The UFC’s flyweight division may contain some of the most action-packed contests in the sport, but it has failed to grab the attention of mainstream fans. That situation has played into the hands of the competitors within the weight class, as they can quickly take a jump up the rankings ladder. Ray Borg and Chris Kelades are set to face off against each other at UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Thatch, with the winner potentially giving himself a big boost in the division.
It’s clear that the 125-pound group is in need of a new top contender. John Dodson is still dealing with an injured knee (via Fox Sports), while John Lineker has found himself pushed to the bantamweight division by decree of UFC President Dana White (via Sherdog). That leaves current champion, Demetrious Johnson, without a clear opponent for the next time he steps into the Octagon.
Borg and Kelades can put themselves in a position of consideration by the company matchmakers with strong performances on Saturday.
Both men have previously competed in the Octagon. Kelades took a unanimous decision win over Patrick Holohan at UFC Fight Night: MacDonald vs. Saffiedine, while Borg is 1-1 during his run.
Neither man is currently ranked in the UFC’s Top 15, but this is the exact type of fight that can change that situation. The winner would be poised to see his name among the others that are considered the best flyweights that the organization has on its roster. Unlike other weight classes, which tend to provide title shots to only its top one-to-three fighters, flyweights can slip into title consideration much faster.
Johnson’s continued success also plays a role in how much a win would mean for both competitors. He has already defeated six of the top-10 ranked fighters in his weight class. The UFC tends to shy away from rematches, unless they were close fights such as Dodson’s first attempt to defeat Johnson. That means that the fighters who are further down the line can find them in the title picture sooner rather than later. This situation recently played out for one flyweight.
Chris Cariaso challenged for the flyweight title even though he was only ranked No. 8 at the time of the encounter (via MMA Junkie). His opportunity came due to scheduling and injury issues, but he clearly jumped over a number of men that were slotted ahead of him. While the situation did not play out in his favor, he was given the opportunity to shock the MMA world with a victory.
Adam Martin of MMA Ratings recognizes that this is a big fight for Borg: “With a 7-1 pro MMA record at age 20, with six of those wins coming by stoppage, Borg is now being viewed as someone who could be on the shortlist of contenders for UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson.”
Both Borg and Kelades have an opportunity to set themselves apart from the rest of the 125-pound division. The winner will be able to gain the momentum needed to vault ahead of the other athletes vying for a title shot. The makeup of the flyweight division allows for title contenders to emerge at a moment’s notice and either Borg or Kelades can be next in line with a big win on Saturday.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com