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Cain Velasquez Is Poised to Clean out the HW Division with a Win over Werdum

UFC Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez has destroyed every opponent he’s ever faced. He holds a record of 13-1, and has beaten the likes of former champions in Brock Lesnar, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Junior dos Santos. He is an intelligent fighter, whose superb boxing and endless cardio have driven him to become one of the UFC’s most popular combatants.

At UFC 180, Velasquez faces the formidable Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace Fabricio Werdum. Provided the champion defeats his opponent on November 15, Velasquez’s competition will become few and far between. Given the quality of opponents on the UFC’s Top-10 list, accompanied by those who have already lost to the champion, a victory over Werdum would all but signify that Velasquez will have effectively cleaned out the heavyweight division.

Cain Velasquez’s Dominance

Velasquez sports an 85 percent knockout rate, defeating 11 of his 13 opponents in this manner. His boxing was greatly showcased during his matchup against Nogueira, as Velasquez became the first man to knockout his Brazilian foe. A wrestler by trade, Velasquez’s cardio is completely unparalleled, especially on the heavyweight level. In that, he specializes in wearing down his opponents, dominating them with ground and pound and securing the victory thereafter. The latter may be evidenced by the champion’s performance at UFC 155 and UFC 166, respectively.

Dos Santos knocked out and embarrassed then-champion Velasquez at UFC on Fox 1 in just 64 seconds. Velasquez returned at UFC 155, battering dos Santos, winning all rounds convincingly. Velasquez avenged his only loss and became a two-time heavyweight champion in the process.

Velasquez and dos Santos’ rubber match at UFC 166 appeared eerily similar to their second one. The champion utilized his cardio and boxing to hurt dos Santos on several occasions until the matchup was stopped in the fifth round. Regarding dos Santos’ beating at the hands of Velasquez, UFC President Dana White, according to Shaun Al-Shatti of MMA Fighting.com, stated:

I don’t want this to come out the wrong way, but I’m a believer. I always like to say that if anybody in his f–king corner cares about him, please, throw in that towel. I thought the fight was done in the third round. Is Junior dos Santos tough enough and does he have the heart to go through it? Yeah, but does that mean he should? If you look at the fight, it ended in the fifth. That guy took seven, eight minutes more punishment that he didn’t need to take until it ended.

Given dos Santos’ pair of one-sided losses against Velasquez at UFC 155 and at UFC 166, it doesn’t appear that the Brazilian will challenge for the title as long as Velasquez remains champion.

The State of the Heavyweight Division

At UFC 180, Velasquez faces Werdum, who is a multiple-time IBJJF and ADCC World Jiu-Jitsu champion. He has submitted the likes of Alistair Overeem, Alexander Emelianenko, and mixed martial arts legends in Nogueira and Fedor Emelianenko. In that, the heavyweight matchup between Velasquez and Werdum has all the trimmings to become one of epic proportions. However, a Velasquez win at UFC 180 sets up a possible dilemma regarding interest in the champion’s next opponent. A clearer picture of the heavyweight division is represented in the following:

1) Fabricio Werdum faces Velasquez at UFC 180.

2) Junior dos Santos lost to the champion twice (badly).

3) Travis Browne could possibly challenge for the title with a win over Brendan Schaub at UFC 181. However, given that Schaub is an unranked fighter, this may work against Browne’s cries for a title shot.

4) Mark Hunt is incredibly too slow and lacks the cardio to contend with that of Velasquez.

5) Stipe Miocic is scheduled to face dos Santos at UFC on Fox 13.

6) Josh Barnett is coming off a loss to Browne.

7) Andrei Arlovski is on a four-fight win streak. However, he is still most likely one or two fights out from challenging for the title.

8) Antonio Silva is coming off a knockout loss to Arlovski.

9) Roy Nelson is coming off a devastating loss to Hunt.

10) Ben Rothwell is coming off a win, but defeated a non-ranked opponent. He is also one or two fights away from a title shot.

