UFC 128 was an action-packed night with a number of interesting matchups across the board. As the dust settles, UFC matchmaker Joe Silva must go forward and put the best fighters together for meaningful, fan-friendly fights. Here are a few suggestions — minus the obvious title matches — that I have created coming away from last night’s events.
Mauricio Rua versus Forrest Griffin
In 2007, at UFC 76, Rua was submitted for the first time in his career against a surging Forrest Griffin. Since that time, a lot has changed. Both fighters have held the UFC Light Heavyweight strap, and both were knocked from that pedestal in their first defense. Also, both fighters have suffered through injuries — Rua with his knees and Griffin with his shoulder. Griffin and Rua are both in a place in which their careers could begin declining if they are unable to pick up quality wins in their next bouts. A Griffin versus Rua matchup would ensure a standup battle that has some significance in the light heavyweight division, as both former champions look to stake out their places in the organization.
Jim Miller versus Lightweight Champion after Edgar versus Maynard 3
Say what you will, but I believe Jim Miller deserves the next title shot against whoever walks away from UFC 130 as champion. Although Anthony Pettis defeated Benson Henderson, his resume does not carry the weight of Miller’s. At 20-2 Miller has only been defeated by, ironically enough, Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard. He has quietly won seven fights in a row, and continues to take on opponents while other challengers hold out for their shots. Dana White and Joe Silva should reward consistency such as his and give him the title shot he deserves once Memorial Day weekend passes.
Nate Marquardt versus Nick Catone
Nate Marquardt fought off a very game Dan Miller during their UFC 128 fight. A consummate challenger, Marquardt has found himself on the cusp of title contention a number of times in recent years. His defeat by current number one contender Yushin Okami means that he has a few steps to go before claiming another shot at the gold. Nick Catone could be a great challenge to see if Marquardt has continued to improve. Catone is a highly aggressive middleweight who has pushed the pace in each of his fights, and has demonstrated an improving ground and standup game. I believe a matchup between Catone and Marquardt has “Fight of the Night” written all over it.
Brendan Schaub versus Frank Mir
In my opinion, this fight should have been chosen over the UFC 128 matchup between Schaub and Mirko Filipovic. Since his defeat by Roy Nelson, Schaub has shown that he is a heavyweight prospect to watch. His resume includes a victory over former contender Gabriel Gonzaga, and a matchup against Mir would have been a great test. Mir poses a strong stand up and grappling game that could cause fits for Schaub, who seemed to struggle a bit during his matchup last night. A matchup pitting the former champion against the rising prospect would make the case for either man earning a title shot after Cain Velasquez defends his title later this year.
