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UFC 157: Rousey vs. Carmouche — Main Card Results & Commentary

(I’m not exactly sure what Dana’s thinking right now, but if I had to guess, it’s probably something along the lines of “ohhhhhhh yeaaahhhhh [dooo-bo-bo].” / Photo via CombatLifestyle. Check out more pics from this set here.)

UFC 157 goes down tonight at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, and let’s just say if you hear any noise it ain’t the boys, Potato Nation. Women’s MMA crossover star Ronda Rousey will be putting her new bantamweight belt on the line against challenger Liz Carmouche, in a historic fight that will either be remembered as the UFC’s first step toward gender quality, or the latest Great American Freak Show. We’re just hoping for an entertaining battle that doesn’t end with a gruesome compound fracture on live television.

But while the women might steal the show, “Rousey vs. Carmouche” is actually a solid card from top to bottom. We’ve got a possible #1 light-heavyweight contender’s match between Dan Henderson and Lyoto Machida, an old-school welterweight banger between Josh Koscheck and Robbie Lawler, and Urijah Faber’s must-win battle against dangerous veteran Ivan Menjivar. There’s also a fight between Court McGee and Josh Neer that really has no business being on a pay-per-view card at this point, but such is life.

Leading us through the UFC 157 main card will be actual fighter Elias Cepeda, who will be slapping down round-by-round results after the jump beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and please throw in your own insightful commentary in the comments section. Thanks for joining us.

First up, Josh Koscheck against the returning Robbie Lawler. What do you say nation? Will Koscheck slug it out and give Lawler his best chance at winning or will Koscheck choose to give him a good Fitching and do the smart, grapple-domination thing?

We shall see. Round 1 is moments away.

Josh Koscheck vs. Robbie Lawler

Rd 1

The southpaw Lawler looking huge and aggressive, landing with a left hand and trying to go to the body. Koscheck shoots and lands a double leg take down. Lawler smiles, uses his butterfly guard and then wraps up a full guard. Lawler gets up and to his knees. Koscheck with a front arm and head control. Snaps Lawler down.

Both biding their time, Koscheck releases the head to grab Lawler’s right leg. Lawler up on his feet with his back against the cage, defending the take down. Koscheck drags him back down. Lawler working his right butterfly hook from a half guard to try and lift Koscheck up and off of him.

Kos tries to stand and take Robbie’s back but the cage stops him. He gets back in front of Lawler, in his butterfly guard, Lawler stands back up. Josh maintains his pressure against the cage, pressing Robbie against it.

Kos shoots first for another single, then around Lawler’s back and then again for the leg. Koscheck shoots in for a double but Lawler sprawls and defends. Lawler lands a left hook to the head of a turtled up Koscheck that stuns Koscheck and then turns the corner, puts Kos on his side and unloads nasty bombs that force the referee to stop the fight with about a minute left in the round.

Robbie Lawler beats Josh Koscheck by TKO (strikes on the ground), Rd1

Josh Neer vs. Court McGee

Old school Miletich Fighting Systems fighter night here at UFC 157, apparently. First Lawler and now, Neer. Man, from their records and their faces you’d think these guys were twice their young ages. Warriors.

Rd 1

McGee comes out pressing with punches and kicks. Neer looks relaxed and blocks and evades most of them. Lil dirty boxing from both before separation. Neer with his chin up, presses the action by stalking forward. McGee lands a one-two combo right to the chin of Neer. Then another! Another left from McGee. Neer is walking through them but they are stiff shots. McGee with another flush punch to NEer’s head.

McGee with two more right-left combos to the chin of Neer. Neer walking forward like a zombie, still taking his big sings. Another left from McGee. The TUF winner then goes to the body. Neer with a nice rear leg kick that knocks McGee’s leg almost out from under him.

McGee with another right. Most of his punches are coming while back tracking but boy are they landing flush. He lands another one-two. Neer with another well-placed leg kick. McGee goes to the body with a kick, then to the leg of Neer, then again to the body, this time with punches.

McGee with a right-left punch to the body combo, then more shots landed on Neer. Punches in bunches from McGee on the inside when Neer presses him. McGee continues the onslaught against the cage on Neer, going to the body and head, and landing. Neer turns his back, fals to the ground and McGee continues to land punches.

