Back when Pride had it's Bushido series, it was the place for Lightweights. It was the promotion to make a name for yourself and although it didn't have the true LW kingpin, BJ Penn, it did crown another top LW - Takanori Gomi.
For Middleweights, their Pride Bushido may now be the Strikeforce MW division, and the next great MW may be waiting in the wings.
Here's a quick preview and pseudo-rankings of the more well known movers and shakers.
Dan Henderson - King of the Hill
Not only does Hendo bring elite MMA status and recognition to Strikeforce, he was recently seen by millions on cable TV, coaching Team USA on the UK vs. USA season of TUF. He then offered up a highlight reel KO of Bisping at UFC 100. With KO power in both hands and a jaw seemingly made of titanium, it's a foregone conclusion that he will dethrone current champ, Jake Shields.
Gegard Mousasi - The Heir Apparent
"The Dreamcatcher" is nearly equal parts striker and submission fighter. He has the skills to keep the fight standing and outbox Dan, or work a slick ground game to force the tapout.
While not even 25 years old, Mousasi is riding a ridiculous 14-fight win streak and is the current Dream MW champion.
Ronaldo Souza and Jake Shields - The (Near) Top Dogs
Both guys have been using their established ground skills to rack up some nice wins.
"Jacare" is the more complete ground specialist, excelling in both MMA and the grappling world, having won numerous ADCC titles.
Shields is the current Strikeforce MW champ and hasn't lost since 2004. What he lacks in the striking area, he usually makes up for in a size and strength advantage, easily overpowering most opponents to a submission or decision victory.
Robbie Lawler and Matt Lindland - Best of the Rest
I see these two as being very similar to Souza and Shields, except that they have both lost recently and haven't shown much improvement in areas of their game that desperately need it.
Lawler is a powerful puncher with a good chin, but lacks the grounds skills to avoid submissions.
Lindland has world class, Greco-Roman wrestling that enables him to grind out victories, but very little in the striking department or ground game to defend against submissions.
Cung Le, Frank Shamrock, Jason Miller, Scott Smith - The Gatekeepers
Each of these fighters has recently been adding to both their win and loss columns, which prevents them from advancing any farther on this list.
Nick Diaz and Melvin Manhoef - The Wildcards
Diaz is riding a 5 fight win streak, including obliterations of Smith and Shamrock, but he bounces from Welterweight to Middleweight. Considering Diaz and Shields are both out of the Cesar Gracie camp, it will be unlikely he will attempt to get to the top as a MW.
Manhoef is another big, power puncher that could do some heavy damage to the division. He's similar to Robbie Lawler, in that he prefers to stand up but shares the same weakness of having no ground game.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Post UFC 107 - The Dilemma of the Prodigy
With the stunning and thorough destruction of Diego Sanchez, the UFC is fast running out of options for quality opponents for "The Prodigy". He's decimated his last 5 lightweight opponents (via TKO or sub) since coming back to the UFC and hasn't lost a bout in that division since 2002 against Jens Pulver. It's quite clear that DW and the brothers Fertitta are going to have some trouble coming up with quality matches with the current LW roster, so here's my recommendations:
1. UFC Light Weight Championship - Eddie Alvarez
Probably the biggest challenge BJ has left in all of the LW division, this ex-HS wrestling champ shot up in the rankings after a ridiculous run in the Dream LW tournament, defeating Andre Dida, Tatsuya Kawarjiri and Joachim Hansen. He's the current Bellator LW champ and has an exciting style that would easily draw fans if he were to fight BJ. His style is a blend of speed and power as a standup slugger. While his biggest weakness is one of BJ's strengths, I think Alvarez's wrestling will be the key. His takedowns aren't GSP explosive, but he'll definitely have the size advantage in the clinch and on the ground.
The fight would probably stay on the feet anyway, as both fighters prefer to stand and test their opponent's chin.
If Eddie can beat him to the punch and avoid the best jab in MMA, it's quite possible that Alvarez could connect and be the first fighter to find BJ's kill switch.