At a glance, it appears that the dust must settle before Velasquez’s next opponent is disclosed. Irrespective of his next matchup, Velasquez’s supremacy over the heavyweight division remains impressive. Jeremy Botter of Bleacher Report stated:

…he (Velasquez) is still the UFC heavyweight champion, and it is still difficult to look at the current heavyweight landscape and imagine anyone who can beat him. The reign of Cain could end up lasting a very long time.

In the end, considering those who are tied up with other fights, the lack of a dominant opponent, and Velasquez’s ability to make his foes appear amateurish in the Octagon, it would appear that the heavyweight champion will essentially clean out his division with a win at UFC 180.

Follow this featured columnist: @clintonbullock or MMAUnchained.net

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Which UFC Champ Has the Best Shot at Securing Gold in Another Weight Class?

Nine individuals hold a championship title in the UFC. All have achieved greatness by defeating the best to reign atop their division. In that, some current and former champions have flirted with the idea of changing weight classes to secure another belt, such as current featherweight champion Jose Aldo and former lightweight champion Benson Henderson, to name a few.

There have only been two combatants who have secured a UFC title in two weight classes—mixed martial arts legends Randy Couture and B.J. Penn. However, there is currently one champion whose many accolades and tremendous accomplishments include, but are not limited to:

*Youngest champion in UFC history

*Most successful light heavyweight title defenses (7)

*Longest win streak in UFC history (11)

*Most submission victories in UFC light heavyweight history (5)

Given that, one individual has not only stated his intentions of changing weight classes, but is most apt to secure a second world title—Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones.

The Dominance of a Man

Jon Jones became the youngest UFC champion at 23 years old when he battered and defeated then-lightweight champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 128. Throughout his career, Jones has defeated five former world champions in Rua, Quinton Jackson, Lyoto Machida, Rashad Evans and Vitor Belfort. The light heavyweight champion sports a 75 percent finish rate and has only tasted defeat once via disqualification.

Except for his legendary battle against Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165, Jones has made his opponents appear amateurish in their attempt to topple the New Jersey native. Therefore, desirous of a greater challenge, Jones has stated his yearning to eventually move up to the heavyweight division.

The Heavyweight Option

In late 2013, Jones talked about his desire to compete at a higher weight class against reigning champion Cain Velasquez. According to Erik Fontanez of MMA Weekly.com, Jones stated:

I think that’s going to happen within the next two years. I’ll go up to heavyweight, permanently. I’ve been really thinking about me and Cain Velasquez going at it. Don’t be surprised if you see that sooner or later…

…[Velasquez is] definitely the toughest guy in the division. He’s not that big, so I think it’ll be a really entertaining fight.

However, earlier this year, Jones reconsidered his position in moving to the heavyweight division, citing the high-quality competition at 205 pounds. Per Chuck Mindenhall of MMA Fighting.com, Jones stated:

Somebody was asking me about possibly fighting Cain Velasquez, and I answered to that, I have no interest at this point. There’s a lot of great competition for me to test myself against…

… So, yeah, lots of competition left for me, and I’m excited to meet them all.

History in the Making

At UFC 182, Jones will face the undefeated Daniel Cormier. Provided he’s victorious against Cormier in January 2015, Jones will most likely be pitted against Gustafsson, who put the champion in the hospital after their first matchup. If Jones reigns supreme over the aforementioned fighters, a move to heavyweight would be logically sound. A successful transition to heavyweight would most likely translate into an immediate title shot against the heavyweight champion. Jones would then be presented with the opportunity to make history by securing a second championship belt in a separate weight class.

Follow this featured columnist @clintonbullock

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Alistair Overeem and 4 UFC Fighters Most in Need of a Victory

All fighters age. Sometimes, even those in their prime lose a step or are unable to compete with today’s blend of diverse mixed martial artists. In fact, the following men—Alistair Overeem, Dan Henderson, Frank Mir, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua—represent a group of fighters who at multiple points experienced greatness in the forms of championship titles and numerous other accolades.

However, in their last four bouts, the fighters in question collectively hold a record of 4-16. Their wide array of losses not only jeopardizes their ranking but their possible standing in the UFC as well.

