Tag: Matches to Make

Here Comes A New Challenger: Matches to Make – UFC 190


(via Getty)

By Sam Stilson

We all knew how the main event of UFC 190 was going to end. We had it figured out the moment the fight was booked. Yet, somehow Ronda Rousey still managed to wow us all. The women’s bantamweight champion truly has something special…and that’s the ability to get hundreds of thousands of people to sit through not one but two TUF Brazil finals (and pay for the privilege) just to watch her fight. Incredible.

UFC 190 turned out to be a much better card in practice than on paper and most indicators are suggesting it was more successful than UFC 189. Rousey is well on her way to becoming the new GSP, if she hasn’t already surpassed him, and we can likely expect many more ‘RONDA ROUSEY and a bunch of other fighters’ -type fight cards to come.

Now let’s look at what might be next for the main card competitors.

The post Here Comes A New Challenger: Matches to Make – UFC 190 appeared first on Cagepotato.


(via Getty)

By Sam Stilson

We all knew how the main event of UFC 190 was going to end. We had it figured out the moment the fight was booked. Yet, somehow Ronda Rousey still managed to wow us all. The women’s bantamweight champion truly has something special…and that’s the ability to get hundreds of thousands of people to sit through not one but two TUF Brazil finals (and pay for the privilege) just to watch her fight. Incredible.

UFC 190 turned out to be a much better card in practice than on paper and most indicators are suggesting it was more successful than UFC 189. Rousey is well on her way to becoming the new GSP, if she hasn’t already surpassed him, and we can likely expect many more ‘RONDA ROUSEY and a bunch of other fighters’ -type fight cards to come.

Now let’s look at what might be next for the main card competitors.

Ronda Rousey should fight: Miesha Tate

Rousey is all but booked to face Miesha Tate for a third time in December as the co-main event for the Conor McGregor vs. Jose Aldo card. But I’m still holding out hope that we can see Cat Zingano and Tate rematch to truly earn another title shot. Rousey’s dominance is getting close to 2008-2009 Anderson Silva levels, where increasingly less-deserving contenders (Cote, Leites) are getting title shots and the public (or perhaps like Silva, Rousey) draws closer and closer to boredom. Rematches of rematches doesn’t seem like a great way to stave off the yawns.

Bethe Correia should fight: Marion Reneau

As expected, Bethe got was coming to her. After weeks of mean mugs and cheap shots, when the fight night arrived, Correira looked scared, stiff and awkward. Talking trash about the champ’s friends and family got her a title shot, but her underdeveloped skills and lack of experience proved she didn’t deserve it. A bout against the relatively inexperienced but still ranked Marion Reneau seems appropriate. It’d be a classic striker vs. grappler matchup and a win for either woman would justify a top 10 spot.

Shogun Rua should fight: Quinton Jackson

Shogun’s back! PRIDE never die! That’s what no one but the most diehard Rua fans should be saying after UFC 190. While a return to training under Rafael Cordeiro clearly paid dividends aside from some sharp kicks (love handles be gone!), Shogun still looked a bit slow, very chinny and nothing like a contender. Rampage already asked for a rematch back in April, and reminded Shogun he’s ready and waiting after the fight. It’s a great match for a UFC on Fox event that would reel in casual fans.

Antônio Rogério Nogueira should fight: Loser of Teixeira-Saint Preux

While Lil’ Nog didn’t look as bad as his brother, he certainly didn’t impress at UFC 190. He’s still a ranked light heavyweight, and considering the state of the 205 lb division, there are still winnable fights for him in the top 15. The loser of the upcoming Glover Teixeira vs. Ovince Saint Preux fight makes sense. If it’s Glover, he’ll be on a 3-fight losing streak and badly in need of a win over a name opponent. If it’s Ovince, the two have yet to fight and he could use another win over a legend for legitimacy. For Nog, a win over either man proves he still belongs at the top.

TUF Brazil 4 finalists should fight: Other TUF contestants

Congratulations fellas. Enjoy your Harley Davidsons.

Stefan Struve should fight: Antonio Silva

Struve got a much-needed win over a legend and pushed Big Nog into retirement to boot. In addition to holding onto his ranking, I’m sure the win helped build the Dutchman’s confidence, which surely was waning after suffering through heart surgery, panic attacks and brutal knockouts in his last few fights. He should take on Bigfoot Silva next, another heavyweight who likely overcame his own fears and self-doubt at UFC 190. Winner can move on to top 10 opposition again. Then probably get KTFO.

Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira should fight: for a retirement package

At least he didn’t get knocked out or submitted this time, right everyone? At 39, sitting outside of the top 15, the time is right for Big Nog to call it quits. It was a hell of a career and he should be inducted into the Hall of Fame next year.

Antonio Silva should fight: Stefan Struve

Winning this fight was probably a terrible thing for his long-term health, but he’s back on the winning track and holding onto a spot in the rankings. As stated above, Struve is a perfect next step.

Soa Palelei – should fight: Todd Duffee

Both Palelei and Duffee recently had chances to break into the upper tier of the heavyweight division by putting away fading stars. Both men were soundly beaten for their efforts. Despite a good first round, at UFC 190 Soa proved once and for all that he is a mid-tier gatekeeper at best. Both men need a win to keep their jobs, let them duke it out on the prelims.

Claudia Gadelha should fight: Joanna J?drzejczyk

Gadelha looked incredible as she easily dispatched former WSOF champion Jessica Aguilar. Her rematch with Joanna J?drzejczyk should be a classic and provided the UFC doesn’t bury it on Fight Pass could be just what the division needs to come to prominence.

Jessica Aguilar – should fight: Jessica Penne

It’s not that Aguilar looked bad in her UFC debut, just overmatched. Not unlike Eddie Alvarez’s debut against Donald Cerrone, her fight just reaffirmed what we already know, that being another promotion’s champion doesn’t mean you’re UFC champion material, just that you’re pretty good. She should probably get booked against another contender rather than receive a slow rebuild. Jessica Penne just lost her title bid and would make a great next opponent.

The post Here Comes A New Challenger: Matches to Make – UFC 190 appeared first on Cagepotato.

Here Comes A New Challenger: Matches to Make – UFC 189


(via Getty)

By Sam Stilson

UFC 189 was a glorious night of MMA. Attendance records, gate receipts and noses were shattered. Old favourites reclaimed their relevance while new prospects proved their hype. Flying knee knockouts seemed commonplace. Dana White’s never ending use of hyperbole actually rang true. To paraphrase Frank Mir, it was the greatest UFC card since UFC 100.

Now that the glow has faded and we’ve all had some time to decompress, let’s look forward to what might be next for the main card competitors.

The post Here Comes A New Challenger: Matches to Make – UFC 189 appeared first on Cagepotato.


(via Getty)

By Sam Stilson

UFC 189 was a glorious night of MMA. Attendance records, gate receipts and noses were shattered. Old favourites reclaimed their relevance while new prospects proved their hype. Flying knee knockouts seemed commonplace. Dana White’s never ending use of hyperbole actually rang true. To paraphrase Frank Mir, it was the greatest UFC card since UFC 100.

Now that the glow has faded and we’ve all had some time to decompress, let’s look forward to what might be next for the main card competitors.

Conor McGregor should fight: Jose Aldo (UH-DOI!)

It almost feels likes the UFC panicked and made McGregor the next coach of The Ultimate Fighter the moment Frankie Edgar ran to the cage and challenged Conor for the belt. This way McGregor is kept busy, the Aldo mega-fight can be rebooked in the fall, and Frankie can’t exploit the fact that Conor has the takedown defense of a domino. Jose vs. Conor is the fight we all want to see, now more than ever, and there’s no way the UFC books anything else for their golden boy.

Chad Mendes should fight: Dennis Siver

‘Money’ Mendes got a raw deal this weekend (well, other than the $500,000+ payday). He obviously has the skills to defeat McGregor, but with only two weeks to prepare, he tired quickly and made a couple mistakes that cost him dearly. If he ever hopes to fight for gold again he’s going to need to take the Jon Fitch route and build a lengthy win streak. Dennis Siver is still a ranked featherweight and a fight with the German seems like a good way for Chad to regroup.

Robbie Lawler should fight: Johny Hendricks/Carlos Condit/Tyron Woodley

Hi kids, do you like violence? Robbie Lawler is perhaps the only true embodiment of the overused phrase ‘warrior spirit’.  His demonstration of sublime technical skill and raw, guttural aggression at UFC 189 was absolutely breathtaking. The pecking order at 170 is now starting to come into place and Robbie’s standing at the top is looking more and more sturdy. Lawler deserves some time off to heal after his Fight of the Year performance, therefore any combination of Condit-Hendricks-Woodley in a number one contender match makes sense to find his next challenger.

