Fight Fixin’ is a fantasy matchmaking article that comes out after every major event and features possible matchups for main card winners and/or losers from the previous event.
Cain Velasquez
In the main event of UFC 188, Fabricio Werdum shocked the MMA world by destroying Cain Velasquez, earning a third-round submission to become the new UFC Heavyweight Champion. Werdum had to tough out a difficult first round from the former champ, but once he got through the first five minutes it was smooth sailing for him, as Velasquez gassed horribly and was picked apart on the feet before getting choked out on the mat.
Some have mentioned a rematch should take place, but I disagree. I feel like Werdum proved he’s the better fighter, and I believe Velasquez should have to earn a rematch by getting a win over another top contender. Travis Browne is still ranked high in the division, and like Velasquez, is coming off of a loss. These two match up very well, and I think it makes sense if they fight each other, with the winner being added to the short list for a title shot.
Fight to make: Velasquez vs. Travis Browne
Gilbert Melendez
In the co-main event of UFC 188, Gilbert Melendez lost a very close split decision to Eddie Alvarez. Melendez busted up Alvarez’ eye in the first round, but in the second and third he was taken down and the judges ultimately decided that Alvarez’ top control outweighed the damage Melendez caused on the feet, awarding him the win in the process.
For his next fight, let’s have Melendez take on Myles Jury, who is one of the only fighters ranked in the top 10 at lightweight who doesn’t have a fight currently booked. Melendez vs. Jury is a fun fight on paper, and the winner would stay relevant at 155 lbs, while the loser would drop out of the title picture entirely.
Fight to make: Melendez vs. Myles Jury
Nate Marquardt
In a middleweight bout that served as a passing of the torch, Nate Marquardt was thoroughly dominated by Kelvin Gastelum, getting beaten down so hard that his corner stopped the fight between the second and third rounds. It was Marquardt’s fifth loss in his last six outings, and at this point it’s very likely he’s giving serious consideration to hanging his gloves up for good.
If Marquardt chooses to fight again, then a fight that makes sense is Tim Boetsch. Both guys are coming off of knockout losses, both guys are on the downsides of their careers, and yet both guys have the chance to beat each other. The winner stays in the UFC, and the loser gets cut. It makes sense, so if both guys do stick around the Octagon a bit longer I’d like to see this.
Fight to make: Marquardt vs. Tim Boetsch
Charles Rosa
In the “Fight of the Night” at UFC 188, Charles Rosa fought valiantly but lost a close split decision to Yair Rodriguez. Rosa’s grappling was impressive, but he was hurt on the feet early in the fight and never really seemed to recover from it, although to his credit he fought like a warrior until the bitter end, and nearly won a controversial split decision. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be, and he’s now 1-2 in the UFC.
Rosa should fight Hatsu Hioki next. I truly believe this has the potential to be another Fight of the Night, a battle between a hungry youngster and a desperate veteran that takes place both on the feet and on the mat to the crowd’s delight. I just think this would be an amazing fight and I really hope the UFC decides to go the same route when they match both men up next.
Fight to make: Rosa vs. Hatsu Hioki
Angela Hill
In the opening main card bout, TUF 19’s Angela Hill was completely outclassed by Tecia Torres as she lost a clear-cut unanimous decision. This fight wasn’t even close. Hill couldn’t stop the takedowns, and while her defensive BJJ was better than expected, she did very little in the bout and overall looked terrible in suffering her first career loss as a pro.
For her next outing, let’s pit Hill against Jessica Rakoczy, another striker with a weak ground game. This could be a decent scrap between two ladies who like to stand and bang, with the winner sticking around the UFC a little bit longer and the loser getting released from her contract with the world’s top MMA promotion.
Fight to make: Hill vs. Jessica Rakoczy
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UFC 188: Velasquez vs. Werdum took place on June 13, 2015 at Arena Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico.
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