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Holly Holm: 3 Fighters She Should “Call Out” for Her UFC Debut

Holly Holm is one of the most decorated boxers to ever enter the UFC. She is an 18-time boxing world champion in three weight divisions and finished her career with an astounding record of 33-2. Upon transitioning to mixed martial arts, she h…

However, when Holm signed with the UFC this past July, the organization’s president, Dana White, stated the accomplished boxer would not receive an immediate title shot against the women’s bantamweight champion, Ronda Rousey. According to Adam Guillen Jr. of SB Nation, White stated Holm would need “at least one non-title UFC fight before challenging” Rousey.

Holm will have to win her debut matchup, and most likely in dramatic fashion. Then, if she is able to “call out,” secure and knock off a greatly popular and highly ranked opponent, such as the division’s No. 1 contender, Cat Zingano, the No. 3 contender, Miesha Tate or even…Amanda Nunes (No. 8), Holm could earn a title shot in early 2015.

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Vitor Belfort: Does He Have More Than a Puncher’s Chance Against Chris Weidman?

At UFC 181, the No. 3 middleweight in the world, Vitor Belfort, is scheduled to take on Chris Weidman for the 185-pound championship title. Belfort has been on a tear since 2007. He is 10-2 in his last 12 fights, only losing to then-middleweight c…

The 18-year veteran and former UFC light heavyweight champion brings tremendous knockout power and a wealth of experience to the Octagon against Weidman on December 6. The latter, plus his recent dispatching of other top contenders in his division, gives him much more than a puncher’s chance to emerge victorious in his championship matchup at UFC 181.

More Than a Puncher’s Chance

Not only has Belfort won 83 percent of his last dozen fights, in those victories, he has finished all but one of his foes.

The Phenom has not just reigned victorious over a great number of opponents, he has beaten highly talented combatants and former title holders in Rich Franklin, Yoshihiro Akiyama, Anthony Johnson, Michael Bisping, Luke Rockhold and Dan Henderson. His most recent knockout win over Henderson was significant in that the multiple-time world champion had never previously been knocked out.

As for Weidman, he is a two-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler and has dominated some of his opponents by taking them down and imposing his will.

Belfort, on the other hand, holds a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and is more than capable of handling himself on the ground. In fact, the Brazilian has faced high-caliber wrestlers in the past and has emerged triumphant in many of those matchups. This gives light to Belfort’s confidence upon entering UFC 181.

According to Combate.com (translation via Fernando Arbex of Bloody Elbow), Belfort stated:

(Chris Weidman) has a lot of flaws in his game. We’ll exploit them. I’ve been studying Weidman and I believe that you will see a nice fight. I’m ready for five rounds of Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, Muay Thai, Wrestling…This bout has been already very anticipated, I think it’ll be a great show.

All in all, Belfort was terrifyingly violent in his last three fights, finishing his opponents viciously. Given his versatility and ability to end fights quickly, Belfort may end up being Weidman’s toughest challenge to date.

Veteranship

Belfort has been fighting professionally since 1996. He is a former UFC champion and has fought the best of his era. He realizes that at 37 years old, however, his bout against Weidman will most likely represent his last opportunity to secure gold.

In that, one of the “flaws” about which Belfort wishes to exploit may be Weidman’s inexperience. In his interview with Combate.com, Belfort commented on his own profound experience and chance to attain another world title. He stated:

I’m as hungry as when I won my first world title at 19 years old. Today I’m 37 and I have the opportunity to be world champion for the third time in a third different division. With humility, determination and respect for my opponent, I’ll do my best to win my third belt.

The All-American is 12-0, and although he was most recently pushed to a decision against the former light heavyweight champion in Lyoto Machida at UFC 175, Weidman has never witnessed real adversity in the Octagon. At UFC 181, Belfort will attempt to expose the champion’s weaknesses and inexperience in his quest to reign atop the middleweight division.

Follow this Featured Columnist on Twitter @clintonbullock

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Gina Carano: Must We Pretend Her Fight Against Rousey Is Anything but a Circus?