Rory MacDonald should fight: Thiago Alves

It’s astonishing to think that if Rory could have held on for another four minutes, he would have won the belt, considering this gif and this photo. While Macdonald didn’t assume his place as the heir apparent to GSP, he certainly proved his toughness and heart. He’ll be on the shelf for some time but so will fellow rhinoplasty patient Thiago Alves. This matchup would result in an exciting striking affair and the winner could add another ranked opponent to their resume.

Jeremy Stephens should fight: Dennis Bermudez

If Dennis Bermudez is to be believed, he was offered an immediate rematch with Stephens by Dana White. Considering Jeremy missed weight badly and Bermudez was likely winning the fight before the late knockout, a rematch makes a lot of sense. If not, Hacran Dias or Tatsuya Kawajiri would both make for fun top 15 matchups.

Dennis Bermudez should fight: Jeremy Stephens

Dennis looked absolutely fantastic in his bout with Stephens and  seemed to  have turned a corner in his progression as a top ten featherweight. Then the next thing you know, ‘tiger!’ and he’s asleep on the canvas. I hope the UFC gives him the mulligan they offered and Bermudez can try and snatch back the win he was so close to nabbing this weekend.

Gunnar Nelson should fight: Stephen Thompson

‘Gunni’ looked incredible in his fight against Brandon Thatch and appears to have learned a lot from his first career loss. Pairing him with another heralded striker will allow us to see whether he truly has improved his hands to elite level or if the Thatch knockdown was just a lucky punch.  Stephen Thompson fits the description and with his recent destruction of Jake Ellenberger this bout could easily headline a Fight Pass show.

Brandon Thatch should fight: Loser of Patrick Cote vs. Josh Burkman

In a battle of prospects usually somebody comes out looking like a dud. The hype train was at full speed when Thatch took on Benson Henderson in February and even in defeat many were still impressed by his showing against the former champ. Now we all need to take a step back, Thatch included, and temper our expectations.  The loser of the upcoming Patrick Cote vs. Josh Burkman fight would make a great next opponent as they both have name value, solid veteran skills and savvy, but both represent a return to the mid-tier were Brandon has likely been relegated.

Thomas Almeida should fight: Johnny Eduardo

Despite an extremely rocky first round, Almeida managed to hold on to the title of ‘next big thing at bantamweight’ with an insane flying knee knockout of Brad Pickett. After such a dicey showing against veteran competition it might be better to pump the brakes with Almeida rather than feed him to the top 5.  Johnny Eduardo will be returning from injury shortly and would make for a great battle of top-ranked heavy-handed Brazilians.

Brad Pickett should fight: Alex Caceres

The move back to bantamweight was looking like a wise decision for Pickett until he took that knee to the face. Now 1-4 in his last five, the long-time British standout is looking to be in a downward spiral. Bruce Leroy has not found much success in the Octagon lately either. A loser leaves town (or at least relevancy) tilt between these two could round out any card in need of a fun action fight.

The post Here Comes A New Challenger: Matches to Make – UFC 189 appeared first on Cagepotato.

Here Comes a New Challenger: Matches to Make — UFC 186


(We’re really, really, *really* missing that Xbox sponsorship right now. via Getty.)

By Sam Stilson

Aside from escaping a fire, it’s never a good thing when the audience starts leaving halfway through the main event of a card. It’s an even worse thing when you’ve already had to close off half the arena just to fill the building. No, UFC  186 was not a successful PPV for the world’s premier MMA organization, but despite its many, many failings, it wasn’t a half-bad display of mixed martial arts…for Bellator, or WSOF, of even a Fight Pass show.

Still the fights went on, winners were crowned and with this trainwreck behind us, we must now wonder where do they go from here?

The post Here Comes a New Challenger: Matches to Make — UFC 186 appeared first on Cagepotato.


(We’re really, really, *really* missing that Xbox sponsorship right now. via Getty.)

By Sam Stilson

Aside from escaping a fire, it’s never a good thing when the audience starts leaving halfway through the main event of a card. It’s an even worse thing when you’ve already had to close off half the arena just to fill the building. No, UFC  186 was not a successful PPV for the world’s premier MMA organization, but despite its many, many failings, it wasn’t a half-bad display of mixed martial arts…for Bellator, or WSOF, of even a Fight Pass show.

