UFC 141 gave us another reminder as to why fans love the heavyweight division. The last few months has seen the division become re-energized with two great main events.
As the Strikeforce heavyweights are folded into the UFC, look for them to take the UFC and fans hearts by storm.
Look for the new contenders to breed new life into a division that looks to explode with potential matchups. Much like the lightweights from the WEC, the new additions will give fans some fresh faces to root for.
The top two fighters moving over, Josh Barnett and Daniel Cormier, both have a history with the UFC.
Barnett’s previous venture in the UFC is well documented with failed drug testings and personal issues with Dana White. But as you can see from Barnett’s twitter and Mixedmartialarts.com, the two have seemingly buried the hatchet.
Although Cormier hasn’t competed in the UFC, he is the current wrestling coach and training partner of former champion, Cain Velasquez.
The home of teammate vs. teammate controversy for years with Jon Fitch, Josh Koscheck and Mike Swick, the AKA teammates of Cormier and Velasquez seem to be open to fighting one another; under the right circumstances.
Barnett has always had the talent to be great if he can get his legal issues behind him and Cormier could be a dark horse title contender given his wrestling background and ever improving striking game.
Besides the two finalists in the Strikeforce Grand Prix, a bevy of new contenders should be making their UFC debuts soon.
Fabricio Werdum will return to the Octagon against Roy Nelson and if his striking game resembles the one he showed against Alistair Overeem, Nelson could be in for a long night both on the ground and on the feet.
Leading the way for the Strikeforce prospects, Shane del Rosario has already signed with the UFC and brings his undefeated record to the Octagon. He had a lot of promise before his accident, and it will be interesting to see how the time off affects him.
Whether they sink or swim, it makes no difference as the new fighters make their way to the UFC, look for the heavyweight division to make its return to the pinnacle of combat sports.
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