UFC 131 may not have had a big name title matchup on the card, but this show was very solid with a lot of high intensity fights throughout the night. Fans were presented with many different matchups that displayed the growing abilities of some of the UFC’s best fighters, and presented newcomers who gave fans reasons to look forward to their next fights. Now that the card is over, matchmakers have the job of booking these fighters for their next events, and here are a few suggestions:
Donald Cerrone vs. Anthony Pettis
Donald Cerrone put on a clinic during his matchup against Vagner Rocha. He used snapping leg kicks and amazing movement to keep the fight on the feet and show just how far his abilities have come over the years. While in the WEC, Cerrone was always on the cusp of a title, but was never able to successfully clutch the brass ring. Since his emergence in the UFC, however, he has quickly become one of the more valuable prospects that transferred to the organization after the merger.
Anthony Pettis suffered a setback, albeit not a major one, with his defeat at the hands of Clay Guida at TUF 13 Finale. Now that talks of his title shot are a thing of the past, he can focus on his development into a more well-rounded contender. A match with Cerrone would be a great beginning to a title run for both combatants.
The standup battle in this fight would be amazing to watch. Both Pettis and Cerrone never shy away from throwing punches and kicks in bunches. On the mat they have very active attacks, either from their backs or in more dominant positions. Pettis, however, is more polished in both areas, but Cerrone is not one to be counted out in any fashion. This fight should be quickly put together for MMA fans, with the winner placed very high on the lightweight ladder.
Kenny Florian vs. Chad Mendes
Kenny Florian was successful in his debut at 145, but he was not as dominant as people expected him to be. Diego Nunes did a solid job pressing the action and even had Florian rocked on multiple occasions. Florian walked away the winner, but does not deserve a title shot right after this win.
Chad Mendes of Team Alpha Male has continued to grow into a solid mixed martial artist. With a 10-0 record, many people believe that Mendes is the next individual who should face Aldo for his Featherweight Championship, and that his wrestling would be a strong counterpoint to the Brazilian’s stand up abilities. A Florian-Mendes fight would be positioned as a number one contender’s battle, to determine who would face Aldo at the end of the year.
Wrestling has always been a problem for Florian. Sean Sherk, Gray Maynard and BJ Penn were all able to take him down repeatedly and stifle his BJJ abilities. Mendes would be able to do the same throughout the fight. On the feet, however, Florian would be in the driver’s seat, as Mendes has not fully developed as a striker. Although he has continued to get better on his feet, he would still be outclassed against Florian, and it would be vital for him to get this fight to the ground. If Florian is the contender that everyone believes him to be, he must get through Chad Mendes first, as he has separated himself from the rest of the featherweight pack.
Sam Stout vs. the winner of Melvin Guillard/Shane Roller
Sam Stout delivered a knockout that is going to be featured on highlight videos for years. Yves Edwards was dropped in a scary fashion that forced people to look away as he lay prone on the mat. “Hands of Stone” had not stopped an opponent in multiple fights in the UFC, but he looked impressive at UFC 131.
Melvin Guillard and Shane Roller are two punchers who have the ability to disconnect individuals from consciousness at any moment in a fight. With the Guillard-Roller fight set for UFC 132, Stout should be in line to face the winner. Neither Guillard nor Roller are considered to be at the top of the 155 pound division, although Guillard is building an impressive streak, but this series of fights would help place the winner on the path towards a title shot sometime in the next year.
Mark Munoz vs. Vitor Belfort
While controversy may surround his victory over Demian Maia, Mark Munoz continued to push towards the top of the 185 weight class. One more solid victory for Munoz would place him close to a title shot after UFC Rio. Standing in his way should be former champion and top contender Vitor Belfort. Belfort is set to face Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 133. I believe that Akiyama will play directly into Belfort’s striking style and be soundly defeated even though he has the Judo abilities to control much of the action.
Belfort was rocked by Silva earlier this year with the front kick that started the front kick craze. Now in need of a big name win to stay relevant in this weight class, Munoz would be an interesting challenge.
Belfort has always been known for his quick hands, which have stopped numerous opponents in the past. Munoz is a heavy hitter that knows how to wear opponents down, and even put them out when given the chance. Munoz would have the advantage when it comes to wrestling, and would be able to take Belfort down multiple times during the fight. Belfort vs. Munoz could fight on a televised Spike card, with the winner being matched against Brian Stann for number one contender’s status.
