UFC 180 was an exciting card that caught a number of fight fans off guard. While excitement was not that heavy heading into the event, the card brought a lot of action. By the end of the night, a new interim heavyweight champion was crowned, and nowFabricio Werdum and others.
there are a number of fights to look forward to for
Fabricio Werdum vs. Stipe Miocic
The heavyweight division in MMA is often the butt of numerous jokes, but the fact remains that Fabricio Werdum sits at the top of the heap. As Cain Velasquez continues to heal, and the rumors mount of a potential for extended time away from the sport; the UFC needs a new fighter to step up. Stipe Miocic has quietly done what is needed to continue pushing forward, and he could soon find himself standing across from the champion.
If Miocic finds a way to get past Junior dos Santos at UFC on Fox 13, the Ohio native will have the right to demand a title shot. Werdum will be the favorite going into the fight for a number of reasons. However, this is a fight that should continue to push the division forward.
Fabricio Werdum vs. Stipe Miocic would work as a main event for a UFC PPV card near the end of the first quarter in 2015.
Kelvin Gastelum vs. the winner of Jordan Mein vs. Thiago Alves
In the UFC 180 co-main event, Kelvin Gastelum looked like the prospect that many thought he would become after winning The Ultimate Fighter. He handled everything that Jake Ellenberger threw his way, and finished the former welterweight contender in exciting fashion. With this fight behind him, he should continue to receive tough matchups at or near the top of UFC events.
Thiago Alves and Jordan Mein are due to meet at UFC 183 in an important match for them both. Alves is looking to return to an important spot within the 170-pound division, while Mein needs a victory of his own. The winner of this fight will have the perfect mix of skill, style, and momentum to be a good matchup for Gastelum in 2015.
Kelvin Gastelum against either Thiago Alves or Jordan Mein would work as a main card bout for a Fox event..
Ricardo Lamas vs. the winner of Jeremy Stephens vs. Charles Oliveria
Ricardo Lamas is in a sticky position. Since his loss to Jose Aldo at UFC 169, even though he’s won two fights since, he is still well out of the featherweight title picture. His win over Dennis Bermudez will keep him highly ranked in the weight class, but will not help him get any closer to another shot at the strap.
Jeremy Stephens and Charles Oliveria are two men who sit outside of the title picture as 2014 comes to a close, but that can change after their fight at the TUF 20 Finale in December. The winner of that bout will close the year strongly, and should be matched against Ricardo Lamas to see if he can take his place on the rankings list.
Ricardo Lamas against Jeremy Stephens or Charles Oliveria should be booked on UFC PPV towards the end of the first quarter of 2015.
Jessica Eye vs. Sarah Kaufman 2
Jessica Eye and Sarah Kaufman met back at UFC 166 in a hotly contested bout between the two women. The real controversy occurred when the result of the fight was overturned. Kaufman and Eye took some shots at each other, but the situation would eventually die down. The UFC should rebook this matchup, because it was a good battle the first time around, and now the story has been set..
Jessica Eye vs. Sarah Kaufman could be used as a main card opener for a UFC event on Fox. The availability of the fight on free TV would lead to a good chance to showcase more female bantamweights, especially if Eye continues her run.
Now that UFC 180 is over, there are some interesting fights that can be made with the show’s winners. These suggestions will help them continue the forward movement of their respective careers.
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UFC 180: Werdum vs. Hunt formerly (UFC 180: Velasquez vs. Werdum) took place on November 15, 2014 at Arena Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico.
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