UFC 175 was the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s biggest card to date in 2014. At the end of the night, two champions kept a grasp on their respective belts, and a number of other competitors were able to get their hands raised. Moving forward, here are some fight suggestions that the team of matchmakers within the UFC should plan for the promotion’s athletes:
Chris Weidman vs. Vitor Belfort
Chris Weidman took the first step in solidifying himself as the face of the UFC when he defeated Lyoto Machida via unanimous decision in the main event. The New York native is a key piece in the further expansion of the UFC, and MMA as a whole. In order to further establish his legacy, Weidman should be matched against Vitor Belfort, who comes with a built in story to drive interest.
Belfort and Weidman have exchanged barbs in the past based on the Brazilian’s issues with failed drug tests. The lead-up to the fight would write itself. Vitor also brings a violent and aggressive style that would mesh well with the way that “The All-American” competes.
Belfort vs. Weidman could be a main event fight for a UFC card towards the end of 2014.
Timing is the name of the game for Rousey’s next fight. Cat Zingano earned her shot at the belt over a year ago, but injury and tragedy have kept her out of action. With Rousey having a number of entertainment commitments going forward, this provides an opportunity to create a fight between the two and give it enough time to percolate.
Zingano would be the clear underdog in this fight against the dominant champion. In her time away from the sport, she’s claimed to have ways to answer what Ronda brings to the table. Other athletes have made the same statements but have yet to prove able to live up to the hype. Rousey vs. Zingano would work as a main event to a UFC card that should feature another title bout, such as a Demetrious Johnson title defense.
Uriah Hall had to gut out a tough victory against Thiago Santos. The man who came off of The Ultimate Fighter with the most hype in a long time seems to be hitting his stride in the Octagon. He’s still a far way off from being considered a title contender in this division, but a fight against C.B. Dollaway would go a long way in setting that stage.
Dollaway has shown a recent willingness to stand face to face with his opponents and trade, which is exactly the type of fight that UFC matchmakers would enjoy creating for Uriah. Hall vs. Dollaway would be a strong co-main event for a UFC Fight Pass card in the fourth quarter of 2014, if Hall can heal from the toe injury.
Russell Doane vs. Chris Holdsworth
Russell Doane debuted in the UFC earlier this year, and is now 2-0 so far with the promotion. While some may feel the split decision victory over Marcus Brimage was controversial, a win is still a valuable win within the Octagon. Chris Holdsworth, who is on his own two-fight win streak, would be a key fight for the young competitor at this time.
Holdsworth has looked good in his two fights within the UFC. Matching him against Doane would help develop the winner towards becoming a contender in the shallow bantamweight division, while not pushing the loser too far down the ladder.
Holdsworth vs. Doane would work as a preliminary bout for any type of UFC event.
UFC 175 was a very solid card that featured a number of different high points. The winners from the event will have some interesting fights to look forward to, and these suggestions will help progress their careers.
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UFC 175: Weidman vs. Machida is due to take place on July 5, 2014 at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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I think it's important that the UFC not give Belfort a title shot until he proves he can win a fight clean.