The UFC made another trip to Australia tonight, and the card did not lack talent. There were many of the organization’s top Australian fighters on the card, and that is what made the local crowd love every second of the action. However, every fighter from the card needs another fight, and I think I have a few ideas as to what is next.
Paul Craig vs. Gokhan Saki
Paul Craig, my personal favorite fighter (for obvious reasons), lost in devastating fashion tonight in Adelaide. However, Craig has shown a lot of promise in his previous fights, and I would like to see how he measures up against the rest of the division. Gokhan Saki sports a losing record and is 1-1 in the UFC so far, so I think that this could be a good fight to help both men bounce back.
Jimmy Crute vs. Johnny Walker
Jimmy Crute had one of the most impressive UFC debuts someone could have, much like Johnny Walker did last month. Both men have proven themselves to be lethal finishers, and I think that this could be a classic grappler vs. striker match. With Light Heavyweight being the most shallow division in the UFC, we are in dire need of some new blood, and this fight could crown a new contender.
Suman Mokhtarian vs. Tyler Diamond
Suman Mokhtarian got absolutely starched in his home country, and it seems like the UFC was a little too much too soon for him. Because of how decisively he lost, I think that he should fight someone else from the same season of The Ultimate Fighter he was on. Tyler Diamond is another fighter that may not have a future in the UFC, and I think that the two men should battle to see who gets to keep their contract.
Sodiq Yusuff vs. Brandon Davis
Sodiq Yusuff finished his fight quickly tonight, but his opposition wasn’t exactly world-class. Brandon Davis is a fighter that has been around a bit in the UFC, and he seems to be the guy that you have to go through to get to the top. I think that this could be a nice experience builder for Yusuff, and I have no doubt that he will be as spectacular as he was tonight.
Jake Matthews vs. Keita Nakamura
Jake Matthews got off to an amazing start in his bout against Tony Martin, but he fell victim to a beautiful D’Arce choke in the end. Keita Nakamura picked up a decision victory on the prelims, and although Jake Matthews lost, I think that Nakamura would still be taking a step up in competition against him. These are two men who could be ranked at Welterweight, and I think that this fight is bound to happen eventually.
Anthony Rocco Martin vs. Tim Means
Anthony Rocco Martin battled back from an early knockdown to get a submission win, and he looks to be the future at Welterweight. Tim Means is one of the most respected veterans in the division, and having fought on Friday’s card, it seems that their timelines match up perfectly for a fight. I see this as a long, distance striking battle, and I would love to see who can implement that style better.
Mark Hunt: Retirement
Mark Hunt lost a slow-paced decision, and it seems like the devastating striker that everyone fell in love with is officially gone. With this being the last fight on his UFC contract, there is no better time to retire. I love Mark Hunt, he will always be one of my favorite fighters, but there is just nothing left for him to give to this sport.
Justin Willis vs. Andrei Arlovski
Justin Willis picked apart Mark Hunt in his home country, and will likely be a top ten ranked contender. However, I don’t want him to bite off more than he can chew. Another fight against a living legend like Arlovski could put some more experience under his belt, and prove that he can contend for the title one day.
Tyson Pedro vs. Patrick Cummins
Tyson Pedro fell victim to the legendary power of Shogun Rua, and will likely keep the ranking he already has. Because of that, I think that he needs to fight the only man ranked below him. Patrick Cummins is a talented wrestler and a true tough customer, and I think that this could prove to be a fun fight.
Shogun Rua vs. Misha Cirkunov
The UFC Hall of Famer, Shogun Rua proved everyone wrong with a knockout win in Australia. Everyone was saying that he was done, his chin was gone, and he couldn’t compete with the elite of the division anymore, but all of that is wrong. I think another fight against a young prospect like Cirkunov is what he needs to get to the title, and I can’t wait until we see such a true legend make the walk again.
Tai Tuivasa vs. Stefan Struve
Tai Tuivasa lost the main event tonight due to his lack of fight IQ, but he had no lack of heart. It seems like everyone in the division has had to go through Stefan Struve to get to the top, and a power puncher like Tuivasa should have a good shot at taking him out. This is a classic old school vs. new school match-up, and one that I think everyone would like to see.
Junior Dos Santos vs. Alistair Overeem 2
Junior Dos Santos knocked out the fast rising Tai Tuivasa, and said in his post-fight interview that he wants a rematch with Alistair Overeem. In my book, if you ask for it, you should get it. Those are two of the most seasoned Heavyweights on the roster, and I think that fight is fireworks no matter how many times it happens.
