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.

WEC 45 - Aldo vs. Brown

Gonna switch up the format a bit and try and keep these shorter and start from the top down.
Easier for you guys to move on if you get bored and to get to the good stuff sooner.

Nothing ground breaking in this card except a new FW champ is crowned.


Jose Aldo defeats Mike Brown via TKO

What should have been a spirited competition between 2 top level FW's was in reality, a spectacular beatdown by the new champ, Jose Aldo. This kid is so good that he hasn't really had the match go anywhere he hasn't wanted it to be taken. His speed and reflexes have been overwhelming all his opponents. He's got the unique ability to throw strikes with such speed and accuracy that's frankly unheard of, in a cage fight. He's doing stuff straight out of a gym training session.
MTB didn't really have anything in his arsenal to neutralize Aldo, and I really think his strength and wrestling are good enough to take on most of the FW division. His pitter-patter jab wasn't really useful and I was looking for the 1-2 into a double leg to get some offense going.
At least something to distract Aldo long enough to get him down and work his top game.

It's a forgone conclusion that they need to do Aldo and Faber, just a matter of when.


Manvel Gamburyan defeats Leonard Garcia via Decision

I was expecting a KO from Garcia because he certainly had the timing and power to overwhelm Manny. "The Anvil" executed his standard gameplan: strike to clinch, and go for the throw and GNP. His strength in the clinch definitely proved the tide turner. He didn't really connect and hurt Garcia standing (even when "Bad Boy" dropped his hands) but he did enough to control him standing and on the ground.


Karen Darabedyan defeats Rob McCullough via Decision

Strictly a kickboxing affair, with not much else thrown in for flavor.
"Razor" Rob looked a bit flabby here and it showed in the later rounds when he slowed down. As usual, he comes out with some crisp, technical, strikes. But it wasn't enough once Karen got his timing down with Rob's kicks. Neither man really showed any killer instinct that a standup guy should really have, especially against another striker.


Sorry, cutting it short here.

Eager to move on to UFC 105.