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Even though the dust and scattered bone chips have settled, we can’t help but think about Silva departing the cage on a stretcher and screaming.
If you’re anything like us, you want something to distract you from this horrible visual. Fortunately, Joe Silva provided the MMA world with some new food for thought in the form of two excellent bookings for UFC 170, taking place in Las Vegas on February 22nd.
First, Ronda Rousey will defend her women’s bantamweight title against fellow Olympian Sara McMann. This bout will main-event the PPV. Look for the UFC to work the Olympian vs. Olympian angle here, especially since the 2014 Winter Olympics coincide with UFC 170.
Rousey just dominated Miesha Tate at UFC 168 and refused to shake her hand after armbarring her a second time, cementing her role as a heel. She’s now 8-0.
McMann hasn’t fought since an easy TKO victory over Sheila Gaff back in April. Her record stands at 7-0.
Second, 21-0 Dagestani warrior Khabib Nurmagomedov will face his greatest test at UFC 170: Former Strikeforce lightweight champ Gilbert Melendez. Recently, Nurmagomedov bested Pat Healy in a one-sided decision at UFC 165. Meanwhile, Melendez earned a unanimous decision over Diego Sanchez at UFC 166 in an electrifying bout.
Imagining how these two fights will play out is a great distraction for any post-Silva leg break blues. Stay tuned for any more booking news!