Five Light Heavyweight Bouts To Make After UFC on FOX 14
The UFC light heavyweight division got a sudden and shocking shake-up last night (January 24, 2015) when Anthony “Rumble” Johnson knocked out Alexander Gustafsson in the main event of UFC on FOX 14 from Stockholm, Sweden (watch highlights here).
“Rumble” obviously locked up the next 205-pound title shot against Jon Jones, but there were some other interesting dynamics that opened up a path for some very interesting divisional bouts to go down in the first half of 2015.
Here are the best:
1.) Alexander Gustafsson vs. Daniel Cormier:
This would be a bout that would most likely put the winner close to in line for a title shot; that is, unless “Rumble beat Jones for the belt and was then forced into an immediate rematch.
Both Gus and “DC” are coming off of an absolutely crushing loss, and both should come back hungrier than ever when they do return. It’d be Gustafsson’s range, speed, and footwork against Daniel Cormier’s wrestling and power, and could turn out to be an amazing fight.
The only drawback is that it could disqualify two potential future title contenders, so the UFC may choose to go in a different direction.
2.) Alexander Gustafsson vs. Rashad Evans:
This fight, which was rumored to be close to becoming a reality in late 2014, may make a bit more sense for the ailing “Mauler.” Evans is coming in off a debilitating knee injury and only recently saw his UFC Fight Night 61 opponent Glover Teixeira withdraw with an injury.
“Suga” would be the perfect test for Gustafsson to show that he can learn from his mistakes. The crafty veteran would have a chance to put his name back onto the short list of title contenders if he could hand “The Mauler” his second straight loss, making this a potentially great match-up in the near future.
3.) Daniel Cormier vs. Rashad Evans:
This potential blockbuster was already scheduled for the co-main event of February 2014’s UFC 170 before Evans hurt his knee.
These two former training partners are savvy veterans with excellent MMA wrestling skills. Cormier should have a leg up on Evans’ here, but “Suga” most likely has the edge in striking diversity.
We got cheated out of this potentially great bout last year; perhaps it’s time to reschedule it for 2015 and see what happens, with the winner clawing with reaching distance of a coveted title shot.
4.) Daniel Cormier vs. Ryan Bader:
Bader threw his name onto the outer rim of the division’s short list of title contenders with his upset win over previous No. 5-ranked contender Phil Davis last night.
This match-up of two decorated wrestlers would be beneficial for both fighters, because “DC” could use a strong win over an opponent with momentum, and Bader would be participating in the biggest match of his UFC career.
Most would give a significant edge to “DC,” but Bader has bucked the odds a bit in recent fights, even if he hasn’t looked all that amazing doing so. This would be a tough, grinding match-up, and could definitely bring forth a future contender.
5.) Rashad Evans vs. Ryan Bader:
The final fight on this list may not necessarily decide an immediate title contender, but it would certainly put the winner dangerously close to a shot.
After 14 months off and counting, Evans has to prove he can hang with the best light heavyweights in the world, and like he’s often deemed, Bader is the perfect gatekeeper.
Each fighter also has great MMA wrestling skills and strong striking, with Evans possessing the edge in technicality, speed, and variety, while Bader probably has the advantage in raw power.
This is an interesting fight that could be the easiest to foresee of the five listed above.
Photo Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
