With Dana White announcing on a Joe Rogan podcast that a title fight between Cain Velasquez and Fabricio Werdum “makes sense,” it would seem that the champ’s dance card is full for now.
But if they really want to promote both men, in addition to cracking into the market of Mexico, they should tie that title fight in with a coaching stint for both men on The Ultimate Fighter. Yes, Werdum has been a coach on the show before, but this has the potential to be something much bigger.
The Ultimate Fighter: Team Mexico vs. Team Brazil could be one of the biggest seasons yet for the series, and it would finally give fans a close-up look at Velasquez. This would do wonders for raising his stock and promoting the cause of Mexican fighters in MMA.
The Brazilians are already there, just waiting for a worthy rival. Team UK had Team Australia, Team USA had Team UK and Team Brazil could have Team Mexico.
Yes, it seems a bit contrived, but the series is based around such notions, no matter how temporary they are. At the end of the day, the show is a vehicle to introduce fighters and their coaches to the viewing public; it promotes a kind of national awareness for fighters outside America, and the team aspect goes a long way toward national pride, something fighters from Mexico and Brazil prize above all else.
It just may provide one of the most explosive seasons ever and just imagining the possibilities for guest coaches (Anderson Silva, Oscar De La Hoya, etc.) makes it nearly must-see TV for fight fans.
Both countries are known for producing some of the most aggressive, valiant warriors in combative sport. Wanderlei Silva, Julio Cesar Chavez, Anderson Silva, Juan Manuel Marquez—the list goes on and on. It’s a matter of pride for upcoming fighters to live up to those high standards, and we could see it all on The Ultimate Fighter.
Then, if the UFC is feeling particularly bold, they could hold both the finale and the PPV showdown between the coaches in either Mexico City or Texas. Either is sure to attract many Mexican fans, waving their flags in support of their countrymen and the reigning heavyweight champion.
Of course, it seems like Team Brazil would be getting the short end of the stick, but they would have a unique chance to make a great impression with a group of fans that appreciate true warriors unlike anything else, which is worth the sacrifice.
Some matchups just feel natural, and Team Mexico vs. Team Brazil seems like a classic that could give fighters and fans the one thing they all hope for: memorable wars.
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