Looking For Resolution After UFC 125

By Matt Williams

With the UFC’s inaugural card of 2011 now in the books, the pieces of the proverbial jigsaw that is matchmaking must be put together for the near-future bouts within the organization. In addition, we have seen many of the stars of the past continue to dwindle and fade, into the vast oblivion that is the unemployment line.

Sorting out who should fight whom, who comes, and who goes is always said to be the most difficult task when it comes to the fight-game, yet when you break it down, the difficulty factor isn’t as high as you would think.

For example… let’s take Brandon Vera. Simple. “The Truth” hasn’t had his hand raised following a bout since summer of 2009. Stringing together 3 successive losses to Randy Couture, Jon Jones, and most recently to Thiago Silva may not seem as ugly to some as his nose was, following the January 1 decision loss, yet still normally spells “release” for most UFC fighters. Once considered a hot prospect at heavyweight, Vera has only achieved a 3-4 record at 205 – all 7 fights in the UFC. Honestly, if Vera isn’t released soon, I for one will be rather shocked.

Marcus Davis is another UFC fighter on the way out. With an extremely unimpressive 1-4 in his last 5 fights, “The Irish Hand Grenade” has certainly lost the explosiveness seen in his earlier fights, and if he somehow avoids the axe of Dana White and co., I’ll be even more surprised than if Vera gets another fight in the organization. Davis is looking rather past his prime at 37, and with a respectable record of 17-8, he could depart the UFC, if not the fight game altogether, with no regrets.

With the recent dismissal of veteran Bad Ass, Phil Baroni, it will be interesting to see just how long it takes for the aforementioned duo to be cut loose, if at all. If you ask me, unless there’s something contractual keeping them in the UFC, they should be packing their bags. That aside, there are other UFC 125 fighters currently making themselves prime candidates for the cut-list.

Takanori Gomi sadly since joining the UFC in January of 2010 has achieved a lackluster record of 1-2 in the organization. Once considered a top 5 world lightweight, Gomi has been having a bad run in the west, being finished twice in as many losses, both being chokes. Gomi shows very patient, and accurate striking, yet when the fight gets to the clinch, or the ground, the “Fireball Kid” does not show the same fire as in PRIDE. At least we know that Gomi will be given another chance, as it has been reported he will be facing Jeremy Stephens at UFN25 in Scotland, yet another loss could be fatal.

Aside from Gomi, an individual who may be on the hot-seat is Greg Soto. Being a welterweight with a professional record of 8-2, some readers might be wondering why he’s making this list. Sadly, the BJJ Brown belt was 7-0 before joining the world’s largest MMA promotion, going 1-2 in his current UFC run – let’s not forget the illegal upkick in his debut vs. Matt Riddle. Soto needs to show some heat in his next outing to stay cool in my opinion.

As for matchmaking, who should fight whom? The very first UFC 125 fighter that comes to my mind when this topic is brought up is Dustin Poirier. His opponent Josh Grispi was originally scheduled to fight for the UFC featherweight title on the card, however when champ Jose Aldo had to withdraw from the contest, Dustin “Diamond” was brought in as a substitute. The 145er from Louisiana absolutely destroyed the number 1 contender in a 3-round spectacle that could be candidate for ownage of the year award. With the type of standup showcased by Poirier, and showing small holes in his ground-game, my obvious suggestion for his next opponent would be WEC former number 1 contender, and Ultimate Fighter 5 standout Manvel Gamburyan. “The Anvil” showcases bursts of above average standup, especially when it comes to power. With his 5’5, 145lb frame, Gamburyan throws some massive bombs up-close, which is where Poirier did a large amount of damage in his fight with Grispi – especially from the clinch. Manny, also being a 2nd dan in Judo has massive takedown ability, and what I would call a largely underrated groundgame. I feel this would be a perfect matchup to see just how deep Poirier’s holes may go, and also if the Armenian-American Anvil has what it takes to climb back to the top under the UFC banner. Other interesting matchups: Poirier vs. Mark Hominick, Nam Phan.