Less than thirty seconds left and Neer is in a defensive half guard, then sits up. McGee controls from a front head lock, then spins to the back and goes to a rear naked choke which looks to be sunk in but Neer is saved by the bell.

Rd 2

Neer still stalking, with his chin up. Pawing with the jab, swinging big and wide and missing. McGee sends Neer reeling backwards but he gets back up to his feet. McGee presses against the cage. Neer gets separation and lands a nasty uppercut and over hand right then goads McGee to give him some more.

McGee does indeed and lands four more punches to the tough dome of Neer. McGee with a mostly blocked head kick, then lands an inside leg kick. McGee attempts a take down, is stuffed.

Neer stalking McGee after taking his heat, taunting him more to bring it on. Neer lands two punches, McGee is sharp and lands back to the head with punches. Neer chases McGee and lands a big upper cut and over hand right. McGee fires back, shoots, Neer defends.

Neer goes to the body and then the head with punches. He presses McGee backwards against the fence and lands some more dirty work. McGee gets space and then lights up Neer some more with two punches. Neer presses again, lands a leg kick against the cage. They return to the center and trade shots now. Both landing to the head and body almost at will with uppercuts and hooks.

McGee lands a a one-two. Neer lands his own shot. McGee lands a straight cross and shoots, gets stuffed. Neer still goading McGee. Court lands a punch at the bell.

Rd 3

There’s no slowing down these two. McGee landing his two again. Neer coming forward and taking big over hand shots. Neer stuffs a shot and then goes to the body with a left hand. McGee shoots again, presses and lifts Neer up against the cage. Neer defends and lands a short elbow to the head. Neer attempts his own sweep.

Neer frees himself and gets back to the center of the ring. McGee ducks under and scores a take down. He has Neer up against the fence. Neer gets to his knees, tries to stand up. He does. McGee keeps him pressed against the cage, looking for another take down. Two minutes left.

McGee goes low and lifts Neer up and puts him down with a double leg take down. He’s in Neer’s full guard now. Neer working his over hooks and tries for arm bars. McGee stays out of danger and gets to half guard. Neer immediately uses the position to attempt leg locks. McGee defends and, when Neer turns and scrambles, takes his back. Less than a minute left.

McGee back on top of the downed Neer, who is facing upwards. Neer’s face is bloodied and his nose swollen as he defends strikes coming fown from above from McGee. The horn sounds and McGee gets in one last elbow.

Decision time coming up next!

Hard fought battle with both guys getting in their licks but the judges get it right and all three give all three rounds to McGee for a unanimous decision win over Josh Neer.

Urijah Faber vs. Ivan Menjivar

Rd 1

Faber out with hands low, per usual, jutting in and out. He works inside to go for a take down. Ivan tosses him! Menjivar’s base is obviously not there as Faber rolls and reverses Ivan, landing in side control.

Faber now in Ivan’s full guard. Ivan trying to control Faber’s posture by pulling down on his head. Faber lands a short elbow to the head. Ivan working a high guard, Faber shrugs it off. Back in the full guard. Faber lands a nasty looping elbow to the right side of Menjivar’s head. Faber now swinging big and aggressive with elbows, landing several more.

Faber letting loose with right and left elbows. Ivan tries to cut an angle and work for an arm. Doesn’t get anything as Faber stands up. Ivan lands an up kick to the chin of Urijah.

Faber back in full guard, throwing big elbows with abandon. Another right and then another left elbow from Faber. Ivan’s facial skin must be supple as all heck because he hasn’t cut.

Ivan stands up and Faber is on him like a monkey. Faber lands the first ever vertical Gary Goodridge beat down position I’ve ever seen as Ivan stands and Urijah tried to take his back. Faber keeps control and swings to the back completely. Ivan backs him up against the cage but Faber sinks in the arms deep under the neck and finishes the standing rear naked choke, forcing the tap.

Urijah Faber beats Ivan Menjivar via standing rear naked choke in the first round.

