UFC on Fox 13 may not have featured the biggest names on the UFC’s roster, but it was still a strong event from start to finish. Looking back at the card, while many individuals were unable to get their hands raised, they still have the potential to be in interesting matches in the near future. These suggestions should continue to progress their careers as we look towards 2015:
In the main event, Stipe Miocic gave Junior dos Santos all that he could for five rounds, and while some feel that he won the contest, the record books will log that he took a unanimous decision defeat. However, the heavyweight division is lacking contenders at this time, so Miocic should be given a fight that will allow him to continue to showcase his abilities and stay “in the mix.” Mark Hunt is a man that fits that mold in an intriguing way.
Hunt has the power to end fights violently, but has also looked very controlled in pacing himself during his last few bouts. Miocic has shown the cardio to battle for long stretches at a time, which would help him against a fighter such as “The Super Samoan.” They are both very technical strikers, and their skill would be captivating for the fans who enjoy that aspect of the sport.
Miocic vs. Hunt is best suited as a main event for a UFC Fight Night event on UFC Fight Pass.
Nate Diaz vs. Bobby Green
Nate Diaz is a fighter that may be on his way out of the UFC. However, even as he continues to deliver poor performances while talking himself into a corner, his fan base still seems to grow. His latest defeat at the hands of Rafael dos Anjos in the co-main event will not do his stock any favors, but his fighting style and way with words will continue to attract attention.
Bobby Green is another competitor that does not shy away from microphones or cameras. Putting him into a fight against Diaz would not only match his fighting style, but pair him with a man that would match his striking output. Green and Diaz have been training together as of late recently, so they may not be too keen to compete against one another. Nevertheless, if they did choose to face one another, we can be sure that it would be well worth the multiple sound bites leading up to the fight, as neither man can help but say what’s on his mind once the competitive juices flow.
Diaz vs. Green would work as a main card opener for a UFC PPV event or as PPV preliminary card “main event” on Fox Sports 1.
Claudia Gadelha vs. Rose Namajunas
Many fans and media members expected Claudia Gadelha to punch her way into a strawweight title shot with a win over Joanna Jedrzejczyk. However, the controversial split decision left the Brazilian fighter with her first defeat. Still, Gadelha should not be considered far out of title contention. Matching her against Rose Namajunas would give her an interesting fight to keep her name relevant within the division.
Gadelha is a tough competitor with a grinding style similar to the one which gave Namajunas trouble in the form of Carla Esparza at the TUF 20 Finale. A win for either Gadelha or Namajunas would keep the winner in a position of contention within the 115-pound weight class.
Gadelha vs. Namajunas would work as a preliminary fight for any upcoming UFC event.
Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Roy Nelson
Gabriel Gonzaga and Roy Nelson are two interesting men within the heavyweight division. They are both big hitters that can end fights with their boxing, but their Brazilian Jiu Jitsu abilities are also among the best in the sport. Matching them against each other would be a dangerous mix, because the fight could end in a violent knockout, or end in submission, or drag on through 15 minutes. Still, there is some value in getting these two men together in the cage.
Gonzaga vs. Nelson would work as a preliminary bout for a UFC Fight Night card.
UFC on Fox 13 surprised a lot of spectators, as it delivered action from start to finish. The losers on the card will have to work to rebuild their respective careers, and these fight suggestions would give matchmakers the ability to keep them active in contests that will add value to future UFC events.
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UFC on FOX 13: Dos Santos vs. Miocic took place on December 13, 2014 at the U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
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