Main event fights in combat sports are supposed to do one of three things: allow a champion to defend his title against a new contender, create a new number one contender for the champion of that weight class, or serve as filler for a card that does not feature one of the previous two. UFC on Fox 2 has a main event that is in an interesting position, because even though it features two big names in the light heavyweight division, I still question whether either of them will receive the next shot at Jon Jones.
Rashad Evans and Phil Davis are near the upper echelon of the UFC’s 205-pound weight class. They are consistently ranked in the top ten across multiple MMA media outlets, and have the track records to back the rankings up. With wins over the likes of Thiago Silva and Quinton Jackson for Evans, and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Brian Stann for Davis, both fighters have positioned themselves to claim the number one contender status with a victory. Yet questions remain about whether the timing will allow it. According to recent reports, Jones has contacted UFC matchmakers to let them know that he wants to return to action sooner rather than later. After he defeated Lyoto Machida at UFC 140 it was expected that “Bones” would take some time off because he had a really active 2011. With UFC 145 in need of a main event, rumors have begun to circulate that Atlanta will be the location where Jones will next defend his title. If Evans were to win this weekend, one has to wonder if he will be ecstatic about taking the title shot less than three months later. Evans has not been very active over the last few years, due to a combination of injuries and playing “hardball” with the UFC over matchmaking. 2007 is the last time that Evans competed more than twice in the same calendar year. While he may not have a choice but to take the title shot if he wins, I don’t believe he will be too happy about it.
Davis was once considered the “model” challenger who would be able to rise up and defeat Jones. That was until he was placed in a tough fight against Nogueira. Once fight fans and “experts” were given the opportunity to see Davis have to fight an ugly-looking bout, those calling him the next big thing were quickly silenced. If he were able to find a way to beat Evans, I would hope that the matchmakers would not put him in line to face Jones, who would ravage him in every area of the fight. Davis does have a solid foundation, but he lacks the overall ability and technique to even be a threat to Jones at this point.
Enter Dan Henderson. Henderson was welcomed back into the UFC with open arms and rewarded everyone with the fight he and Mauricio Rua put on at UFC 139. A fight of the year candidate, this contest brought everyone to their feet and propelled Henderson into the title picture. Now which title has been the question, as “Hendo” has always expressed an interest at going back down to 185 for a rematch against Anderson Silva. However, if he did so he would have to wait an extended period of time, because not only is the champion currently hurt, but he would have to wait for the winner of the Chael Sonnen versus Michael Bisping bout to get their crack at the “Spider.” At 41 years of age, time is not on Henderson’s side, and I see him jumping at an opportunity to fight Jones for the 205 title. While Jones would clearly be the favorite in that bout, we have all seen the power that is packed in Henderson’s right hand, and one shot is all that he needs.
Evans and Henderson are the most viable fighters who can be matched against Jones come UFC 145. After this weekend’s UFC on Fox 2 card, we will all have a more clear vision as to who will be next to stand across the cage from the young champion.
