UFC 160 was a very strong card from start to finish that gave fight fans important fights and exciting action across multiple weight classes. While some losers of the night’s bouts may find themselves facing the UFC’s pink slip, these suggested matchups could help add life back into the careers of others.
Antonio Silva vs. the loser of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Fabricio Werdum
Antonio Silva had to suffer through another defeat at the hands of Cain Velasquez on Saturday night, and this time he was turned away from becoming the UFC heavyweight champion. While Silva is a top ten heavyweight, this bout shows that he is a step below the upper echelon of the weight class. His next bout should come from the loser of the UFC on Fuel TV 10 main event of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Fabricio Werdum.
Nogueira and Werdum are two of the biggest names in Brazilian MMA, and that has garnered them the opportunity to headline this card. They are both fringe contenders in the weight class, so if either is matched against Silva, the victor of their bout would still have strong footing in the weight class. Both Nogueira and Werdum have the grappling abilities to threaten “Bigfoot” on the floor, but they also have the stand up abilities to contend with Antonio on the feet.
Antonio Silva vs. the loser of Nogueira-Werdum would work as the co-main event for a Brazilian card in the near future.
A folk hero in the mixed martial arts world, Mark Hunt was thrust into world title contention by stringing together four victories in the UFC’s very competitive heavyweight division. He wasn’t able to get the win that would have granted him a title shot, but his loss won’t stop fans from watching him fight in hopes that he’ll leave another opponent splayed out on the canvas.
Against Frank Mir, Hunt would have the opportunity to stay relevant within the top ten of the weight class, as long as he can avoid Mir’s high-level grappling. Frank hasn’t fought like the ground specialist that he is on a consistent basis, and making that mistake against Hunt would have disastrous results.
Mark Hunt vs. Frank Mir would work as a main card bout on a free UFC event in the later portion of this year.
James Te Huna vs. Vinny Magalhaes
James Te Huna fell short in his opportunity to crack the top ten at light heavyweight, getting stopped by Glover Teixeira and proving unable to win his second fight against one of the best in the weight class. 5-2 in the Octagon, Te Huna has the skill set to become a bigger name, but lacks the seasoning at this point to acquire the big-time wins.
Vinny Magalhaes would pose an interesting style matchup for James Te Huna. Te Huna has shown the stand up abilities to demolish fighters who are willing to stand in his way, as well as the wrestling abilities that enable him to gain a controlling position or deter a takedown when needed. He would have to against Magalhaes, who has some of the best grappling abilities in the light heavyweight division. However, Magalhaes would need to avoid Te Huna’s powerful shots to get the fight to the ground, and impose his will.
James Te Huna vs. Vinny Magalhaes should be used as a main card fight for a free televised event.
Gray Maynard vs. Gilbert Melendez
In what was one of the most surprising fights of the night, Maynard was stopped in highlight reel fashion by TJ Grant, who has become the top contender for the lightweight title. Maynard suffered only his second defeat in six years of UFC service. Matching him against Gilbert would create an opportunity for both fighters to retain a level of relevancy in the weight class.
Although many have are called for Melendez to get a rematch against Ben Henderson, the UFC has gone away from this direction. However, if Melendez can dominate and stop Maynard, he could easily be promoted as the next title challenger. A win for Maynard, however, would show that he is still an elite fighter at the top of the weight class.
Gray Maynard vs. Gilbert Melendez could work as the co-main event of a free UFC card, or a main card bout on a pay-per-view event.
Rick Story vs. Mike Swick
For five minutes Rick Story looked like the individual that had taken the welterweight division by storm a few years ago. However, over the next 10 minutes Mike Pyle was able to weather his storm and take the split decision victory. Since losing to Charlie Brenneman at UFC Live on Versus 4, Story has alternated wins and losses, and hasn’t been able to put together a complete 15 minutes of dominance in any fight. By pairing him with Mike Swick, the UFC would either give him the opportunity to return to form or allow the promotion to remove him from its roster.
Swick is a standup fighter that would match Story’s penchant for exchanges. The question that, if answered, would decide this bout, would be who would be the more technical of the two and land bigger shots. Story has struggled outside of the first round, and Swick would surely challenge him in such a way that the bout would end in a finish at some point.
Rick Story vs. Mike Swick should be a preliminary matchup on any UFC platform.
UFC 160 provided a number of big finishes to add to the highlight reels of those who got their hands raised. But every fighter couldn’t be a victor, and these individuals could have the opportunity to redeem themselves with these possible matchups.
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UFC 160: Velasquez vs. Bigfoot II took place on May 25, 2013 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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