(Credit to Machinemen)
2. UFC/WEC Superfight - Jose Aldo
With Jose Aldo's recent ascension to FW destroyer, I think the timing would be a great for a segue into the first WEC PPV. It could be a clash of champions and a stiff test for both.
Aldo is in a similar position as BJ; having starched his last 3 opponents, with no true #1 contender in sight. Both Faber and Brown are clearly 1-2 fights away and even then, I don't see them fairing well. His mix of speed and laser-like, striking precision are currently without peer in any division. I liken him to a prime version of Norifumi "KID" Yamamoto - with better accuracy.
Were this fight to happen, I wouldn't be surprised if this were the first time in a long time that BJ would clearly want to take the fight to the ground. He may have the best MMA boxing, but it won't help if you're repeatedly beaten to the punch. As with the his second fight with GSP, BJ has no answer when he can't counter against a faster opponent. While Aldo, won't have the clear wrestling threat to impose, his speed is frightening to behold.
BJ's only other option will be taking the fight to the ground, which will be considerably tough given a couple factors:
a. His wrestling is sub-par
b. He doesn't have the clear size or strength advantage
Even if it takes 1-2 years, I think both these competitors haven't reached their apex yet and this potential fight could be big bucks for both the UFC and WEC.
(Credit to Teenskater117)
3. UFC WW Contendership - Thiago Alves, Jon Fitch or Josh Koshcheck
This is the idea that DW and Co. are flirting with the most because it's the simplest and easiest from a company internal structure standpoint. Throwing BJ in as WW is less hassle than trying to sign Alvarez or stealing away Aldo from the WEC, even if it's just for one fight from a sister promotion. If he happens to obliterate Aldo, the balance of the FW division could potentially be upset.
The key to a matchup for BJ here would most definitely require no less than a top 5 contender because it needs to be main event material, and clearly relevant for an eventual title shot with GSP. This means no Daley, Swick or Kampmann because they're either on the outskirts of the top 10 or recently dropped a fight. Fitch and Kos are easy choices because they both should easily deserve a title shot with their next couple wins and simply, they will most likely never fight each other unless its for the belt. Alves is in their as an opponent because he's the most recent notch on the champ's proverbial belt, making him no less than 2 rankings removed from the #1 contender spot.
Sticking BJ in as a WW basically means automatically somewhere from 3-5th, depending on how he finishes his first opponent there.
These are the guys that are close but just somehow don't make the cut.
Shinya Aoki - Recently signed with Strikeforce and would only be a challenge if this were an ADCC match.
JZ Calvacante - Coming off 2 losses and knee surgery, the 2x King of Heroes has seen better days.
GSP - What crack would Dana be smoking if he made this match now?
Edgar/Maynard - Sadly, one of them is probably next in line. Either has the wins or names to their credit to deserve a title shot.
1. UFC Light Weight Championship - Eddie Alvarez
Probably the biggest challenge BJ has left in all of the LW division, this ex-HS wrestling champ shot up in the rankings after a ridiculous run in the Dream LW tournament, defeating Andre Dida, Tatsuya Kawarjiri and Joachim Hansen. He's the current Bellator LW champ and has an exciting style that would easily draw fans if he were to fight BJ. His style is a blend of speed and power as a standup slugger. While his biggest weakness is one of BJ's strengths, I think Alvarez's wrestling will be the key. His takedowns aren't GSP explosive, but he'll definitely have the size advantage in the clinch and on the ground.
The fight would probably stay on the feet anyway, as both fighters prefer to stand and test their opponent's chin.
If Eddie can beat him to the punch and avoid the best jab in MMA, it's quite possible that Alvarez could connect and be the first fighter to find BJ's kill switch.
(Credit to Machinemen)
2. UFC/WEC Superfight - Jose Aldo
With Jose Aldo's recent ascension to FW destroyer, I think the timing would be a great for a segue into the first WEC PPV. It could be a clash of champions and a stiff test for both.
Aldo is in a similar position as BJ; having starched his last 3 opponents, with no true #1 contender in sight. Both Faber and Brown are clearly 1-2 fights away and even then, I don't see them fairing well. His mix of speed and laser-like, striking precision are currently without peer in any division. I liken him to a prime version of Norifumi "KID" Yamamoto - with better accuracy.
