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Like many fans, yesterday afternoon seemed like a swift kick in the gut. I was listening to the UFC 152 Media Call when they mentioned that Dana had left the call early, and I got a bad feeling. Then over the course of the next two hours both Rampage, and Aldo pulled out their fights at UFC 153. What was once a card of the year candidate when it had, Aldo, Belfort/Belcher, Rampage/Glover, now needed some serious help. The wait to see what UFC will do is both exciting and excruciating, and everyone has an idea of what the perfect move will be. Here are the fights that have gone through my mind... and now more and more rumors are out there
The Awesome -
JDS vs. Cain - JDS has wanted to fight in Brazil for awhile, and this would be a great chance. The other benefit for JDS is that it would line him up for a fight with Overeem in either Feb/Mar... instead of likely waiting until May if he fights in December. I have a feeling that Cain is probably in the gym right now training with Cormier for his upcoming fight in Nov, so he would have a month to ramp up his training and get where he needs to be. This isn't the first time they have fought, so extra time to study tape, and prepare a game plan shouldn't be needed.
Anderson Silva vs. Shogun Rua - No real implication on a UFC title, unless Shogun pulled off a win, but a big fight for the Brazilian Fans between two legends of the sport.
The Acceptable -
Renan Barao vs. Michael McDonald - This is a fight that should be happening in the near future anyway, so why not give Barao a chance to defend his Interim title in his home country, and fill the spot left open by his teammate.
Frankie Edgar vs. Ricardo Lamas - Lamas was offered the title shot with Aldo, before UFC decided to go with Edgar... Aldo has pulled out of, or postponed 4 fights since joining UFC (Grispi, Mendes, Koch, Edgar), an Interim champ might be in the works here, and Edgar would bring a level of credibility to the title, that nobody else at FW will.
I'd still buy it, but only because I have an MMA addiction -
Anderson Silva vs. Stephan Bonnar - I think Silva would take this fight, because he sees enough of a name in Bonnar to make some money, and add to his highlight reel. There is no way that Anderson is threatened by Bonnar's skill set, and I could see UFC trying to sell us this fight
Wanderlei Silva vs. Chael Sonnen - A fun fight, I want to see this fight, but not as a main event
The other question is what to do with Glover Teixeira, he was going to have a chance to showcase himself against a big name, but is now in Limbo -
Lil' Nog - Here is another big name fighter, Glover could use to propel his career forward with a win.
Ryan Jimmo - Just like Glover, he has been around MMA for awhile, and had a lot of success, to include a highlight reel UFC debut.
Phil Davis - Davis is ranked in the top 10 by many, and is a guy that Glover is going to have to get by at some point. Finding a replacement to fight Prado will likely be easier.
James Te Huna - Had some injuries coming out of his war with Beltran in July, but if he is healthy, then a fight with Teixeira would be great for both men.


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