The results for UFC 159 are in, with only half of the fighters taking a step backwards, while the other half go on to continue their success in the octagon. Here are the match ups that the UFC needs to put together for the winners and losers of Saturday night.
1.) Ovince St. Preux vs. Vinny Magalhaes
You might be asking why anyone would think Magalhaes could handle the stiking of OSP after being picked apart on the feet by a wrestler, but this makes for an interesting fight due to St. Preux’s weaker takedown defense. This fight wouldn’t be seeing the final bell, as OSP would KO the Brazilian, or get caught in a submission.
2.) Alan Belcher vs. Chris Camozzi
Belcher didn’t exactly live up to the hype of his fight, and Bisping certainly worked him over. The only thing I can credit to Belcher with, is having a good chin. Bottom line, he didn’t look like himself. Camozzi has been creeping through the UFC middleweight division, and has a similar style to Belcher. Camozzi is filling in for the injured C.B. Dollaway at UFC on FX 8. Whether he wins or losses to Cezar Ferreria, he should face off with Alan Belcher in his folowing fight. Luckily Camozzi’s fight will be in two weeks, so filling in for Dollaway shouldn’t affect this match from taking place.
3.) Roy Nelson vs. Travis Browne
I know that Dana white had announced a possible fight with Daniel Cormier or Mark Hunt ( if he can beat Junior dos Santos), but I think the UFC is ranking Nelson far to high on their list, and a fight with Travis Browne would be far more appropriate. Also, I have no idea what the hell Dana White is thinking if Mark Hunt isn’t awarded a title shot for beating JDS. If Hunt losses his fight, then yes, Match Nelson with Hunt. But only if JDS is the victor.
4.) Michael Bisping vs. Yushin Okami
Both fighters have recently bested Alan Belcher, and are in the top five of the UFC’s middleweight division, so this fight just makes sence. Bisping has been trying and trying to get his title shot, and a win over Okami could get him closer to that goal, if not secure it. I’m curious to see how Bisping would fair against a strong wrestler who has improved diligently on his striking. But it goes both ways, and maybe Bisping is able to showcase strong takedown defense like in his fight with Chael Sonnen. Either way, a fight between two elite middleweights is always one fans will be eager for.
5.) Pat Healy vs. Gilbert Melendez
Last time I checked, submitting Jim Miller meant enough to get a fighter a title shot. I’m not pushing for that, but Healy had one hell of a UFC debut, and I see no reason why he couldn’t fight the most recent title challenger. Healy was supposed to fight Melendez in Strikeforce for the belt, but unfortunately, Melendez got injured and pulled out of the fight. This is the perfect opportunity to put a fight back on the books, and it’s not like there are more available opponents in the lightweight division at this time, so this fight makes perfect sense.
– Ryan “Fight Freek” Poli’
@FightFreek