UFC 164 was one of the most anticipated fight cards of the busy third quarter for the UFC. The majority of this card delivered, giving fight fans the type of action that can build momentum for the promotion. The UFC matchmakers have a lot of potential matchups to explore with the winners from Saturday night’s event. These suggestions stand out as probable courses of action:
This is where things get tricky. After winning the main event, Anthony Pettis immediately threw out the idea of facing Jose Aldo in a “Champion vs. Champion” bout, which was immediately enticing to MMA media and fans. However, there are two top contenders in place, and red tape that would make the pairing of the two fighters difficult.
Pettis should face TJ Grant first, in a bout that could cement “Showtime” as a viable champion and grow the anticipation for a fight with the featherweight kingpin. Grant is a well-rounded competitor whose knockout abilities have caught the interest of most during his current run. Pettis would have the advantage on the feet, while Grant has a more extensive BJJ background, so it would be interesting to see how he would deal with the champion’s active guard.
Anthony Pettis vs. TJ Grant should headline a UFC Fight Night event on the Fox Sports 1 platform.
Josh Barnett vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
Josh Barnett was welcomed back into the UFC fold with what was a controversial win to say the least. If the UFC matchmakers don’t book an immediate rematch against Frank Mir, creating a bout against another legend in Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira should be the direction they go in.
This would be the rubber match, as both competitors went 1-1 against one another back in Pride FC. This would be an opportunity for Barnett to gain another win in the UFC’s weak heavyweight division and be built up as a potential contender who could take one final run at the title.
Barnett vs. Nogueira would be a bout that should be built up as a co-main event for a Saturday Fox Sports 1 card.
Chad Mendes vs. the winner of Nik Lentz vs. Dennis Bermudez
The UFC has a hard job in front of them choosing between Chad Mendes and Ricardo Lamas. Both have put on impressive runs towards the title. Unfortunately for Mendes, he’s already had his shot, which should open the door for Lamas to be selected next. However, Mendes can prove his worth with a win over Nik Lentz or Dennis Bermudez.
Nik Lentz is 3-0 since dropping down to featherweight and has been gaining momentum in the division. While some do not believe he’s an exciting fighter, the fact remains that he is consistently winning. Bermudez is four wins into his streak at 145, and his striking style has caught the eye of many fans. They are set to square off at UFC Fight Night 31 in November, however, which could set back schedule expectations down the road.
Mendes vs. the winner of Nik Lentz vs. Dennis Bermudez should be featured on a UFC PPV event in the first quarter of 2013.
Throughout the bout, Ben Rothwell looked for the big shot against Brandon Vera that finally came in the third round. While he called out Travis Browne with the hopes of placing himself in the title “mix,,” Rothwell should instead have to fight Stipe Miocic, to help both individuals gain some momentum for their developing resumes.
Miocic looked very good in his defeat of Roy Nelson this past June. He’s 4-1 in the UFC, but outside of mention in the discussion of future heavyweight contenders. If Rothwell is looking to build himself up towards a title fight, he would have to defeat well-rounded individuals such as Miocic.
Rothwell vs. Miocic should be used as a Fox Sports 1 bout, either as a UFC Fight Night main card opener or a preliminary bout for a PPV event.
Dustin Poirier vs. Darren Elkins
Even though Dustin Poirier and Erik Koch did not walk away with the fight of the night bonus, theirs was the fight that stole the show at UFC 164. “The Diamond” has gone 2-2 in his last four bouts, and has shown flashes of the abilities that have caused many to regard him as a top prospect. However, he will need to string together 4 to 5 wins in order to be considered a top contender for the title. To help validate his run he should be matched against Darren Elkins next.
His fight with Chad Mendes aside, Darren Elkins has looked very good at featherweight. And placing these two individuals into a fight against each other will create a captivating matchup in many areas. Poirier would have the striking advantage, while Elkins is a solid wrestler, but once the fight hits the mat, the question lies in whether Elkins’ wrestling would be good enough to stifle Poirier’s active grappling.
Dustin Poirier vs. Darren Elkins could open up a PPV event or be a main card bout on a Fox Sports 1 event.
UFC 164 was a very good event from start to finish. Fight fans were given a multitude of finishes and fodder for conversation in the coming weeks. With a new champion and new contenders rising, matchmakers have the opportunity to create some great fights in the future.
**********
UFC 164: Henderson vs. Pettis II took place on August 31, 2013 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Click the stars to rate how good you think UFC 164 was.
