UFC Live on Versus 5 was yet another excellent event in a string of recent UFC events that have exceeded expectations. Chris Lytle walked away from his MMA career with a statement submission of Dan Hardy, while Benson Henderson dominated the man that many thought was next in line for a lightweight title shot, Jim Miller. Coming off of the card, here are some potential fights that the organization should look into creating:
Benson Henderson vs. Clay Guida
Henderson put on a clinic against the tough New Jersey native. While avoiding multiple submissions, Henderson continuously battered Miller with shots, both on the feet and as part of a stellar ground and pound. In his two UFC fights Henderson has erased the memory of his last WEC matchup, a defeat to Anthony Pettis. However, it’s only fitting that he should have to defeat the man who defeated Pettis before being awarded the next title shot.
Guida-Henderson would be an interesting matchup. Henderson was once called “the poor man’s Clay Guida,” but I’ve always believed that comparison to be ludicrous. Yes they both have amazing work rates, strong wrestling skills, and wild hair, but the similarities stop there. Henderson has shown an improved standup game that is beyond Guida’s. Along with this, his Jiu Jitsu skills are excellent in the cage, especially considering that he was able to avoid submission attempts by both the likes of Miller and Mark Bocek. Every round of Guida-Henderson would be action-packed, and both guys would bounce around the cage, but Henderson would be able to pull out the victory by unanimous decision.
Donald Cerrone vs. Jacob Volkmann
Quietly Jacob Volkmann has won four fights in a row within the UFC. Unfortunately he has gained more notoriety for his comments about President Barack Obama than acclaim for the winning streak that he has built. However, an interesting matchup would await Volkmann if he was placed against another emerging lightweight in Donald Cerrone.
With his win over Charles Oliveira, Cerrone pushed his win streak to five, while winning three straight in the UFC. A former contender to the WEC lightweight title, Cerrone is a valid example that the lightweights of the WEC have been able to “hang” with those in the UFC. Cerrone has stated that he just wants to continue taking fights, and I would be interested to see him face off against Volkmann.
Volkmann is a tough wrestler who has been able to grind out decision victories. He should have the ability to score takedowns, but that is where his advantage ends. Cerrone has been improving by leaps and bounds since appearing on the big stage, and his striking and grappling skills should be able to overcome Volkmann’s wrestling. I see Cerrone winning this fight by unanimous decision.
Joseph Benavidez vs. Scott Jorgensen
Joseph Benavidez proved that he will be a constant contender in the 135-pound weight class with a dominating win against Eddie Wineland. Even with this victory, the two defeats that he has suffered at the hands of current champion Dominick Cruz have put him in a very awkward position. Jorgensen was also recently defeated by the champion, and does not have many options going forward.
Placing these two fighters against each other would create an interesting matchup. Both Benavidez and Jorgensen have stout wrestling games which would likely cancel each other out. With that said, Benavidez’s movement and striking abilities should stifle any offense from Jorgensen. And over the course of a three-round fight, Jorgensen will struggle to stop Benavidez’s offense, dropping a unanimous decision.
I think its worth noting that Volkmann is always going for submissions on the ground, and fortunately so does Cerrone of his back, which is where I think he'll be. I don't think Cerrone will be able to stop Volkmann's take downs or submit Volkmann from the bottom. If Cerrone can't bang Volkmann up enough before going to the floor or with strikes from the bottom, then I see Volkmann winning a top control based decision.