Dan Henderson vs. Lyoto Machida (aka. the “real” main event as it is known to all you woman-haters out there)

Rd 1

Both men keeping their distance until Henderson lands a lead outside leg kick to the southpaw Machida. Hendo then wades in with punches, Machida circles away. Machida throws a front kick to the body of Hendo that is blocked.

Machida with his chin up, like always, and switches stances back and forth. Hendo with another nice leg kick, this time using his rear leg to get after Lyoto’s lead. Henderson has the center of the cage, staring Machida down. He shuffles, feints and looks to wade in again but thinks better of it.

Machida with another front kick to the body of Hendo that is blocked. Machida with a body kick, punch combo that is mostly blocked. Machida fighting wide open, with his stance and hand position.Dan with his chin tucked and right hand cocked.

Henderson swings a big right hand wide and misses. He lands another leg kick and misses with another over hand right. Henderson throws two more over hand rights, both land!

Machida gets backed up by the punches but keeps his senses. Henderson gets around the waist of Henderson and works to take him down but Machida defends. Henderson gets an over-under clinch and works knees. Machida trips Henderson and immediately fires downward with nasty punches. The bell saves Henderson from taking more damage.

Rd 2

Henderson walking down Machida again. Henderson shoots fora single on Machida’s lead leg, rises up and is stuffed. Machida lands a body kick. Henderson wades in with big over hand rights, Machida backs and circles away to safety.

Machida with a quick straight left to the face of Hendo right as Hendo was loading up for another punch. Stops the American in his tracks but Hendo looks unfazed. Henderson goes for Machida’s rear leg but pops up and throws and lands a left hook.

Hendo with another inside leg kick. Machida misses with a front head kick. Machida throws a left body kick that is blocked. Henderson tries his own body kick and catches a short punch from Machida that knocks him off balance and to the mat.

Henderson is back up. Both men keeping their distance and looking to explode. Dan forces the clinch and then fires off a right and left that miss. Machida throws a hard left kick to the body that is blocked. Under a minute left. Henderson charges in with over hand rights and all miss.

Machida throws a spinning back kick that is blocked. Henderson lands a soft inside leg kick at the horn.

Rd 3

Henderson fakes a shot, throws an over hand right that misses and then a body kick that is blocked. Machida fires a body kick that is blocked and then a short lead punch that is not. Henderson gets Machida to the ground with just over three and a half minutes left.

Machida working an over hook and head control from inside his full guard. Henderson doing short work to the body with his right knee on the ground and his left foot on the mat. Machida effectively controlling Hendo’s posture from the bottom and preventing him from sitting up and landing big shots. Machida cutting an angle with his his to the left while controlling the top of Hendo’s head. Hendo landing short elbows to the body.

Machida gets up to his feet with just under two minutes left. Machida with an inside leg kick that hurts Dan. He throws another and Dan checks it. Machida playing around with his stance again. Henderson waiting to charge in again, perhaps, with uner a minute left. Machida stalking him now. Machida closes the distance and Henderson misses with an over hand right. Machida lands a front kick to the face and then a hard head kick. Machida throws another body kick-lead punch combo.

The horn sounds. Decision time coming up next!

Lyoto Machida wins a split decision. No idea why any judge would have given the fight to Henderson, though he fought gamely.

Main Event – Women’s UFC Bantamweight World Title

Ronda Rousey vs. Liz Carmouche

Rd 1

Ronda looking to close the distance early with the jab. Liz tries to circle away and fires off body-head combos but Ronda grabs a hold of her and takes her down. Ronda sticks around in the Judo scarf position too long, though and Liz stands and takes her back. Liz has both hooks in and is working the rear naked choke. Ronda is in a bad place but escapes and flips Liz to the ground. Ronda standing over Liz now, throws a body shot.

Ronda fires punches and Liz slips out from behind and tries to take her back but Ronda holds steady fora bit in the scarf position and begins throwing bully punches down with her left as her right arm holds the head lock.

Ronda peppering away and Liz trying to scoot towards her to take the back again. Ronda is too heavy this time around and now tries to trap the near arm for a shoulder lock. Liz now trying to come through the back door. Ronda has none of that and takes the mount with a triple attack position and goes right away for the straight arm bar with less than a minute left.

Less than thirty seconds and Liz has been fighting. Ronda still working on the arm and peels it away with ten seconds left and Liz taps out!