Another UFC 125 combatant with massive potential also seems to be Brad Tavares. In my opinion, it’s time to see just how much potential he has, and a possible good matchup for him would be Kendall Grove. 2-3 in his last 5 outings, including a highly controversial split-decision victory over Goran Reljic, Grove is going to be trying to recover after recent decision loss to top10 middleweight Damian Maia. Tavares shows a good base, decent defense and some well timed striking. His power and size may also serve as a problem for Grove, however I would personally be interested to see how well Tavares would fair against the lanky submission specialist in Grove. With such a reach advantage, if utilized by “The Spider”, Brad Tavares could be in for a tough battle. Other interesting matchups: Tavares vs. Dan Miller, Dave Branch.

Fresh off a victory over favored Chris Leben, Brian Stann has been making a mark since joining the UFC. With a record of 4-2 within the organization, the “All American” is riding a 2-fight win streak, and could use a challenge who might have a slight edge over him in a category or two. The first opponent that springs to mind is Mark Munoz. The “Filipino Wrecking Machine” is set to fight CB Dollaway March 3, however after-the-fact I would propose a bout between the two former WEC fighters. Stann and Munoz at the time of their former contracts were at 205lb, yet never had the chance to face one another prior to the close of the division. Munoz poses a serious threat to anyone he can grab, with vicious ground-and-pound, combined with quick takedowns and takedown defense, the Team Black House fighter would serve as an excellent test for Stann, while Stann might serve as a gatekeeper back to things bigger and better should Munoz get the W. With Stann’s notable wrestling defense, knockout power, and submission wrestling ability a-la Greg Jackson, Stann poses a threat to the majority of the division. Another notable win over a figure like Munoz would also project him into the higher ranks of the division. Other interesting matchups: Stann vs. Nick Catone, Michael Bisping.

Thiago Silva absolutely destroyed Brandon Vera’s nose. I really could end the subject here and feel content, yet as a read that leaves much to be desired. As such, I suggest Silva face another top-level UFC fighter… in young standout Jon Jones. Yes, I said it. I would love to see this fight. Of course many people will immediately say either “Jones would murder Silva” or “Jones is too inexperienced for Silva”. Jon Jones is a young, up and coming star, and honestly, I think it’s about time he face a top-tier opponent. Not taking anything away from Ryan Bader, he is a superior wrestler – one of the top in the division. He has power, and speed, and prowess that will help build his stardom, however I really do not see this as a good matchup. If “Bones” remains as calm and collected as he always seems to be, he will pick apart Bader with his reach, eventually scoring a TKO either from a distance, or from the clinch. Another problem with the Bader/Jones fight is that Bader’s shot will come from such a distance, fighting the mammoth 84½” reach of Jones, that the 23yr old Jackson Submission Fighting teammate will have a considerable amount of time to mount a counterattack. Let’s not forget that Jones also has been an accomplished wrestler since high school. I feel after what should be a win over Bader, he put his Muay Thai to a serious test against the powerful Thiago Silva. Silva, also being a BJJ black belt, has a lot of offense off his back should Jones be able to Hip-toss him from the clinch. Would the nose-crumbling power, and experience be too much for the young Jones? I’d like to find out – sometime this summer would be nice. Other interesting matchups: Silva vs. Rampage Jackson, Phil Davis

Finally… Dong Hyun Kim. As a 4th dan, I’d have to check some records but he might be the highest ranking Judoka in the UFC. Excellent takedowns, strong hands and good defense, the “Stun Gun” needs to fight a well rounded fighter. A finisher with strong ground-and-pound, and tight boxing. The person I suggest coincidentally was supposed to fight Kim at UFC 120 – John Hathaway. The British ATT warrior has an incredible record, and is quick-minded defensively. If Kim were to pour on the offensive, he might be on the mat with a well-timed series of punches, or knees. Hathaway is a force at 170 and with an impressive showing vs. Kris McCray at UFN24, should once again be put to the test. Kim would make for an exciting matchup that would either end with a highlight reel finish, or a 3-round fight of the year candidate. Other interesting matchups: Kim vs. Thiago Alves, Carlos Condit.

As for Gray Maynard and Frankie Edgar, I can only hope that the rematch is as exciting as their last meet. So long as there is nothing to hold them back, I’d like to see this on the first card in Ontario, Canada. With UFC 129 at the end of April, and claims of being the biggest and baddest UFC event in history, Maynard/Edgar II would be an exciting and impressive addition to the increasingly stacked Toronto lineup.