Still the fights went on, winners were crowned and with this trainwreck behind us, we must now wonder where do they go from here?

Demetrious Johnson – Should fight: Dodson/Makovsky winner

DJ…blah blah…greatest fighter alive…blah…shut-out performance…flyweights don’t sell…history won’t boo him…blah blah.

Johnson is unfortunately so good that until age catches up to him, this is how every one of his fights is going to go. He has maybe two matches left in the division before the inevitable move back to bantamweight. Dodson is the only flyweight to really give him a challenge and Makovsky is fresh meat, the winner of that  bout in May should be DJ’s next opponent.

Kyoji Horiguchi – Should fight: Chris Cariaso

Horiguchi should take solace in that fact that he’s young and has plenty of time to build his way back up into contention. The first place he should start is with former title challenger and fellow also-ran Chris Cariaso. It’s a good rebound fight for Horiguchi that adds a solid name to his resume, and if Cariaso could pull off the upset it’d solidify his spot in the top 10.

Quinton Jackson – Should fight: Rua/Nogueira winner

A lot of people seem to be unfairly criticizing Rampage’s performance at UFC 186. No, he didn’t get the knockout, but who does against Maldonaldo? Jackson looked fit and focused and unleashed a varied Muay Thai attack we haven’t seen from him in years. He stated post-fight that he’s on a revenge/legends tour and what better place to start than with the winner of Shogun and Lil Nog? Pride never die.

Fabio Maldonaldo – Should fight: Jan Blachowicz

This is a winnable fight for both men, likely a stand-up affair and would fill up a prelims spot nicely.

Michael Bisping – Should fight: Thales Leites

Love him or hate him you have to admire Bisping’s tenacity. At 36 and barely clinging to a top 10 ranking he still believes he can be champ. Why dash his dreams again so quickly Joe Silva? Pair him up with a ranked grappler like Thales Leites and see if he can build up another win streak.

C.B. Dollaway – Should fight: Tavares/Whittaker loser

I don’t think anyone truly believed C.B. was a top 10 fighter but at least he got his chance to fight the cream of the crop. A step back to the TUF alumni circle would do him well and the loser of Tavares/Whittaker would fit the bill nicely.

John Makdessi – Should fight: At featherweight

‘The Bull’ has always been an undersized lightweight, but he looked tiny against Shane Campbell . Sure he won, but against the behemoths that populate the upper ranks of lightweight, the size disparity will eventually become insurmountable.  Featherweight is wide open and a win against someone like Diego Brandao or Darren Elkins would instantly make him a ranked fighter, something unlikely to ever happen at 155.

Shane Campbell – Should fight: Tony Martin

A vaunted kickboxer, Campbell looked good for the first few minutes of his bout against Makdessi, but eventually succumbed to his power. A good rebound fight would be against Tony Martin who also recently lost a main card bout. It’d be a fun grappler vs. striker battle and would give both men a chance to redeem their high-profile failures.

Thomas Almeida – Should fight: Frankie Saenz

The hype is strong in this one. At just 23, Almeida is now 19-0 and a top 15 UFC bantamweight. While he looked incredible knocking out a solid veteran in Yves Jabouin, he shouldn’t be rushed too far up the ladder. Frankie Saenz who just upset Iuri Alcantara would make a great next dance partner. He’s ranked 13th, and his smothering, wrestling-based attack would either expose Almeida or allow him show another facet to his game.

 Yves Jabouin – Should fight: Marcus Brimage

Now 35 and with a 2-3 record in his past five fights, Jabouin’s chances at the top 15 appear to have come and gone.  Rather than feed him to another young buck, he should face another fighter on a downward trend. Marcus Brimage has a bit of name value left, and this bout would make for an entertaining striking battle.

The post Here Comes a New Challenger: Matches to Make — UFC 186 appeared first on Cagepotato.

Here Comes A New Challenger: Matches to Make – UFC on FOX 15


(Quick Felice, the spinach! Go for the spinach!!” via Getty.)