Ronda Rousey defends her UFC title for the first time and earns her seventh consecutive first round win by arm bar. Liz Carmouche provides the stiffest challenge to Rousey yet.

That’s it, taters. Thanks for being a part of history with us.

Full UFC 157 results…

Main Card:
– Ronda Rousey def. Liz Carmouche via submission (armbar), 4:49 of round 1
– Lyoto Machida def. Dan Henderson via split decision (29-28 x 2, 28-29)
– Urijah Faber def. Ivan Menjivar via submission (rear-naked choke), 4:43 of round 1
– Court McGee def. Josh Neer via unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
– Robbie Lawler def. Josh Koscheck via TKO, 3:57 of round 1

Preliminary Card:
– Brendan Schaub def. Lavar Johnson via unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
– Michael Chiesa def. Anton Kuivanen via submission (rear-naked choke), 2:29 of round 2
– Dennis Bermudez def. Matt Grice via split decision (29-28 x 2, 28-29)
– Sam Stout def. Caros Fodor via split decision (29-28 x 2, 28-29)
– Kenny Robertson def. Brock Jardine via submission (kneebar), 2:57 of round 1
– Neil Magny def. Jon Manley via unanimous decision (30-27 x 2, 29-28)
– Nah-Shon Burrell def. Yuri Villefort via unanimous decision (29-28 x 2, 30-27)

Gambling Addiction Enabler: ‘UFC 157: Rousey vs. Carmouche’ Edition

By Dan “Get Off Me” George

For the first time in UFC history, a card will not only feature but be headlined by a women’s title fight in the bantamweight division. We know what you’re thinking, “How are they going to fit an entire kitchen into the octagon?” but hear us out for a second. Pitting Olympic bronze medalist Ronda Rousey against Marine tuff Liz Carmouche, UFC 157 will look to break down the wall that has existed between men’s and women’s MMA for almost two years now. We kid, we kid, but will the UFC’s women’s division steal the show come Saturday night? And technically speaking, can you steal a show when you are the main event? These questions and others will be answered this Saturday night in Anaheim at the (R)Honda Center.

And with any big MMA event comes the opportunity to chip away at (or add to) those crippling debts we all are surely facing. So join us after the jump as we highlight some of the undercard and all the main card bouts for UFC 157 with the hopes of cashing in on some attractive betting lines, which come courtesy of BestFighOdds as always.

Preliminary card:

Michael Chiesa (-200) vs. Anton Kuivanen (+170)

Currently, Chiesa is right around -225, but look for that line to close around -300 by fight night. Anton has been more of a threat on the mat than on his feet thus far in his UFC run, but giving up almost half a foot in height to the Alpha Male-affiliated Chiesa will do him no favors in either department. Chiesa should be able to control this fight with his size advantage and continue his Cinderella story in the UFC.

By Dan “Get Off Me” George

Preliminary card:

Michael Chiesa (-200) vs. Anton Kuivanen (+170)

Brendan Schaub (-130) vs. Lavar Johnson (+110)

If there is one underdog to pick on this card, the argument for Lavar Johnson at +110 is strong. Lavar will enjoy a three inch reach advantage over his opponent, which has been a deciding factor in both of his UFC victories. Schaub surprised many against Cro Cop back at UFC 128 but has shown some significant holes in his stand up game (not to mention his chin) in the time since. Each unnecessary second Schaub stands with Johnson will be detrimental to both his UFC career and his ability to ingest food without wearing a bib, and being that Schaub has yet to submit an opponent in his career, we should assume for the time being that Johnson won’t become the first. Not because Johnson has an incredible ground game, but rather because he packs enough power in his hands to stop Schaub before it gets to that point, like Nog and Rothwell have in the past.

PPV Card:

Josh Neer (+240) vs. Court McGee (-280)

Court will be making his debut at 170lbs here and at -285 will be parlay bound against UFC veteran Josh Neer. Short of being robbed against Nick Ring, Court has only lost to Costa Phillipou (a top middleweight) and has never truly been dominated inside the Octagon. Neer might be able to cut Court with those vicious elbows, but McGee should have little trouble taking the fight to the ground when Neer eventually overcommits trying to close the distance. Neer is a former lightweight and McGee is a former middleweight; ultimately Court should be the stronger fighter and control this fight from start to finish.

