |
l/ Clifford Starks, 29 Oct |
WW: While we wait for the top guys to fight, there just isn't a ton to say right now. Ellenberger is the next guy who should be getting a fight, and I'm curious to see what direction they go with him.
Here are a few fights I would make.
Ellenberger v Alves - Let these two monsters get after it. Ellenberger is on the cusp of a title shot, but needs 1 or 2 more big wins. A fight with Alves would give him the chance to do this. Put this fight on Fox, and it will deliver, and potentially raise Ellenberger's stock.
Sanchez v MacDonald - These two guys are coming off injuries, and would be an entertaining show, while giving MacDonald a chance to prove his Blue Chip Prospect status.
Story v Pyle - After 5 straight wins and launching into the top 10, Rick Story is now on a 2 fight skid. A fight with Mike Pyle will test him to find out if he is going to be a contender for the long haul, or was a flash in the pan who got figured out.
Baczynski v Hathaway - Baczynski has shown improvement in his return to UFC after getting cut. Hathaway is solid, but not spectacular, and this would be a good test of his game.
Anyone know if Riddle, Soto, or Mitchell have been cut?
|
Name |
|
Next fight |
Last fight |
|
|
1 |
2 |
Nick Diaz, 4 Feb |
w/ Jake Shields, 30 Apr |
|
|
2 |
Nick Diaz |
1 |
Georges St. Pierre, 4 Feb |
w/ BJ Penn, 29 Oct |
|
3 |
11 |
Johny Hendricks, 30 Dec |
d/ BJ Penn, 27 Feb |
|
|
4 |
6 |
Josh Koscheck, 4 Feb |
w/ Dong Hyun Kim, 2 Jul |
|
|
5 |
TBD |
w/ Jake Shields, 17 Sep |
||
|
6 |
Josh Koscheck |
4 |
Carlos Condit, 4 Feb |
w/ Matt Hughes, 24 Sep |
|
7 |
Jake Shields |
29 |
Yoshihiro Akiyama, 26 Feb |
l/ Jake Ellenberger, 17 Sep |
|
8 |
TBD |
w/ Papy Abedi, 5 Nov |
||
|
9 |
TBD |
w/ Rick Story, 19 Nov |
||
|
10 |
TBD |
w/ Martin Kampmann, 3 Mar |
||
|
11 |
Johny Hendricks |
3 |
Jon Fitch, 30 Dec |
w/ Mike Pierce, 6 Aug |
|
12 |
TBD |
w/ Mike Pyle, 6 Aug |
||
|
13 |
Charlie Brenneman |
TBD |
l/ Anthony Johnson, 1 Oct |
|
|
14 |
Rick Story |
TBD |
l/ Martin Kampmann, 19 Nov |
|
|
15 |
21 |
Claude Patrick, 10 Dec |
w/ Dennis Hallman, 6 Aug |
|
|
16 |
19 |
Mike Pyle, 14 Jan |
w/ David Mitchell, 27 Aug |
|
|
17 |
Dong Hyun Kim |
32 |
Sean Pierson, 30 Dec |
l/ Carlos Condit, 2 Jul |
|
18 |
Mike Pierce |
TBD |
w/ Paul Bradley, 12 Nov |
|
|
19 |
Mike Pyle |
16 |
Paulo Thiago, 14 Jan |
l/ Rory MacDonald, 6 Aug |
|
20 |
TBD |
w/ Kris McCray, 26 Mar |
||
|
21 |
Claude Patrick |
15 |
Brian Ebersole, 10 Dec |
w/ Daniel Roberts, 30 Apr |
|
22 |
57 |
Jake Hecht, 10 Dec |
w/ Daniel Roberts, 26 Jun |
|
|
23 |
Carlos Rocha |
TBD |
