Fight Fixin’ is a fantasy matchmaking article that comes out after every major event and features possible matchups for main card winners and/or losers from the previous event.
Dong Hyun Kim
In the main event of the TUF China Finale, Dong Hyun Kim stamped his name as a top contender in the wide-open welterweight division with a devastating spinning elbow knockout on John Hathaway. It was a highlight-reel KO for the ages, and it’s a win that earns Kim a spot in the top 10.
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| Courtesy of @ZProphet_MMA |
There are a lot of exciting matches that involve Kim, but one that I think makes sense is a fight against Rory MacDonald. Considering the performances both of these men are coming off of (Kim’s KO on Hathaway, MacDonald’s “Fight of the Night” with Demian Maia), and considering they are both similarly ranked in the division, I think they absolutely have to fight, and I would pay to see this one go down on PPV.
Fight to make: Kim vs. Rory MacDonald
Zhang Lipeng
In the co-main event, Zhang Lipeng defeated Wang Sai via split decision to become the first winner of The Ultimate Fighter China. The outcome of the fight was controversial as many –including a livid UFC president Dana White — believed Sai should have been awarded the decision. But the judges saw differently, and gave it to Lipeng.
I think he needs a lot more seasoning, and the UFC should give him a fight against someone low on the welterweight talent ladder. I’m thinking Nate Loughran – the guy who was brought in to lose to Erick Silva before getting injured and pulling out of that fight – makes sense for the next China card. Book it, UFC.
Fight to make: Lipeng vs. Nate Loughran
Matt Mitrione
In a heavyweight bout between fighters barely clinging to spots on the roster, Matt Mitrione knocked out Shawn Jordan with punches to keep his job. It was a nice performance by Mitrione, who once again showed he can beat the guys on the lower end of the 265-pound ladder with his big-time KO power.
For his next fight, the UFC should give him a fighter coming off a win that is ranked outside the top 20. I’m thinking the winner of UFC Abu Dhabi’s Daniel Omielanczuk vs. Jared Rosholt. Both guys are 1-0 in the UFC, and the winner of that will be 2-0, so I think Mitrione would be a good third test in the Octagon for the winner.
Fight to make: Mitrione vs. winner of Daniel Omielanczuk vs. Jared Rosholt
Hatsu Hioki
In a featherweight fight, Hatsu Hioki showed why he was so highly touted prior to entering the UFC, as he defeated tough veteran Ivan Menjivar via unanimous decision. The win snapped a three-fight losing skid for Hioki, and he should get an opponent coming off a win for his next bout.
I’m thinking that should be Thiago Tavares, who recently dropped down to 145. He is coming off a win at 155 pounds, and once he returns from the recent injury that caused him to pull out of UFC Fight Night 36, he should get a name opponent. I think this would be a really fun fight between two veterans with solid ground games, and I hope the UFC books it.
Fight to make: Hioki vs. Thiago Tavares
Vaughan Lee
In a bantamweight bout, Vaughan Lee absolutely owned Nam Phan with superior striking over the course of three rounds to solidify himself as a middle-of-the-pack UFC bantamweight. A great performance by Lee, and he deserves a better opponent for his next fight.
I’m thinking that should be Francisco Rivera. I know that Rivera is ranked higher in the division, but I really feel like Lee is underrated, and I believe that after his performance against Nam, he’s earned a big fight like this. And I think the fans would be winners, as I expect this prospective bout to be an amazing stand-up war too. So let’s see it when Rivera returns from his broken hand.
Fight to make: Lee vs. Francisco Rivera
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UFC Fight Night: Kim vs. Hathaway, aka The Ultimate Fighter China Finale took place on March 1, 2014 at The Venetian Macao’s CotaiArena in Macau, China.
Click the stars to rate how good you think The Ultimate Fighter China Finale was.