Josh Koscheck (-470) vs. Robbie Lawler (+375)

Not much of a chance has been given to the returning Robbie Lawler here and perhaps rightfully so. Much like Paulo Thiago, Lawler is being given a puncher’s chance against Koscheck, which is a position Lawler could be dangerous in (see his fight against Melvin Manhoef). Koscheck may look for the takedown early and often, and Lawler’s ability to defend said takedown will determine this fight in and of itself. If there was a way to put money on the likelihood of Kos eye-poking Lawler in this fight I would recommend it outright, but the Koscheck by decision prop seems a little more reasonable.

Urijah Faber (-370) vs. Ivan Menjivar (+310)

A rematch 7 years in the making will be settled on Saturday night when Ivan Menjivar looks to avenge his controversial DQ loss to Urijah Faber that transpired in the now defunct TKO promotion. Urijah is approaching -400, but the speed and grappling advantage he will have against Menjivar justifies the price, especially when considering how easily Mike Easton was able to use those same skills to defeat Menjivar at UFC 148. Menjivar will not be able to catch up to Faber long enough to do any substantial damage, therefore justifying Faber’s place in our parlay.

Dan Henderson (+205) vs. Lyoto Machida (-245)

Machida is the right favorite and may prove to be too elusive for Hendo’s right hand in this fight. Machida should play the matador role in this one and simply fight off his back foot until the opportunity arises to counter Henderson; the fact that Hendo is coming off a knee injury only solidifies the notion that he may be limited in his movement. The wrestling advantage may be with Hendo, but Machida has the skills to survive on the mat and Hendo doesn’t wrestle all that much in his fights. Looking back at Franklin/Henderson, Machida has all the tools to stay on the outside and outpoint Hendo for a decision victory.

Ronda Rousey (-1200) vs Liz Carmouche (+775)

Ronda Rousey is undefeated, perfection on the mat, and way, way overpriced in this fight. A 10-to-1 favorite is usually a pointless bet to make and Ronda is no exception here, as Liz Carmouche has to know what to expect in this fight (Ed note: Not that that has helped anyone before). Liz will have to get the better of Ronda in the stand up department because a win on the ground is simply not an option. Ronda has admitted that she is not taking Liz lightly in this bout and will most likely look to put the Marine on her back and go fishing for another arm to bring home. As always, the ladies should deliver an exciting fight and start the woman’s division off with a bang.

Parlay 1
McGee + Faber

Parlay 2
Chiesa + Machida

Parlay 3
McGee + Johnson + Faber

Enjoy the fights and may the winners be yours.

Ian McCall Hopes Robbie Lawler Knocks the F*** out of Josh Koscheck

Ian McCall gave Josh Koscheck yet another reminder of how unanimously disliked he’s become in the MMA community by sounding off on the perennial contender’s upcoming bout with Robbie Lawler at UFC 157. While breaking down the Koscheck vs. Lawler fight …

While breaking down the Koscheck vs. Lawler fight with Bleacher Report’s Jeremy Botter, McCall agreed with Botter that Koscheck would prevail, but then offered these sentiments regarding the former NCAA wrestling champion:

I am hoping that Robbie Lawler knocks the f*** out of Koscheck because, let’s be honest, no one likes him. But, at the same time, I think Koscheck will win because he’s the more well-rounded fighter, and the guy knows what he’s doing. He might always be a bridesmaid and never a bride, as far as being a title contender, but he’s going to win this fight.

Lawler, who will compete in the UFC for the first time since 2004, could grant McCall’s wish if Koscheck decides to throw wild exchanges like he did before getting knocked out by Paulo Thiago at UFC 95.

Other than Thiago, however, none of Koscheck‘s 23 pro opponents, including the venomous Johny Hendricks, had any luck putting the former welterweight title challenger to sleep.

But if anyone can end the durable Koscheck’s night in a flash it’s Lawler, a man who’s won 19 pro fights, 16 by knockout.