l/ Jake Ellenberger, 5 Feb |
|
|
24 |
28 |
Josh Neer, 20 Jan |
w/ Amir Sadollah, 14 Aug |
|
|
25 |
TBD |
w/ Matt Brown, 19 Nov |
||
|
26 |
TJ Waldburger |
TBD |
w/ Mike Stumpf, 17 Sep |
|
|
27 |
36 |
Erick Silva, 14 Jan |
w/ Tommy Depret |
|
|
28 |
Josh Neer |
24 |
Duane Ludwig, 20 Jan |
w/ Keith Wisniewski, 1 Oct |
|
29 |
Yoshihiro Akiyama |
7 |
Jake Shields, 26 Feb |
l/ Vitor Belfort, 6 Aug |
|
30 |
TBD |
l/ Chris Lytle, 14 Aug |
||
|
31 |
Daniel Roberts |
TBD |
l/ Rich Attonito, 26 Jun |
|
|
32 |
Sean Pierson |
17 |
Dong Hyun Kim, 30 Dec |
l/ Jake Ellenberger, 30 Apr |
|
33 |
TBD |
l/ Claude Patrick, 16 Oct |
||
|
34 |
Amir Sadollah |
TBD |
l/ Duane Ludwig, 14 Aug |
|
|
35 |
TBD |
w/ Clay Harvison, 12 Nov |
||
|
36 |
Erick Silva |
27 |
Siyar Bahadurzada, 14 Jan |
w/ Luis Ramos, 27 Aug |
|
37 |
TBD |
w/ Chris Cope, 5 Nov |
||
|
38 |
TBD |
w/ Matt Riddle, 17 Sep |
||
|
39 |
TBD |
w/ Justin Edwards, 5 Nov |
||
|
40 |
Matt Brown |
TBD |
l/ Seth Baczynski, 19 Nov |
|
|
41 |
Justin Edwards |
TBD |
l/ John Maguire, 5 Nov |
|
|
42 |
TBD |
w/ Mark Scanlon, 13 Nov |
||
|
43 |
Matt Riddle |
56 |
Luis Ramos, 30 Dec |
l/ Lance Benoist, 17 Sep |
|
44 |
TBD |
l/ Daniel Roberts, 1 Jan |
||
|
45 |
TBD |
l/ Paulo Thiago |
||
|
46 |
Chris Cope |
TBD |
l/ Che Mills, 5 Nov |
|
|
47 |
TBD |
l/ Nick Ring, 11 Jun |
||
|
48 |
Mark Scanlon |
TBD |
l/ Pascal Krauss, 13 Nov |
|
|
49 |
Keith Wisniewski |
TBD |
l/ Josh Neer, 1 Oct |
|
|
50 |
Papy Abedi |
TBD |
l/ Thiago Alves, 5 Nov |
|
|
51 |
Paul Bradley |
TBD |
l/ Mike Pierce, 12 Nov |
|
|
52 |
David Mitchell |
TBD |
l/ Paulo Thiago, 27 Aug |
|
|
53 |
Clay Harvison |
TBD |
l/ DaMarques Johnson, 12 Nov |
|
|
54 |
TBD |
l/ Justin Edwards, 17 Sep |
||
|
55 |
Mike Stumpf |
|
TBD |
l/ TJ Waldburger, 17 Sep |
|
56 |
Luis Ramos |
43 |
Matt Riddle, 30 Dec |
l/ Erick Silva, 27 Aug |
|
57 |
Jake Hecht |
22 |
Rich Attonito, 10 Dec |
w/ Michele Verginelli |
LW: Joe Silva has been a busy man, making some great fights over the last two weeks. Of course the next relevant fight to the title picture happens in Strikeforce when Gilbert Melendez throws down with Jorge Masvidal. The results of that will have implications on the UFC title picture.
Fights I'd make:
Maynard v Guida - Two guys looking to rebound after getting up near the top of the mountain.
Tibau v Sherk - Tibau is on a 3 fight win streak, is he ready to establish himself as more than a very good fighter? He seems like he has been around forever, but he is only 28, and should be coming into his prime. Sherk has been out for a long time, and is a name that can still be used to make interesting fights.
