UFC Fighters at a Crossroads-Who will rise and fall next?
There are a number of UFC fighters that are currently at a crossroads. Some fighters have been on a complete tear and look very promising, while others are fighting to seek redemption. There are also those fighters on the roster who are happy to be taking time out from the sport, either chasing waves in Hawaii, making movies, or starting a new business venture. We take a look at some UFC fighters below that fans are eager to see again soon in the octagon.
1. Cung Le
Cung Le destroyed Rich Franklin on November, 2012 with a right hook that will be remembered for a very long time. The former maths teacher’s body was layed out on the canvas like a dead corpse. Cung Lee reportedly hit Rich so hard he jarred his elbow. Who says you can’t compete at 40?
2. Brian Stann
March 2013 in Japan must have been a full moon because Wanderlei Silva made fans believe that he was still fighting for Pride, after Knocking Stann out in an devastating slug festival. With two consecutive losses Stann’s next fight will be critical.
3. BJ Penn
Dana White has been calling for BJ Penn’s retirement for a while now. BJ has been battered and bruised in recent years, losing three consecutive fights. Something however tells me we haven’t seen the last of BJ Penn.
4. Nick Diaz
Diaz has now established WAR MMA promotions and is set to hold an event on June 22 at Stockton Arena. But what fans really want to know is when and if Nick Diaz will fight again in the UFC.
5. Mark Munoz
June 11, 2012 was when Mark Munoz was savaged by Chris Weidman. Before this loss, Munoz was the next big thing in the division putting together four consecutive wins. Mark has a lot to prove in his next bout against Tim Boetsch at UFC 162.
6. Demien Maia
Since joining the Welterweight Division, Maia has been looking extremely sharp. His is currently on a three fight win streak and faces Josh Koscheck next at UFC 163.
Still no news at to whether Lombard will move down to welterweight. He had been working with Mike Dolce on his diet for general health but has not decided whether he will join the Welterweight division. Lombard was on a 25 fight win streak before being signed with the UFC. As a Cuban Judo Olympian and black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Lombard would be an incredible threat with the power he possesses. Almost half of Lombard’s professional fights have ended in TKO/KO. Don’t forget that at one stage Vitor Belfort went 5-5 midway through his career later redeeming himself.
8. Chris Leben
Leben fights on the undercard at UFC 162 against Andrew Craig. With two losses its now time to turn the tables. Hopefully Chris can bring his name back onto main card status in the future.
9. Dan Hardy
Dan Hardy has recently had a serious medical scare after irregularities were found on an ECG of his heart. Dan is currently seeing a second specialist and has ruled out surgery because he believes while you feel great, you should avoid surgery. There is a possibility we may never see Hardy fight again as athletes must pass rigorous health examinations before they are allowed to fight. The condition he was diagnosed with is Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.
10. Dominic Cruz
Dominic Cruz has not competed since October 2011. He has had two ACL surgeries due to a blown out knee. With such a long layoff, ring rust has to play a factor. If he comes back victorious it will be a massive feat.
Now its your turn lowkickers to share your thoughts below on these ten guys.