But still, Lawler got cut by president Dana White after UFC 50 for good reason, and Kosheck has kept a contract with the promotion since competing on the first season of The Ultimate Fighter in 2005 for even better reason. These facts, coupled with Koscheck‘s exaggerated wrestling advantage, swayed the oddsmakers to deem Koscheck a 5-to-1 favorite (-500 per Bovada).

Nevertheless, Lawler is one of those guys that no wise fighter would ever overlook. Those who don’t believe should refer to his legendary brawl with Melvin Manhoef.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Ian McCall Hopes Lawler Knocks the F*** out of Koscheck at UFC 157

Josh Koscheck has never been the most popular fighter with the UFC fanbase.The former No. 1 contender to the welterweight crown has enjoyed a love/hate relationship with the MMA community spawning from his days on the original season of The Ultimate Fi…

Josh Koscheck has never been the most popular fighter with the UFC fanbase.

The former No. 1 contender to the welterweight crown has enjoyed a love/hate relationship with the MMA community spawning from his days on the original season of The Ultimate Fighter. That being said, the villain role has never seemed to bother Koscheck.

The former NCAA Division I wrestling champion brings his “black hat” back into the Octagon for the first time in nine months when he faces Robbie Lawler this Saturday night at UFC 157. The bout will be Koscheck’s first appearance since dropping a close decision to surging contender Johny Hendricks at UFC on Fox 3, where Lawler’s return to the Octagon has been more than eight years in the making.

While MMA fans have always shown their distaste for Koscheck, it appears his lack of popularity also spills over to his fellow fighter…at least in the case of Ian McCall.

During a recent video breakdown of the upcoming throwdown between Koscheck and Lawler, “Uncle Creepy” told Bleacher Report’s own Jeremy Botter he hopes the Strikeforce convert “knocks the f*** out of Koscheck.”

While the flyweight staple ultimately picked Koscheck to win this weekend’s tilt, he had no problems adding a few more choice words for the UFC veteran.

After McCall said, “nobody likes Koscheck,” he went on to add the perennial contender was “always the bridesmaid and never the bride.”

Check out the video below as McCall goes unfiltered and breaks down the upcoming matchup at UFC 157.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

UFC 157 Preview: Josh Koscheck vs. Robbie Lawler Head-to-Toe Breakdown

UFC 157 features an interesting welterweight clash between Josh Koscheck and Robbie Lawler.Lawler makes his UFC return by dropping back to the welterweight division. Koscheck returns to the Octagon after an extended period away from the cage following …

UFC 157 features an interesting welterweight clash between Josh Koscheck and Robbie Lawler.

Lawler makes his UFC return by dropping back to the welterweight division. Koscheck returns to the Octagon after an extended period away from the cage following a loss to Johny Hendricks in May 2012. The two veterans are attempting to make one last run at the title.

This is one of the most interesting fights on the card, and one that has a chance to collect a post-fight bonus check.

Here is how the welterweight action breaks down heading into UFC 157.

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How the UFC 158 Shake-Up Affects the Welterweight Title Picture

The news of an injury forcing Rory MacDonald out of his scheduled bout with Carlos Condit at UFC 158 hit the MMA media headlines last night, and the UFC has its first taste of the “injury bug” in 2013.The rematch between the surging young star and the …

The rematch between the surging young star and the former interim champion was a highly anticipated tilt, but before fans could feel the full weight of the letdown, the UFC moved quickly to build a new co-main event for the welterweight showcase in Montreal.

As first reported by Bleacher Report’s Damon Martin, “The Natural Born Killer” will now square off with contender-in-waiting Johny Hendricks. “Bigg Rigg” was originally slated to face Jake Ellenberger on the same card, but when the doors to a fight with Condit opened, Hendricks jumped at the opportunity. At the current time, Ellenberger is still without an opponent, but it appears he will still compete in Montreal next month.

The switch-up has obviously had an immediate impact on the lineup at UFC 158, but the ripple effect has the potential to ultimately shake up the entire contender’s class in the 170-pound weight class.

Johny Hendricks Looking to Leave No Questions on the Table

Heading into his training camp for UFC 158, Johny Hendricks already had a chip on his shoulder. The former two-time Division I national champion wrestler had just collected his fifth consecutive victory in stunning fashion by knocking out Martin Kampmann in the first round of their tilt at UFC 154, only to see the title shot he expected to get ultimately given to Nick Diaz.