Florian v Sotiropoulos - Two technical veterans who do a lot of things very well, but are most likely on the backside of their career.
Wiman v Dunham - Which one of these guys wants to venture back into top 10 opposition? I'd say the winner would earn that right
Siver v Stephens - Which one of these guys will rebound from their recent loss? It would be a good fight of stand up fighters.
|
Name |
|
Next fight |
Last fight |
|
|
1 |
2 |
Ben Henderson, 26 Feb |
w/ Gray Maynard, 8 Oct |
|
|
2 |
Ben Henderson |
1 |
Frankie Edgar, 26 Feb |
w/ Clay Guida, 12 Nov |
|
3 |
Gray Maynard |
TBD |
l/ Frankie Edgar, 8 Oct |
|
|
4 |
Clay Guida |
TBD |
l/ Ben Henderson, 12 Nov |
|
|
5 |
9 |
Nate Diaz, 30 Dec |
w/ Denis Siver, 29 Oct |
|
|
6 |
12 |
Melvin Guillard, 20 Jan |
l/ Ben Henderson, 14 Aug |
|
|
7 |
8 |
Joe Lauzon, 26 Feb |
w/ Jeremy Stephens, 8 Oct |
|
|
8 |
Joe Lauzon |
7 |
Anthony Pettis, 26 Feb |
w/ Melvin Guillard, 8 Oct |
|
9 |
Nate Diaz |
5 |
Donald Cerrone, 30 Dec |
w/ Takanori Gomi, 24 Sep |
|
10 |
TBD |
w/ Rafael Dos Anjos, 19 Nov |
||
|
11 |
TBD |
l/ Jose Aldo, 8 Oct |
||
|
12 |
Melvin Guillard |
6 |
Jim Miller, 20 Jan |
l/ Joe Lauzon, 8 Oct |
|
13 |
Denis Siver |
TBD |
l/ Donald Cerrone, 29 Oct |
|
|
14 |
TBD |
w/ Shamar Bailey, 17 Sep |
||
|
15 |
TBD |
w/ Mac Danzig, 1 Oct |
||
|
16 |
TBD |
w/ Evan Dunham, 25 Sep |
||
|
17 |
Jeremy Stephens |
TBD |
l/ Anthony Pettis, 8 Oct |
|
|
18 |
Rafael Dos Anjos |
TBD |
l/ Gleison Tibau, 19 Nov |
|
|
19 |
26 |
Thiago Tavares, 14 Jan |
w/ Yves Edwards, 11 Jul |
|
|
20 |
22 |
TJ Grant, 30 Dec |
w/ Danny Castillo, 14 Aug |
|
|
21 |
25 |
Nik Lentz, 10 Dec |
l/ Ben Henderson, 30 Apr |
|
|
22 |
TJ Grant |
20 |
Jacob Volkmann, 30 Dec |
w/ Shane Roller, 1 Oct |
|
23 |
Danny Castillo |
TBD |
w/ Shamar Bailey, 19 Nov |
|
|
24 |
TBD |
l/ Rafael Dos Anjos, 2 Jul |
||
|
25 |
Nik Lentz |
21 |
Mark Bocek, 10 Dec |
nc/ Charles Oliveira, 26 Jun |
|
26 |
Thiago Tavares |
19 |
Sam Stout, 14 Jan |
w/ Spencer Fisher, 27 Aug |
|
27 |
Dennis Hallman |
37 |
John Makdessi, 10 Dec |
l/ Brian Ebersole, 6 Aug |
|
28 |
Mac Danzig |
TBD |
l/ Matt Wiman, 1 Oct |
|
|
29 |
TBD |
w/ TJ O'Brien, 14 Aug |
||
|
30 |
33 |
Terry Etim, 14 Jan |
w/ Ross Pearson, 27 Aug |
|
|
31 |
Tony Ferguson |
38 |
Yves Edwards, 3 Dec |
w/ Aaron Riley, 24 Sep |
|
32 |
TBD |
w/ Michael Johnson, 1 Oct |
||
|
33 |
Terry Etim |
30 |
Edson Barboza, 14 Jan |
