First and Worst is an ongoing series for MMARatings.net, where every week Adam will make his pick for the best and worst newly-announced fight of the past week (Monday to Sunday). If you’d like to see any additions to this series, hit him up on Twitter @MMAdamMartin.
First: John Makdessi vs. Edson Barboza, UFC 162
The best fight announced this past week is the upcoming lightweight duel at UFC 162 between strikers John Makdessi and Edson Barboza. These are two of the most devastating stand-up artists in the entire UFC, and fans will hopefully be in for a treat when the two fight each other July 6 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
I say hopefully because Makdessi’s last few fights have left a lot to be desired. The Canadian was on top of the world after his incredible spinning back fist KO of Kyle Watson at UFC 129, but he lost for the first time in MMA to Dennis Hallman at UFC 140,. He followed that up with a stinker against Anthony Njokuani at UFC 145, in a fight that was supposed to be a fun one with lots of wild striking exchanges, but ended up being anything but. And his next fight, with Sam Stout at UFC 154, was equally as unentertaining. However, he did pick it up against Daron Cruickshank at UFC 158.
As for Barboza, this guy always brings it. Sure, we all remember him for his spinning wheel kick KO of Terry Etim at UFC 142, but don’t forget he also won “Fight of the Night” for his scraps with Njokuani at UFC 128 and with Ross Pearson at UFC 134. Although he did have his momentum stalled by Jamie Varner when he was finished by the veteran at UFC 146, he recently rebounded with a nice win over Lucas Martins at UFC on FX 7, and looks to get back “in the mix” with a win over Makdessi.
This fight really does have the potential to be “Fight of the Year” if both guys want, but it wouldn’t surprise me if it doesn’t live up to the hype, particularly if Makdessi decides to play it safe. However, I have to give UFC matchmaker Joe Silva credit for this one because, at least on paper, this one has fireworks written all over it.
Worst: Shane Del Rosario vs. Dave Herman, UFC 162
The worst fight announced this past week is the upcoming heavyweight bout between Shane Del Rosario and Dave Herman, which also takes place at UFC 162. Both fighters are entering the fight coming off multiple losses in a row, and it’s expected that the loser of this fight will receive his walking papers from the UFC.
Herman has lost three fights in a row, and holds a poor 1-3 record in the UFC, with losses to Roy Nelson, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, and Stefan Struve. Sure, those are top guys, but he was finished in all of those fights, and he’s been in the doghouse for two positive drug tests for marijuana. Herman was recently reinstated by the promotion after a UFC-imposed drug suspension because he tested clean and completed a 30-day rehab stint, so there’s really no telling where his head is at now. (Actually, we never knew where his head was at before the positive drug test either.)
As for Del Rosario, he’s lost both of his fights in the UFC — to Stipe Miocic and Pat Barry — in fights that he was winning until he gassed out and got knocked out. Once a promising prospect in Strikeforce, Del Rosario hasn’t been the same after a serious auto accident a few years ago, and he really needs to beat Herman to show he’s anything of relevance anymore.
Both Herman and Del Rosario haven’t lived up to their potential, and now this is their last chance to stick around in the big show. I hope we get a solid showing with both guys having their backs against the walls, but I have a feeling we’re in for an uninspired slopfest. I hope I’m wrong, though.
**********
UFC 162: Silva vs. Weidman is due to take place on July 6, 2013 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Click the stars to rate how good you think UFC 162 will be.