The decision was undoubtedly frustrating for the Team Takedown fighter. But rather than wait for the next opportunity to come around, Hendricks jumped immediately back into the title hunt by accepting a bout with Ellenberger. It seemed to be a risky move, putting a potential title opportunity on the line against a dangerous opponent, but Hendricks wanted to make his case for contention loud and clear.

By accepting the bout with Condit, the 29-year-old now has taken destiny into his own hands. The Jackson/Winkeljohn-trained fighter is the only other welterweight in the current picture who could lay claim to the same level of title contention as Hendricks.

Condit has won five of his past six, with the only loss on that stretch coming in his most recent outing against welterweight king Georges St-Pierre at UFC 154.

Should Hendrick’s hammer left hand and wrestling pedigree prove too much for Condit to handle, the next title opportunity will be carved in stone.

On the other hand, the former WEC champion has one of the division’s craftiest skill sets, and Condit’s well-rounded attack has the potential to give Hendricks fits inside the cage. If Condit can derail Hendricks in Montreal, another shot at welterweight gold could be in the near future.

The Timing is Bad, but Situation is Ultimately Good for Maia

As soon as Condit vs. Hendricks became official, Twitter blew up with suggestions from all corners of the MMA community as to who should step in to face Ellenberger. One name that came up in popular fashion was former middleweight contender turn welterweight, Demian Maia.

The Brazilian submission ace has been on a tear since dropping down to 170 pounds, and his recent dominance of perennial contender Jon Fitch has Maia on the cusp of big things in the welterweight division.

While MMA fans held out hope of Maia stepping in to face “The Juggernaut,” MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani reported via Twitter that Maia was suffering from a minor meniscus injury and wouldn’t be healthy in time to make the bout next month. Despite this opportunity passing him by, Maia has the potential to benefit from the entire situation caused by McDonald’s injury.

With the Tristar-trained fighter moving to the sidelines for the time being, the potential for Maia to get an opponent in the divisional upper tier greatly increases. The card at UFC 158 will serve to unseat at least three of the division’s best, and Maia will have the opportunity to move up the ladder in his next outing.

There was talk this week of a potential matchup with Tarec Saffiedine, but with news of the former Strikeforce welterweight champion turning down an opportunity to face Condit, it is difficult to tell what Saffiedine’s next step will look like. Nevertheless, Maia will undoubtedly get a high-level opponent for his next trip into the Octagon, and a victory could put him on the doorstep of a title shot.

Three More Contenders at the Ready

Jake Ellenberger may have lost his top-ranked opponent for UFC 158, but his mission to become a UFC champion has not been detoured. The former Marine has won seven of his past eight bouts, with his most recent victory coming over veteran Jay Hieron at UFC on FX 5.

In the wake of the GSP vs. Diaz announcement, Ellenberger told Bleacher Report the Hendricks fight was the thing he wanted next and his wish was granted. But now the bout with Hendricks is gone, and Ellenberger’s road to a long-awaited title shot has just had a few steps added to the path.

A possible option to step in to face Ellenberger would be former Strikeforce welterweight contender Tyron Woodley. The former University of Missouri wrestling standout made a major splash in his UFC debut by knocking Hieron stiff just 36 seconds into the opening round.

The victory over the Xtreme Couture staple was a strong rebound after Woodley suffered the first loss of his career against Nate Marquardt last July. Immediately following his win at UFC 156, Woodley told UFC president Dana White he was ready to go if any welterweights dropped off the UFC 158 card. Now that this scenario has become a reality, “T-Wood” could very well get the call to face Ellenberger.

Another fighter who has the opportunity to make a move up the divisional ladder is Josh Koscheck. The former NCAA Division I wrestling champion steps back into action for the first time in nine months when he throws down with Robbie Lawler this weekend at UFC 157.

The TUF alum has been one of the sport’s best welterweights for the past six years and is only a couple of wins away from becoming a serious contender again. If the 35-year-old is successful against Lawler this Saturday night, a potential show down with Maia or MacDonald when he becomes healthy would make sense.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com