w/ Edward Faaloloto, 5 Nov |
|
34 |
Takanori Gomi |
TBD |
l/ Nate Diaz, 24 Sep |
|
|
35 |
Shane Roller |
TBD |
l/ TJ Grant, 1 Oct |
|
|
36 |
TBD |
l/ Jim Miller, 19 Mar |
||
|
37 |
John Makdessi |
27 |
Dennis Hallman, 10 Dec |
w/ Kyle Watson, 30 Apr |
|
38 |
Yves Edwards |
31 |
Tony Ferguson, 3 Dec |
w/ Rafaello Oliveira, 1 Oct |
|
39 |
Spencer Fisher |
TBD |
l/ Thiago Tavares, 27 Aug |
|
|
40 |
TBD |
w/ Gabe Ruediger, 5 Feb |
||
|
41 |
TBD |
l/ Nik Lentz, 26 Mar |
||
|
42 |
43 |
Ramsey Nijem, 30 Dec |
w/ Andre Winner, 2 Jul |
|
|
43 |
Ramsey Nijem |
42 |
Anthony Njokuani, 30 Dec |
w/ Danny Downes, 29 Oct |
|
44 |
TBD |
w/ Cody McKenzie, 17 Sep |
||
|
45 |
Michael Johnson |
TBD |
l/ Paul Sass, 1 Oct |
|
|
46 |
Aaron Riley |
TBD |
l/ Tony Ferguson, 24 Sep |
|
|
47 |
TBD |
l/ Curt Warburton, 27 Feb |
||
|
48 |
Kyle Watson |
TBD |
l/ John Makdessi, 30 Apr |
|
|
49 |
Cody McKenzie |
TBD |
l/ Vagner Rocha, 17 Sep |
|
|
50 |
Rafaello Oliveira |
TBD |
l/ Yves Edwards, 1 Oct |
|
|
51 |
52 |
Mitch Clarke, 10 Dec |
w/ Jameel Massouh |
|
|
52 |
Mitch Clarke |
51 |
John Cholish, 10 Dec |
w/ Eddie Rincon |
|
53 |
Habib Nurmagomedov |
TBD |
w/ Arimarcal Santos |
FW: I'm counting 40 guys in this division right now, and it is great to see the depth and quality that has developed at FW over the last year since UFC pulled in the division from WEC. Despite being a dominate champion, Jose Aldo is not in risk of running out of new challengers anytime soon. After Chad Mendes the line is going to start with the Poirier/Koch winner, and the Hioki/Palaszewski winner is right behind them.
Other fights I'd make:
Lamas v Brown: I saw someone mention this fight, and I think it is great idea. Lamas needs a defining win on his resume that could launch him into the top 10. Brown is a former Champion still trying to regain his form and get back to the top.
Elkins v Alcantara: Two solid guys who are looking to move up in the rankings.
Omigawa v Yahya - Lets see if Omigawa can stay away from the elite grappling of Yahya, and pick up another win.
Garcia v Blanco - Garcia is probably 1 loss from leaving the UFC, and even though he is debuting, Blanco is too. Not too many fighters come into UFC coming off a loss, even if it was at a higher weight class. This one would be fight/KO of the night potential, but the loser would also probably be looking for work.