UFC president Dana White recently met with the former face of women’s mixed martial arts, Gina Carano, in an attempt to negotiate her contract so that she may fight in the UFC’s Octagon for the first time. Talks are still underway.
White to…

White told MMA Weekly (h/t Yahoo Sports) that if a deal was made, Carano would most likely face the current face of women’s MMA, undefeated UFC bantamweight champion and Olympic judo medalist Ronda Rousey.

Regarding an immediate title shot, White stated, “I think so. It’ll probably be early December. … Gina is important. I think it is a big fight. It’s a fight that Ronda Rousey wants, and Ronda’s been very good to us. If that’s what she wants, then I’m gonna try and get it done.”

Irrespective of Rousey’s desires, Carano hasn’t fought professionally in almost five years. In addition, her one-dimensional fighting style and lack of quality opponents hindered the fighter-turned-movie star’s growth, which makes it much more unreasonable for her to face, much less defeat, Rousey.

Ronda Rousey and the Prey

Carano boasts an MMA record of 7-1. The Texas native last fought in August 2009. She lost to Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino at Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg in her quest to secure the featherweight championship.

Following her loss, Carano embarked on a successful movie career, which saw her star in movies such as Haywire and Fast & Furious 6. However, earlier this year, the 32-year-old appeared on The Arsenio Hall Show and expressed her motives for returning to the fight game.

Carano stated:

I love it (fighting). It’s something I can do that makes everything else disappear, and I dream about it. I just didn’t know if I was ever going to, you know, get placed with the opportunity to make a comeback. So, I’m either going to do it now, or I’m gonna retire and just say, ‘Ok, I’m never gonna do it.’ So, like now is the moment, I feel.

Carano left the combative sport at the height of her MMA career. Within the last five years, however, women’s MMA has grown exponentially. The UFC implemented a 135-pound women’s division in 2012. Currently, there are 29 women on the brand’s roster. The list includes former professional boxers, kickboxers and Olympic medalists.

Carano may wish to return from an almost five-year layoff, but the playing field that is women’s MMA has evolved beyond measure within that time. Even in her prime, the former face of women’s MMA was greatly one-dimensional, relying mainly on her size, strength and muay thai skills to dominate her opponents.

In fact, Carano felt so uncomfortable with her ground game that during her matchup against Cyborg, she inexplicably stood up from a highly advantageous, full mount position. She was eventually beaten on her feet and suffered a technical knockout with one second remaining in the first round.

Ultimately, though, Carano last raised her hand in MMA victory almost six years ago. Her quality of opponents lagged, but that was the best that women’s MMA had to offer at the time.

For instance, perhaps the two most-known opponents Carano fought (besides Cyborg) are Kaitlin Young and Julie Kedzie. However, they sport records of 7-8 and 16-13, respectively. Young has lost her last three fights and Kedzie her last four. The latter fighter retired following her most recent loss.

In contrast, two of Rousey’s last three opponents consisted of an Olympic wrestling medalist and someone who took the champion out of the first round for the first time in her career.

Despite the tremendous accolades of her 135-pound counterparts, Rousey has made a mockery out of the women’s division. The former Olympian has finished all of her opponents, including five of the top 10 women in her division.

Given her greatly extensive layoff, plus her heavy stand-up game and lack of quality opponents in her prime, Carano’s chances of defeating Rousey appear grim at best.

It’s All About the Benjamins…

Realistically, after such a long period of inactivity, it would behoove Carano to accept a fight or two before tackling the phenom that is Rousey. However, a loss to any contender other than the champion would drop Carano’s stock, and interest in a matchup between her and Rousey would fade.

At the end of the day, the UFC is a business. Therefore, irrespective of how questionably deserving Carano is of an immediate title shot, monetarily speaking, a bout between her and Rousey is logically sound. Undoubtedly, a matchup between the former and current face of women’s MMA will draw record numbers.

However, regardless of the massive amount of money that this fight brings in, it doesn’t negate the circus fight that is Rousey vs. Carano.

Gina Carano Plans Her Return to the Octagon

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