Were this fight to happen, I wouldn't be surprised if this were the first time in a long time that BJ would clearly want to take the fight to the ground. He may have the best MMA boxing, but it won't help if you're repeatedly beaten to the punch. As with the his second fight with GSP, BJ has no answer when he can't counter against a faster opponent. While Aldo, won't have the clear wrestling threat to impose, his speed is frightening to behold.
BJ's only other option will be taking the fight to the ground, which will be considerably tough given a couple factors:
a. His wrestling is sub-par
b. He doesn't have the clear size or strength advantage
Even if it takes 1-2 years, I think both these competitors haven't reached their apex yet and this potential fight could be big bucks for both the UFC and WEC.
(Credit to Teenskater117)
3. UFC WW Contendership - Thiago Alves, Jon Fitch or Josh Koshcheck
This is the idea that DW and Co. are flirting with the most because it's the simplest and easiest from a company internal structure standpoint. Throwing BJ in as WW is less hassle than trying to sign Alvarez or stealing away Aldo from the WEC, even if it's just for one fight from a sister promotion. If he happens to obliterate Aldo, the balance of the FW division could potentially be upset.
The key to a matchup for BJ here would most definitely require no less than a top 5 contender because it needs to be main event material, and clearly relevant for an eventual title shot with GSP. This means no Daley, Swick or Kampmann because they're either on the outskirts of the top 10 or recently dropped a fight. Fitch and Kos are easy choices because they both should easily deserve a title shot with their next couple wins and simply, they will most likely never fight each other unless its for the belt. Alves is in their as an opponent because he's the most recent notch on the champ's proverbial belt, making him no less than 2 rankings removed from the #1 contender spot.
Sticking BJ in as a WW basically means automatically somewhere from 3-5th, depending on how he finishes his first opponent there.
These are the guys that are close but just somehow don't make the cut.
Shinya Aoki - Recently signed with Strikeforce and would only be a challenge if this were an ADCC match.
JZ Calvacante - Coming off 2 losses and knee surgery, the 2x King of Heroes has seen better days.
GSP - What crack would Dana be smoking if he made this match now?
Edgar/Maynard - Sadly, one of them is probably next in line. Either has the wins or names to their credit to deserve a title shot.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
TUF 10 Finale Q and A
Ok kiddies, new format time.
No more cookie-cutter, review entries for a while.
I like answering questions so I'll start with a couple I've posed, since I need more people to send some in.
Comments, email, FB posts - bring 'em on!
1. Should the UFC keep Marcus Jones?
I consider "Big Baby" to be one of the next generation of HW's - he's freakishly athletic, powerful and ginormous (even for the HW division). With the previous season of TUF ending, he's also probably got a nicer sized Facebook following as well. That being said, I still think Jones should take a step back from the UFC and work on his striking extensively. He could easily use 1-2 months of just standup training, with the likes of a, Duke Roufus, Dellagrotte or Greg Jackson.
Taking any fights in the UFC right now, he'd risk his MMA career in the long run, with a high probability of losing to random can. He could just as easily fight a similar guy in a regional promotion, and when his confidence and experience have catapulted, he should then step back into the Octagon, hopefully as a HW force to be reckoned with.
2. Should "Bones" have been DQ'ed?
Absolutely not - while Hamill was blocking and deflecting damage well, he was NOT advancing himself positionally enough for the fight to have continued far enough for the DQ. By the time the 12-6 elbows reared their ugly little heads, the match should have been over.
3. What's next for Roy Nelson?
"Big Country" is the first of his kind; A TUF winner with a wealth of relevant experience, having fought some top 10 contenders in recent years. I'd even wager to say he could potentially get a title shot before his 3 year contract is up, and I think Dana is going to throw him right into the fire to test my theory. Someone with considerable experience and standup ability would be my first inclination: Gabriel Gonzaga, Heath Herring or a rematch with Ben Rothwell.
4. Who should Kimbo fight next?
The enigma known as Kimbo should be thrown another softball in hopes that he may eventually build up some reasonable skills to transition him from "Street Certified" to "Octagon Certified".