|
Name |
|
Next fight |
Last fight |
|
|
1 |
Jose Aldo |
2 |
Chad Mendes, 14 Jan |
w/ Kenny Florian, 8 Oct |
|
2 |
Chad Mendes |
1 |
Jose Aldo, 14 Jan |
w/ Rani Yahya, 6 Aug |
|
3 |
7 |
Bart Palaszewski, 26 Feb |
w/ George Roop, 29 Oct |
|
|
4 |
6 |
Erik Koch, 4 Feb |
w/ Pablo Garza, 12 Nov |
|
|
5 |
29 |
Chan Sung Jung, 10 Dec |
l/ Jose Aldo, 30 Apr |
|
|
6 |
Erik Koch |
4 |
Dustin Poirier, 4 Feb |
w/ Jonathan Brookins, 17 Sep |
|
7 |
Bart Palaszewski |
3 |
Hatsu Hioki, 26 Feb |
w/ Tyson Griffin, 29 Oct |
|
8 |
Tyson Griffin |
TBD |
l/ Bart Palaszewski, 29 Oct |
|
|
9 |
10 |
Diego Nunes, 30 Dec |
l/ Tyson Griffin, 26 Jun |
|
|
10 |
Diego Nunes |
9 |
Manny Gamuryan, 30 Dec |
l/ Kenny Florian, 11 Jun |
|
11 |
TBD |
w/ Joe Stevenson, 26 Jun |
||
|
12 |
TBD |
w/ Tie quan Zhang, 8 Oct |
||
|
13 |
Yuri Alcantara |
TBD |
w/ Felipe Arantes, 27 Aug |
|
|
14 |
TBD |
w/ Jason Young, 5 Nov |
||
|
15 |
TBD |
w/ Cub Swanson, 12 Nov |
||
|
16 |
George Roop |
TBD |
l/ Hatsu Hioki, 29 Oct |
|
|
17 |
Rani Yahya |
TBD |
l/ Chad Mendes, 6 Aug |
|
|
18 |
23 |
Ross Pearson, 30 Dec |
w/ Eddie Yagin, 24 Sep |
|
|
19 |
TBD |
w/ Nam Phan, 6 Aug |
||
|
20 |
22 |
Charles Oliveira, 20 Jan |
w/ Mackens Semerzier, 12 Nov |
|
|
21 |
Cub Swanson |
TBD |
l/ Ricardo Lamas, 12 Nov |
|
|
22 |
Charles Oliveira |
20 |
Robert Peralta, 20 Jan |
l/ Donald Cerrone, 14 Aug |
|
23 |
Ross Pearson |
18 |
Junior Assuncao, 30 Dec |
l/ Edson Barboza, 27 Aug |
|
24 |
Jonathan Brookins |
TBD |
l/ Erik Koch, 17 Sep |
|
|
25 |
TBD |
l/ George Roop, 4 Jun |
||
|
26 |
Tie quan Zhang |
TBD |
l/ Darren Elkins, 8 Oct |
|
|
27 |
Pablo Garza |
TBD |
l/ Dustin Poirier, 12 Nov |
|
|
28 |
Nam Phan |
31 |
Jim Hettes, 30 Dec |
w/ Leonard Garcia, 8 Oct |
|
29 |
Mackens Semerzier |
TBD |
l/ Robert Peralta, 12 Nov |
|
|
30 |
Chan Sung Jung |
5 |
Mark Hominick, 10 Dec |
w/ Leonard Garcia, 26 Mar |
|
31 |
Jim Hettes |
28 |
Nam Phan, 30 Dec |
w/ Alex Caceres, 14 Aug |
|
32 |
Eddie Yagin |
TBD |
l/ Junior Assuncao, 24 Sep |
|
|
33 |
TBD |
l/ Ricardo Lamas, 26 Jun |
||
|
34 |
Leonard Garcia |
TBD |
l/ Nam Phan, 8 Oct |
|
|
35 |
Jason Young |
TBD |
l/ Michihiro Omigawa, 5 Nov |
|
|
36 |
TBD |
l/ Robert Peralta, 17 Sep |
||
|
37 |
Felipe Arantes |
39 |
Antonio Carvalho, 14 Jan |
l/ Yuri Alcantara, 27 Aug |
|
38 |
John Franchi |
TBD |
w/ Matt McCook |
|
|
39 |
Antonio Carvalho |
37 |
Felipe Arantes, 14 Jan |
w/ Douglas Evans |
|
40 |
TBD |
l/ Pat Healy |
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