UFC 161 wasn’t the best card that the Ultimate Fighting Championship could put forth, but much of this was due to the injuries that reshuffled the top end of the event. As for the fighters who did compete, some took steps forward, while others fell short. Regardless, even the individuals who were unable to get their hands raised at the end of the night can still be utilized by the UFC in valuable ways. These are some suggestions for fights featuring UFC 161 losers that should be made in the future:
Dan Henderson vs. James Te Huna
A second straight split decision defeat kept Dan Henderson from ending UFC 161 with his hand raised, but the legend isn’t talking about bringing his career to a close just yet. However, after two straight losses, the UFC should place him in a bout where he would be the favorite going in, but his opponent would have the ability to gain a signature win that can launch his career. Enter: James Te Huna.
Before being defeated by Glover Teixeira, Te Huna was slowly making his way up the 205 rankings and beginning to garner attention. He would pose an interesting challenge to Henderson because he wouldn’t stay put and wait for Henderson to land the “H Bomb,” as he has the striking chops to hang in there and throw big shots with most light heavyweights. A win for Te Huna would be the shot in the arm his career needs, while for Hendo, this would be a way to get back on the winning path.
Henderson vs. Te Huna could be a featured bout on a free televised event on any of the Fox platforms.
Roy Nelson vs. Mark Hunt
The situation with Roy Nelson is an interesting one, and the future of his UFC career largely depends on how the UFC plans to move forward. “Big Country” has been known to say some controversial things, and the UFC has begun to crack down on fighters who do (or some of them, at least). And with the way he performed in his last fight, the last on his current contract, there’s no telling whether or not the promotion will keep him. But if they do, Mark Hunt would be a viable next opponent for the former Ultimate Fighter winner.
Both Hunt and Nelson were on the cusp of title contention before their recent defeats. And as thin as the heavyweight division has become, it takes just one highlight reel win to be placed on the short list of challengers. Both Hunt and Nelson have the ability to rattle brains with their knockout power, and this would be the type of fight that the UFC loves to book as a Pay-Per-View opener.
Hunt vs. Nelson should be used to open up a UFC PPV later this year.
Tyron Woodley vs. the loser of Rory MacDonald vs. Jake Ellenberger
Breaking into the top ten within the welterweight division is a very tough task. Tyron Woodley may have gotten the short end of the stick in his decision loss to Jake Shields, but the former Strikeforce contender could still be considered a fighter to watch in the division by the year’s end. His next opponent should come from the upcoming UFC on Fox 8 fight between Rory MacDonald and Jake Ellenberger, which takes place in July.
Both MacDonald and Ellenberger are on the short list of fighters ready for a shot at the 170-pound title. The loser of this bout would be a good opponent for Woodley, as neither individual would be too far outside of the top ten, yet a strong win would still be needed to place him in that group. MacDonald poses a more diverse style problem for Woodley, while Ellenberger’s aggression would force Tyron to open up his striking. Either way, the fighter who faced Woodley would force an improved performance from the former Missouri wrestler.
Tyron Woodley vs. Jake Ellenberger or Rory MacDonald should be featured on a UFC card on the Fox network.
Pat Barry vs. the loser of Brendan Schaub vs. Matt Mitrione
Pat Barry is the type of fighter that will always have a place on the UFC’s roster. He will go into the Octagon and fight with reckless abandon while trying to land a highlight reel knockout on his opponent. While it didn’t work out against Shawn Jordan at UFC 161, the UFC will undoubtedly find a way to match Barry up favorably in the future. And both Brendan Schaub and Matt Mitrione offer viable opposition.
While Barry and Mitrione are friends, they haven’t shied away from the idea of fighting each other. At this point, both individuals could be fighting for a valuable roster spot, which should be enough to get them into the Octagon against one another. The same goes with Schaub, who hasn’t been performing up to expectations as of late.
Barry vs. the loser of the UFC on Fox 8 fight between Schaub and Mitrione would be a great opening fight for the main card of a future UFC on Fox event.
UFC 161 was an event that was crippled by injury and beset by lackluster performances in the cage. Even still, the losers who are kept on the roster will have to be placed in future fights, and these pairings would be a good place for UFC matchmakers to start.
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UFC 161: Evans vs. Henderson took place on June 15, 2013 at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
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