The UFC presented Fight Night 24 this past weekend and it could have been considered a coming out party for a number of potential contenders. Phil Davis has been thrust into the spotlight as of late, but his victory wasn’t the only that calls for more intriguing matchups for future marquee fighters.
Amir Sadollah vs. Jake Ellenberger
The UFC is always looking for fresh talent that can create exciting fights. Sadollah and Ellenberger are two names that easily fit that cue. Both fighters are coming off of exciting wins and are young welterweights who can quickly rise up the rankings with a big win. In this matchup Sadollah would have the striking advantage as his Muay Thai abilities are beyond Ellenberger’s. However, Jake would have the ability to take Amir down when needed and use his ground and pound to grind out needed points. Sadollah also has the ability to submit opponents from the mat, so that would be another viable question that the wrestler would have to answer.
I believe this would be a great matchup for both fighters as the victor would create a potential household name that the UFC could develop. At the same time, a loss wouldn’t ruin the career of that fighter.
Anthony Johnson vs. Carlos Condit
“The Natural Born Killer” Carlos Condit has been looking for a new challenge since he had to step out of his planned matchup with Chris Lytle at UFC 127. Anthony Johnson went a long way in proving that he is a welterweight contender with his dominating win over Dan Hardy. Condit has the standup skills to trade with the big and powerful Johnson; however his grappling abilities would also be worth noting. Johnson used the strategy to continually take Hardy down and control him throughout the fight; he would have a harder time doing so against Condit.
While I believe we saw an improved Johnson defeat Hardy on Saturday, I do not believe he would be able to do so against Condit. Carlos would be able to answer in ways that Hardy could not and he would do a better job pushing Johnson towards his cardiovascular limit.
Phil Davis vs. Rich Franklin
Phil Davis is an up and coming talent that the UFC execs would love to push towards title contention. In recent efforts, matchmakers have taken their time to develop their talent pool. I think a potential next step for Davis would be to face another former challenger who is an even bigger fan favorite than Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, and that is Rich Franklin. Davis displayed the ability to change attacks when his takedowns were not working in the first round. Franklin has a solid wrestling base and may be able to stave off not only the double leg, but the single leg takedown as well. On the feet, Franklin is also the more polished striker and could pose potential problems for Davis as his game matures. I believe this would be a stiff challenge for Davis and another victory over a champion would do nothing but bolster his resume.
The UFC needs to begin using the additional television time it has in 2011 and going forward toward the development of new faces for the organization. These matchups could help start the hype train for a new group of challengers in 2012.
