UFC In 2014: Where Will The Next Marquee Fighter Come From?
The UFC has had an absolutely huge year thus far, mainly due to two Champions that helped build the company being dethroned. Georges St-Pierre walked away from the sport due to personal issues and Anderson Silva was knocked out by heavy underdog Chris Weidman at UFC 162.
It has also been a big year for the expansion of the company; having announced an Asian series of TUF, another Brazilian version, trips to Singapore and many new locations too. The promotion is moving forward at an alarming rate, yet it will do so without two of it’s marquee fighters.
Promotions rely on having big names to help sell tickets, the promise of a good scrap is good enough to fill regional seats but household names a required for PPV’s and attendances at UFC affairs. With Silva and St-Pierre on the back burner (for now) who is left to fill that void?
Things could change drastically if Silva reclaims his title, but we’ll go with what we have right now. One name that comes to mind is Cain Velasquez. He has made his name as the best Heavyweight on the planet by destroying all comer, only problem is that he has tied up the division for a long time with Junior Dos Santos.
People don’t like squash matches, and I have a feeling that CV’s scheduled meeting with Fabricio Werdum will be just that. In my opinion, if Werdum wants a chance at winning he should practice submitting wrestlers while they have a crucifix mount and are elbowing your face in.
Obviously we then have LHW boss Jon Jones, ‘Bones’ has also dominated his division for the best part of three years now. My thoughts are that Glover Teixeira, or many other top 205ers, vs. Jones will not be breaking many PPV records unless it is a rematch with Alexander Gustafsson.
In all honesty, I think that the lower weight classes are well worth investing in. Bantamweight, Featherweight and Flyweight all tend to get a rough end of the stick. It’s not so bad for the 145ers as that division becomes more recognized, but for Demetrious Johnson and co. at 125 things could be better.
‘Mighty Mouse’ currently resides as number five in the official p4p rankings, and the division suddenly has legitimacy. With an uncertain future for the promoters, as far as marquee fighters are concerned, I think the UFC should look to the lighter fighters as their saving grace.
We also shouldn’t overlook newly crowned 155 champ Anthony Pettis, or indeed Ronda Rousey. Both have the ability and charisma to become top sellers for the company.
