UFC 179 was a card that was carried by its main event. Besides the matchup of Jose Aldo against Chad Mendes there were very few moments to look forward to. Still, the end of the night brought a conclusion to an important rivalry within the UFC’s featherweight division. Jose Aldo has walked away with his crown once again. Looking forward, here are some suggestions as to what is next for the competitors who prevailed:
First things first, this fight isn’t about rankings or credibility for the sport. Instead, it is purely about money and building superstars. Aldo’s performance against Mendes is the type of fight that can catapult him to the point of recognition that has eluded him to this point. Conor McGregor is the exact type of foil that can push this fighter into stardom. That is, if he gets by Denis Siver.
“The Notorious” Conor McGregor has already fit himself into the role quite nicely since he started running off at the mouth a few years ago. McGregor and Aldo could promote their matchup into being one of the biggest fights of 2015. Every other contender in the featherweight division should welcome this fight as well, because the winner of the bout is going to be able to command more money from the UFC. This will directly affect the placement and payment of their opponents.
Conor McGregor vs. Jose Aldo should be the next fight made, contingent upon McGregor being able to defeat Denis Siver.
Phil Davis vs. Ryan Bader
Phil Davis walked into Brazil as the underdog and put on the performance that no one expected him to bring. He dominated Glover Teixeira for 15 minutes and snatched some recognition at the same time. Davis has struggled to become the contender that many believed he was years ago, but this win is a positive step for the former NCAA champion.
Ryan Bader is another competitor that has remained stuck in the same position. He puts together a number of wins before dropping to an upper-echelon opponent. Matching him against Phil Davis would be the opportunity to push one of these men towards the top and create a new challenger within the light heavyweight division.
Phil Davis vs. Ryan Bader would work as a co-main event for a UFC on Fox event.
Fabio Maldonado vs. the winner of Mauricio Rua vs. Jimi Manuwa
Fabio Maldonado is like a train wreck that viewers can’t look away from. The Brazilian athlete is known for taking masses of damage, only to turn the tables on the men he’s facing. Hans Stringer was the latest man to find that out, as he started out great, only to find himself relenting to a punches. The UFC may have Maldonado ranked at number 15, but it’s hard to see him in that position. A contest against either Jimi Manuwa or Mauricio Rua would provide the opportunity to see if he’s “for real” in this division.
“Shogun” and Manuwa are due to face each other on November 8 at UFC Fight Night 56 in Brazil. Both men are well on the outside of the 205-pound title picture, but they are still valuable names within the division. Matching one of them against Maldonado would not create a captivating style matchup, but instead a contest where nearly anything can happen, and that should capture the attention of fight fans.
Fabio Maldonado vs. either Mauricio Rua or Jimi Manuwa would work as a UFC Fight Night main event for a card featured in Brazil.
Wilson Reis vs. Kyoji Horiguchi
Wilson Reis has been a bit of a surprise since joining the Zuffa ranks. He’s put together a 3-1 record and he earned his most impressive win by stopping Scott Jorgensen at UFC 179. He can continue his build in this new division by facing Kyoji Horiguchi.
Horiguchi has a number of eyes on him as a fighter that the UFC could potentially rest their efforts upon within Japan. Since joining the UFC, the 24 year old has won three bouts, two of which were by stoppage. The flyweight division does not have the depth of other weight classes, and matching Horiguchi against Reis could be the organization’s opportunity to create a Japanese challenger for one of its titles.
Horiguchi vs. Reis would work as an opening card fight for a UFC PPV event.
Neil Magny vs. Rick Story
Neil Magny has tied the record for most wins in the Octagon within one calendar year. However, his feat has not garnered much attention, as he has not competed against any major names in the welterweight division. Matching him against Rick Story would immediately test how good Magny is and where he should go in this weight class.
Story was once on the cusp of a welterweight title shot, but fell on hard times as he alternated wins and losses. With a two-fight win streak in his back pocket, Story has the opportunity to go on a much needed run at this point in his career. A win for either man in this bout would help him gain momentum and perhaps build some interest in his name.
Magny vs. Story should be used as a main card bout for a UFC on Fox card.
UFC 179 was not an exciting card from top to bottom, but still left fight fans with much to talk about. These bout suggestions would continue to build up the names of the men who, if they can continue to get their hands raised, will increase their value to the UFC.
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UFC 179: Aldo vs. Mendes II took place on October 25, 2014 at Maracanazinho Gymnasium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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