The UFC presented two cards this past weekend for fight fans to consume. Macao, China and Tulsa, Oklahoma were the sites of these two events that provided interesting developments across multiple weight classes. Looking at the individuals who were unable to get wins, these suggestions would work as the next fights for those that continue to fight under the Zuffa banner:
Dong Hyun Kim and Mike Pyle were two fighters who had carved out a niche in the welterweight division as fringe contenders that were considered a tough out for any opponent. However, this past Saturday they were both stopped in vicious fashion and were unable to make it out of the first round of competition. The next step for these two individuals should be for the UFC to match them against one another in an effort to create an exciting fight in the weight class.
Dong Hyun Kim vs. Mike Pyle could be used as a preliminary feature bout for either a UFC PPV or free televised event at some point in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Benson Henderson vs. the loser of Eddie Alvarez vs. Donald Cerrone
Benson Henderson was a dynamo in the lightweight division until he took a left hand to the jaw from Rafael dos Anjos in the main event of UFC Fight Night 49. While the stoppage could be deemed controversial, the fact remains that Henderson has suffered his second defeat while being a part of the UFC. “Bendo” has now been pushed back down the 155-pound ladder, which leaves a lot of room for some interesting matchups
Either Donald Cerrone or Eddie Alvarez would create a captivating contest if matched against Henderson at some point this year. They are due to square off at UFC 178 next month, and the loser of that fight should get the call to face Henderson. Cerrone and Henderson have their WEC back story, while Alvarez-Henderson would bring together two former titleholders. Either of these options would work for a potential fight against the former UFC Lightweight Champion.
Benson Henderson against either Donald Cerrone or Eddie Alvarez would work as a main event bout for a UFC event on Fox in late 2014 or early 2015.
Joby Sanchez vs. Roldan Sangcha-an
Twenty-three-year-old Joby Sanchez stepped outside of his comfort zone to take a contest in the UFC on 19 days notice against the highly-touted Wilson Reis. Even though he was soundly defeated, he did display some bright spots that are worth noting. Now that he has the opportunity to get a whole camp under his belt, the UFC should match him against adequate competition for his second outing in the company.
Therefore, the UFC should match Sanchez against Roldan Sangcha-an, in a pairing that should continue to develop both of these fighters within the UFC’s growing flyweight division. This matchup should be booked as a preliminary bout for an upcoming UFC event.
Francis Carmont vs. Brad Tavares
Francis Carmont was surprised by the surging Thales Leites and stopped in the first round of their contest. After winning 11 straight fights, the Tri-Star representative has dropped three straight. If the UFC decides to keep him around, he should be matched against Brad Tavares to determine whether or not he deserves to stay on the promotion’s roster.
Tavares was also considered a potential contender in the middleweight division, but two recent losses have changed his current path. Matching him against Carmont would help to determine whether he can get his career back on track or if those contendership expectations were too high.
Tavares vs. Carmont would be a bout that could be used as a preliminary bout for a UFC Fight Night event.
Yet another double event weekend is over, and the UFC has a host of new competitors to present to the public. Although these fighters were unable to get wins in their most recent Octagon appearances, these fights should be enough to keep them active, and give each fighter a chance to change his career direction.
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UFC Fight Night 48: Le vs. Bisping took place on August 23, 2014 at The Venetian Macao’s CotaiArena in Macau, China.
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UFC Fight Night 49: Henderson vs. Dos Anjos took place on August 23, 2014 at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Click the stars to rate how good you think UFC Fight Night 49 was.