He already has the star power (his fight against Alexander drew the highest ratings of the night) and to be the headliner everyone wants him to be, he still needs considerable training. He should also consider moving down to LHW, or do another catchweight bout. Staying at heavyweight will mean having to deal with constant size issues against larger, stronger opponents.
Another variable that needs to be considered is that giving him a no name would probably not help his career, or draw new UFC fans, as much as giving him a slightly tougher, more well known opponent to move him higher up on the card. An Andre Gusmao or Brian Stann would be a reasonable next opponents as both like to stand and would not be too itchy to take Kimbo to the ground.
5. Is Frankie Edgar ready for a title shot?
The "Answer" is neither ready, nor deserving based on his record, or who he has beaten. Aside from Sean Sherk, who had a horrible gameplan going into that fight, he doesn't have the names to his credit. His loan loss to a still in his young career, Gray Maynard should be more than enough to halt any rumblings of #1 contendership.
I tried to keep this short and sweet, but also give logical explanations for my thoughts. If you come across something that doesn't make sense or requires more clarification, I'm all ears.
Hopefully UFC 107 will bring about some new questions that are interesting and thought provoking.
~S
No more cookie-cutter, review entries for a while.
I like answering questions so I'll start with a couple I've posed, since I need more people to send some in.
Comments, email, FB posts - bring 'em on!
1. Should the UFC keep Marcus Jones?
I consider "Big Baby" to be one of the next generation of HW's - he's freakishly athletic, powerful and ginormous (even for the HW division). With the previous season of TUF ending, he's also probably got a nicer sized Facebook following as well. That being said, I still think Jones should take a step back from the UFC and work on his striking extensively. He could easily use 1-2 months of just standup training, with the likes of a, Duke Roufus, Dellagrotte or Greg Jackson.
Taking any fights in the UFC right now, he'd risk his MMA career in the long run, with a high probability of losing to random can. He could just as easily fight a similar guy in a regional promotion, and when his confidence and experience have catapulted, he should then step back into the Octagon, hopefully as a HW force to be reckoned with.
2. Should "Bones" have been DQ'ed?
Absolutely not - while Hamill was blocking and deflecting damage well, he was NOT advancing himself positionally enough for the fight to have continued far enough for the DQ. By the time the 12-6 elbows reared their ugly little heads, the match should have been over.
3. What's next for Roy Nelson?
"Big Country" is the first of his kind; A TUF winner with a wealth of relevant experience, having fought some top 10 contenders in recent years. I'd even wager to say he could potentially get a title shot before his 3 year contract is up, and I think Dana is going to throw him right into the fire to test my theory. Someone with considerable experience and standup ability would be my first inclination: Gabriel Gonzaga, Heath Herring or a rematch with Ben Rothwell.
4. Who should Kimbo fight next?
The enigma known as Kimbo should be thrown another softball in hopes that he may eventually build up some reasonable skills to transition him from "Street Certified" to "Octagon Certified".
He already has the star power (his fight against Alexander drew the highest ratings of the night) and to be the headliner everyone wants him to be, he still needs considerable training. He should also consider moving down to LHW, or do another catchweight bout. Staying at heavyweight will mean having to deal with constant size issues against larger, stronger opponents.
Another variable that needs to be considered is that giving him a no name would probably not help his career, or draw new UFC fans, as much as giving him a slightly tougher, more well known opponent to move him higher up on the card. An Andre Gusmao or Brian Stann would be a reasonable next opponents as both like to stand and would not be too itchy to take Kimbo to the ground.
5. Is Frankie Edgar ready for a title shot?
The "Answer" is neither ready, nor deserving based on his record, or who he has beaten. Aside from Sean Sherk, who had a horrible gameplan going into that fight, he doesn't have the names to his credit. His loan loss to a still in his young career, Gray Maynard should be more than enough to halt any rumblings of #1 contendership.
I tried to keep this short and sweet, but also give logical explanations for my thoughts. If you come across something that doesn't make sense or requires more clarification, I'm all ears.
Hopefully UFC 107 will bring about some new questions that are interesting and thought provoking.
~S
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