UFC Fight Night 57 was yet another opportunity for Frankie Edgar to show why he is one of the best mixed martial artists to ever compete in the sport. However, one-half of the card was unsuccessful at showing the world what they could do. With that in mind, here are fight suggestions for the men and women who were unable to get their hands raised on Saturday night:
Cub Swanson vs. Dennis Bermudez
Both Cub Swanson and Dennis Bermudez were riding impressive winning streaks before their last fights. Each was close to receiving a shot at Jose Aldo’s featherweight title before being derailed; both were derailed in dominating fashion. As the 145-pound weight class begins to attract more attention, these two individuals should be matched against each other in an effort to keep them relevant.
Pitting them against one another will help them stay active within the top ten of the weight class. Furthermore, Bermudez and Swanson are both very aggressive, bringing a wide variety of attacks into the cage. This type of style matchup is the exact kind of pairing that can get fans excited about a card.
Swanson vs. Bermudez would work as a main card opener for a PPV event during the first quarter of 2015.
Bobby Green vs. the winner of Benson Henderson vs. Eddie Alvarez
Bobby Green was on quite a run and gaining steam before heading into Austin, Texas. He had just earned his biggest win — against Josh Thomson at UFC on Fox 12 — and he was talking his way into a fight with Donald Cerrone. Edson Barboza halted that push with his unanimous decision victory. If Green doesn’t retire, as he hinted on Facebook during the week, matching him against Benson Henderson or Eddie Alvarez would create a captivating fight for the lightweight division.
Both Alvarez and Henderson carry big names with them into the Octagon. And while they are coming off defeats that may have pushed them down the rankings, that has not damaged their overall value to the weight class. Alvarez would offer a more exciting fight, as he has a tendency to stand for long striking exchanges. Henderson would be tougher for Green, because he does not hesitate to outwrestle and control his opponents. Either way, both men could spark interest as the next opponent for the man who calls himself “King.”
Bobby Green against either Benson Henderson or Eddie Alvarez would work as a co-main event feature on a Fox card, or as a main card bout on a PPV.
Jared Rosholt vs. Derrick Lewis
Jared Rosholt was being touted as a name to watch out for in the heavyweight division. The weight class is in desperate need of men that can attract viewers and pose challenges to the upper echelon of the division. Taking that vicious knockout loss will slow his momentum, but he can quickly turn the situation around with another win over a man such as Derrick Lewis.
Lewis rushed onto the heavyweight scene with his victory at UFC on Fox 11, but faltered when he faced Matt Mitrione. The Houston, Texas native is known for being very aggressive and throwing with huge power, but his wrestling chops have yet to be tested in the Octagon. This would be an opportunity for Roshalt to prove that his knockout loss was not the norm, and that he can quickly get back to the winning track.
Rosholt vs. Lewis is best used as a preliminary featured fight before a UFC PPV event.
Dustin Ortiz vs. Darrell Montague
Dustin Ortiz had been growing his name within the UFC’s flyweight division. He suffered a defeat at the hands of perennial number two man in the weight class Joseph Benavidez, but that should not hurt his overall standing much. With a bit more time he has the potential to become a fighter who can challenge for the 125-pound title. Matching him against Darrell Montague will see how he continues to fare against tough flyweights.
Montague has struggled since coming into the UFC. Before stepping into the Octagon, he was considered to be one of the best fighters in the weight class. However, he’s suffered two defeats and has not looked like his old self. If he can gain a win against Ortiz, this would help swing that momentum back into his corner. Otherwise, he may be on his way out of the organization.
Dustin Ortiz vs. Darrell Montague would work as a preliminary bout for any upcoming UFC event.
Taking a loss in the Octagon is a surefire way to stop any hype a fighter has built up for him or herself. However, proper booking will give them opportunities to turn their careers around, and help them garner more attention for their respective brands. These fight suggestions would help do just that for the losers at UFC Fight Night 57.
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UFC Fight Night 57: Edgar vs. Swanson took place on November 22, 2014 at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas.
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