The UFC’s Lightweight division has long been its most competitive and compelling, and it was on full display in the main event of UFC Fight Night from the Apex Center in Las Vegas on Saturday night. Former Interim Champion Dustin Poirier was set to throw down with the all-action Kiwi Dan Hooker, with title implications being a heavy factor for the winner. This card was stacked with heavy handed fighters and fantastic match-ups on paper, so with so many of the UFC’s brightest stars making the walk, here are some matches to make for the main card of UFC Vegas 4.
Sean Woodson vs. Luis Pena
Sean Woodson lost his undefeated record against Julian Erosa in a short notice Catchweight bout, making his stock drop significantly lower. Someone who has experienced the same troubles in the UFC is Luis Pena, who also lost by submission in the featured prelim. While Woodson usually fights at Featherweight, he can easily fit into a Lightweight frame, and both of these men have similar styles that they can test against each other.
Julian Erosa vs. Khama Worthy
Julian Erosa is a fighter who takes every call the UFC gives him, no matter the opponent or the weight class. Khama Worthy also looked impressive in finishing Luis Pena, but has yet to push past fighting the up-and-comers of the division, which is something a fight with Erosa would remedy. Erosa poses a threat to anyone at Lightweight or Featherweight due to his wealth of experience, and Worthy has unbelievable power, making this a fight that could put either man on the path to the rankings.
Jason Witt vs. Anthony Ivy
Jason Witt got utterly obliterated in his UFC debut, losing by knockout in under a minute. This also happened to Anthony Ivy in his debut, making both men look a lot less impressive than they actually are. It seems that Witt and Ivy are around the same skill level, and a fight between the two makes a lot of sense to book as the opening bout on a card.
Takashi Sato vs. Dwight Grant
Takashi Sato has looked extremely impressive in his UFC career so far, showcasing how much power he possesses in both of his hands. Dwight Grant also has a crazy amount of power, but he is long and rangey, and focuses on the body almost more than the head. Making these two elite fighters battle it out for a shot at a ranked opponent would be sure to create fireworks.
Kyle Daukaus vs. André Muniz
Kyle Daukaus came into Saturday night’s fight as an undefeated contender, who a lot of people saw as a future champion. However, Brendan Allen busted him up and created a gritty fight which ultimately resulted in Daukaus losing the decision. André Muniz could put on the same kind of bout, or he could fall victim to the astounding ground game of Daukaus, making this an excellent fight between two of Middleweight’s brightest propects.
Brendan Allen vs. Ian Heinisch
Brendan Allen was supposed to fight Ian Heinisch tonight, who had to pull out due to injury. However, Allen called out Heinisch once again after his third straight win in the UFC, showing that he truly wants and deserves this fight. Allen should absolutely get his chance to fight a ranked fighter, and could easily capitalize on the opportunity.
Gian Villante vs. Philipe Lins
Gian Villante has been a staple of the Light Heavyweight division for years, and tonight he made his UFC Heavyweight debut while looking absolutely horrible. He was simply out of shape, and he lost the fight essentially due to exhaustion. Philipe Lins got finished in under a minute in the same night, so with both men equally embarrassed, this could be a chance for either of them to gain some respect back.
Maurice Greene vs. Tanner Boser
Maurice Greene may not have looked spectacular in his win, but he won nonetheless. Tanner Boser did look incredible when he knocked out Philipe Lins, and immediately called out Greene, stating that the two men have had an altercation in the past. Fans love when fights are personal, and with both of these athletes having insane power, this would undoubtedly be a fire fight.
Mickey Gall vs. Max Griffin
Mickey Gall has often struggled with big names and power punchers, so it it no surprise that he lost to Mike Perry. However, he needs to fight more opponents cut from that same mold in order for it to no longer be a weakness. Max Griffin has the exact same style as Perry, so if Gall can figure out a way to beat him, then he may be able to shake his Kryptonite.
Mike Perry vs. Belal Muhammad
Mike Perry is a brawler who loves to throw hands, but is not afraid to wrestle if the opportunity presents itself. The same can be said for Belal Muhammad, who is perhaps just a little smarter with his technique than Perry. However, either man has a solid chance of beating one another, and it will likely happen by knock out.
Dan Hooker vs. Kevin Lee
Dan Hooker has proved that he is one of the grittiest and most violent fighters on the entire UFC roster yet again, and there is no shame for him in defeat. However, he is still coming off of a loss, and should fight a lower ranked opponent in order to restart his climb back to the top of the division. Kevin Lee is a wrestler that talks a lot of trash, who also has a chin that is prone to being touched, making this a compelling match-up from any angle.
Dustin Poirier vs. Tony Ferguson
Dustin Poirier was coming off of a title shot in which he lost his Interim Championship, and yet he bounced back spectacularly against Dan Hooker. Poirier will forever be known as having the toughest climb to the title, so it makes sense that the UFC would take the same route with his second shot, giving him Dan Hooker and then fellow former Interim Champion Tony Ferguson back to back. Ferguson is quite literally the boogeyman, but Poirier is not scared of a challenge, and either man could get a title shot with a win over each other.
