UFC 153 was an event that was in jeopardy due to injuries, but the results of the event were spectacular anyway. From the crowd staying alive and active throughout the show, to Anderson Silva delivering another highlight reel stoppage, this card gave fans everything that they wanted to see. Here are some fight suggestions that matchmakers could work with going forward:
Diego Brandao vs. Manny Gamburyan
Diego Brandao looked much improved in his victory over Joey Gambino. From start to finish, he was able to dominate his American opponent, as he landed multiple big shots that floored him. The Ultimate Fighter Season 14 champion looked like he was ready to step up towards some of the bigger names in the featherweight division, and former title challenger Manny Gamburyan would be a start.
While Manny brings an arsenal that includes world class Judo into the Octagon, he has been prone to engaging in striking contests with his opponents. That strategy hasn’t yielded the greatest results, as he has recently suffered a three-fight skid that he has only recently been able to turn around.
Matching Brandao with Gamburyan would create a fight that could be used to build Brandao into a “TUF” champion who could be considered a contender in his weight class. The featherweight division needs to develop fighters who can be built into contenders for 2013. Featuring this bout on an FX or Fox card would be a step in the right direction.
Demian Maia vs. Mike Pyle
Upon moving to welterweight, Demian Maia recommitted himself to the grappling that made him a title contender in the middleweight division. In less than three minutes he took down a strong wrestler in Rick Story, took his back, and finished him with a modified neck crank. While his debut at 170 was marred by an injury that prevented him from making the best impression, this was in fact a statement win for Maia.
Maia needs one more fight at 170 pounds before he can make a run at the upper tier of the weight class. Mike Pyle would be a staunch test for the Brazilian to see where he stands in the weight class going forward. Pyle is 6-3 during his UFC tenure and has finished two opponents since his defeat to Rory MacDonald at UFC 133. Pyle’s grappling has been his main weapon, as 16 or his 23 wins have come by tap out. That dynamic would set the table against Maia, who many believe has the best submission abilities in mixed martial arts.
Demian Maia vs. Mike Pyle would work well as a main card fight on a UFC on Fox card.
Phil Davis vs. Glover Teixeira
Phil Davis was once a much-hyped light heavyweight who many expected to be the only individual with the physical abilities to challenge current 205 champion Jon Jones. A string of poor performances has rubbed much of the luster off of the former Penn State wrestler, but his performance against Wagner Prado will go a long way towards returning that shine. Going forward, he should be matched against another hyped light heavyweight in Glover Teixeira.
The light heavyweight division is truly in need of some top competitors to challenge the current champion and both of these athletes could reach that status in 2013. Glover has the experience advantage on his side, as many experts have been looking forward to his Octagon debut for an extended period of time. Two former champions in Mauricio Rua and Rashad Evans have turned down short notice fights against Teixeira, and UFC President Dana White has been using those instances to point towards his potential as a dangerous opponent.
Phil Davis vs. Glover Teixeira can be used as a main card fight for a pay-per-view event or as a co-main event on a Fox card.
Jon Fitch vs. the winner of Rory MacDonald vs. BJ Penn
Fitch is at a point in his career where big fights are what he needs each and every time out. He is still looking for his second opportunity at the welterweight title, and the performance he put on on Saturday night let everyone know he is still the dominating machine that he was once considered. We should expect him to take the rest of the year off and look for a return in 2013, and waiting for him should be either Rory MacDonald or BJ Penn.
A fight with either MacDonald or Penn automatically comes with a storyline that could be sold to fight fans. Fitch still wants a rematch with Penn after their draw at UFC 127. Rory MacDonald is the protégé of Fitch’s nemesis, Georges St. Pierre, and going through him may be the only way that the former Purdue wrestler earns a second title shot. Either way, both of these fights could garner a lot of fan attention as the main event of a Fox card.
UFC 153 was a very eventful card with enough action and highlights to keep fans talking until the next event, which is nearly a month away. These suggested matchups would go a long way towards getting fans in front of their televisions, and shelling out their money.
