UFC Live on Versus 3 was an exciting card on free television for mixed martial arts fans everywhere. Not only were fans treated to an action packed main event, but the undercard had its fill of interesting fights that ended by submission, knockout, and decision. As the night draws to a close, experts will be guessing who should fight who next and where each fighter goes from here. These are a few suggestions that came of mind when looking at the future of some of the night’s biggest competitors.
Diego Sanchez versus Josh Koscheck
Controversy aside, Sanchez earned a tough victory on Thursday. After getting his hand raised he was rushed straight to the hospital for immediate medical assistance for his battered face. Throughout the fight Sanchez was getting peppered by Martin Kampmann’s superior standup, but he kept pushing forward. The aggression and continued attacking drove him over the top for the victory and back towards the middle of the pack in the welterweight division. A rematch against Josh Koscheck would be a great direction to take next.
Koscheck and Sanchez have a long history between them that goes back to their time together on the Ultimate Fighter. Koscheck was the first fighter to defeat Sanchez and that alone would be enough to motivate “The Dream.” This along with both fighters’ ability to talk would create a substantial buzz. Koscheck is going to look to rebound after being dismantled against Georges St. Pierre and a fight against his rival would surely get his competitive spirit flowing. Sanchez versus Koscheck could serve as a great main event for a live, cable UFC card.
Mark Munoz versus Mike Bisping
Mark Munoz displayed an ever improving standup game when he stunned C.B. Dollaway in the first round of their co-main event. Munoz is well known as a great wrestler within the middleweight division. When he focuses on his strengths he is very tough to defeat by anyone at 185. Placing him against Michael Bisping would be a great test for both competitors.
Bisping has shown that he struggles against fighters with a strong wrestling background. In order to be considered a top contender to Anderson Silva’s crown, he would have to defeat a man with the skill set that Munoz possesses. Munoz, on the other hand, would be challenged by Bisping’s ability to score with his standup abilities. Both fights would be facing a stern test if they had to look across the cage from one another.
Danny Castillo versus Edson Barboza
The lightweight division in the UFC is a shark tank and any fighter can become a meal at any moment. Castillo’s victory over Joe Stevenson may have sent the former title contender packing out of the promotion. As a reward for his efforts, it would be interesting to see Castillo face off against another UFC newcomer in Edson Barboza.
Barboza displayed uncanny abilities on his feet when he faced off against Mike Lullo at UFC 123. The young fighter came into the UFC without a lot of mainstream hype but has the abilities to become a big name along the lines of a Jose Aldo. A face off between Castillo and Barboza would create a new name in the lightweight division and a possible contender for early 2012.
Brian Bowles versus Joseph Benavidez
The UFC’s bantamweight division is looking like it is going to be very competitive. With big names such as Uriah Faber, Miguel Torres, and Eddie Wineland all chasing after Dominick Cruz; there is no telling who will end up on top of the heap. Brian Bowles did a lot to throw his name into the hat as a front runner to earn a shot at the belt that he once held. Bowles was stopped by Cruz almost a year ago to the date and surely that does not sit well with the former champion.
Joseph Benavidez is another contender that has fell short when facing off against Cruz. He had two shots at the current champion and has fallen short both times. Bowles would act as an important challenge for the Team Alpha male fighter. This would be the classic grappler versus wrestler matchup and the end result may come down to who is better on the feet. Either way, the fans would be treated to an action packed matchup that would help shape the future of the bantamweight division.
I think you're being to kind to Sanchez when you say "Sanchez earned a tough victory." He got a gift decision in a fight he should have lost. Sanchez would be best served going back to Lightweight, especially if Penn is staying at welterweight (which he shouldn't either). I would like to see Sanchez fight Carlos Condit, who we had ranked #10 going into Versus 3.
Munoz has a long line of people to contend with if he's going to fight Bisping. I thought calling out Tito Ortiz was a smart move.