By Sam Stilson

UFC on FOX: Machida vs. Rockhold always looked incredible on paper, but few would have expected its impact on three separate divisions. Yes, three out of the four favourites on the main card won, but the manner in which they dominated their opponents was completely unexpected. There’s a new pecking order laid out and more entries in Dana White’s proverbial mix than a Girl Talk setlist (Is he still cool? No? OK, that’s what I thought).

With so much fresh blood in the water, let’s take a look at the most logical next fights for our main card competitors.

The post Here Comes A New Challenger: Matches to Make – UFC on FOX 15 appeared first on Cagepotato.


(Quick Felice, the spinach! Go for the spinach!!” via Getty.)

By Sam Stilson

UFC on FOX: Machida vs. Rockhold always looked incredible on paper, but few would have expected its impact on three separate divisions. Yes, three out of the four favourites on the main card won, but the manner in which they dominated their opponents was completely unexpected. There’s a new pecking order laid out and more entries in Dana White’s proverbial mix than a Girl Talk setlist (Is he still cool? No? OK, that’s what I thought).

With so much fresh blood in the water, let’s take a look at the most logical next fights for our main card competitors.

Luke Rockhold – Should fight: Weidman-Belfort winner

Does “Jacare” deserve a title shot? Absolutely. But when you stack up his last 4 wins (Camozzi, Mousasi, Carmont, Okami) against Rockhold’s (Machida, Bisping, Boetsch, Philippou) it’s obvious who is more deserving. Even beyond strength of record, no one has crushed Machida like that other than Jon Jones. Not even Weidman. Luke Rockhold against either Weidman or Belfort is a compelling matchup and one that will have fight fans frothing.

Lyoto Machida – Should Fight: Tim Kennedy or Michael Bisping (if he loses to Dollaway)

Machida had a terrible night. Maybe age has finally caught up to him, or perhaps Rockhold is just that good. Either way Lyoto deserves another reset fight similar to his bout against Dollaway. Tim Kennedy might be tempted out of his self-imposed exile for a bout against a former champ and if Bisping knocks himself out somehow and loses to Dollaway, that matchup could still headline an event despite the losing streaks.

Ronaldo Souza – Should Fight: Yoel Romero

Souza is a deserving contender with a lengthy win streak, but he still needs another marquee name to really make his case. A fight against the #6 ranked Yoel Romero isn’t dangerous enough to risk his spot in line but a win would put the cherry on top of an assured title shot. Third times the charm right?

Chris Camozzi – Should Fight: Tom Watson

You have to admit, the guy’s got balls. What he doesn’t have, is much of a chance against anybody but the lower tier of the middleweight division. Tom Watson is in a similar place with a 3-3 UFC record and shaky standing in the weight class. A loser leaves town fight should bring the best out of both of them.

Max Holloway – Should Fight: Winner of Lentz-Oliveira

Perhaps the most surprising performance of UFC on FOX 15 came from the young Hawaiian Holloway. Not only did he upset the #5 ranked Swanson, but he destroyed him. Max has always been a developing prospect, but appears to have turned the corner towards contention. A bout against Mendes seems rushed, but he should definitely be fighting top 10 opponents from here on out. Lentz and Oliveira are expected to fight at the end of May. The winner should face Holloway.

Cub Swanson – Should Fight: No one. (broken jaw/hand)

Not only did Cub leave Jersey with a broken jaw and hand, but he may have shattered his fighting spirit too. Two lop-sided drubbings in a row can really mess with your psyche. Some time off to heal and grow would be beneficial.

Paige VanZant – Should Fight: Maryna Moroz

It wasn’t long ago that pundits were calling Rose Namajunas the ‘strawweight Ronda Rousey’, perhaps they picked the wrong young, attractive woman. Van Zant isn’t the next Rousey, but what she does have in common with the bantamweight champ is a ferocious intensity that has carried her into the top ten in just two UFC fights. A bout against the 23 year-old Maryna Moroz, who just upset Joanne Calderwood would be a hell of a lot of fun and create an instant contender.

Felice Herrig – Should Fight: Joanne Calderwood

Speaking of Calderwood, Jo-Jo would make a great next opponent for Felice Herrig. Both women suffered bad losses to young rookies and desperately need a win to stay in the elite class. They haven’t fought before (either on TUF or in competition), which is a rarity in this division, and it’s a great stylistic matchup and easy main card fight.

The post Here Comes A New Challenger: Matches to Make – UFC on FOX 15 appeared first on Cagepotato.