Previewing The UFC’s Upcoming Title Fights: Will We See Any Upsets?
As we move into the second half of the year and the second half of the UFC’s jam-packed 2015 schedule, our sights are set on a plethora of upcoming title fights. There are some very intriguing matchups coming up at the top of the divisions, as we have multiple returning champions as well. In my mind, we may even see some upsets and may see some belts change hands.
First up is the fast approaching UFC 186 card from Montreal on April 25, where reigning flyweight king Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson puts his title on the line against Kyoji Horiguchi. The Japanese-born Horiguchi is definitely a viable challenger, sitting at 4-0 in the UFC with two stoppages, but I don’t think we see an upset here. Johnson is way too fast, too well-rounded and simply the best 125-pounder on the planet.
Next up we have the stacked UFC 187 card on May 23 that features two title fights. In the co-main event, middleweight king Chris Weidman will return from a long layoff due to injuries to finally meet controversial veteran Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort in the co-main event. Belfort is an extremely experienced competitor possessing brutal power and a strong Jiu-jitsu game. However, we are unaware of how “The Phenom” will look in the post-TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) era. Either way, if the champion is healthy, I see him grinding out a hard-fought win.
In the main event of this card, reigning light heavyweight champion and pound-for-pound-king Jon “Bones” Jones will put his strap on the line against the surging Anthony “Rumble” Johnson. Johnson is riding a nine-fight win streak, and has run rampant through the 205-pound division with his devastating power and strong takedown defense. However, Jones is the best in the world for a reason, and I expect the champion to come in well-prepared with a brilliant strategy and get the job done; but remember, anything can happen in MMA.
Following UFC 187 is UFC 188, which is set for June 13 from Mexico City and features a title unification bout in the long-awaited return of the baddest man on the planet, heavyweight champ Cain Velasquez. He takes on interim champion Fabricio “Vai Cavalo” Werdum. The challenger has looked great as of late, always possessing his patented grappling game but recently adding a much improved striking arsenal. For me, this fight comes to down to whether or not Velasquez is healthy. If he is, I don’t think there is a heavyweight that can match the champion’s pace and wrestling, which will lead him to victory.
In the summer, we get quite possibly the most anticipated card of the year in UFC 189 which features two title fights, and could also feature a night of upsets. The co-main event features a rematch between current welterweight boss “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler and top contender Rory “Red King” MacDonald. Lawler got the job done the first time in an exciting fight in which he took a split decision win at UFC 167 in 2013, but MacDonald is extremely well-rounded and will likely be hungrier than ever. He’s been awaiting a title shot for quite some time now, and it could be the Canadian’s time to shine. I’m up in the air on this one.
In the main event of this card, we have the most highly anticipated bout of the year as dominant 145-pound champion Jose Aldo puts his gold on the line against outspoken Irish superstar the “Notorious” Conor McGregor. Aldo is the company’s only featherweight champion in history, and has extremely strong striking and great takedown defense. However, and I may just be buying into the hype, but I feel as if we could see an upset here. McGregor is a gigantic featherweight, a pure finisher, and very unpredictable. He moves very well and uses confusing angles, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the belt around his waist come July, but only time will tell.
Also in July, we have a bantamweight title matchup between TJ Dillashaw and Renan Barao at UFC on FOX 16, a rematch of their UFC 173 bout when Dillashaw went against the odds and shockingly stole the belt. The first bout was a dominant one-sided affair for the Team Alpha Male product and I think he will showcase his quick feet and polished striking, great athleticism, and strong wrestling once again in the rematch. However, Barao could come back hungrier than ever to regain his belt.
To wrap up the summer, women’s bantamweight superstar “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey puts her title on the line against Bethe Correia at UFC 190 on August 1, 2015. I don’t see any shot of an upset here. Correia has looked good so far in the UFC, but Rousey is the best women’s fighter on the planet plain and simple, and I see another spectacular finish in her near future.
With a ton to look forward to, which title fight are you most excited for? And which ones do you think could end in an upset?
