UFC title fights to make in 2017:
With the first UFC event of the year fast approaching, I will take a look at which championship bouts the UFC matchmakers should make next.
Stipe Miocic V Cain Velasquez: An absolute dream match for an die hard MMA fan, is a UFC Heavyweight championship bout between Cleveland, Ohio favourite Stipe Miocic and former champ Cain Velasquez. The matchup would pit Miocic's technical boxing ability against the supreme wrestling of Velasquez and the 'Cardio Cain' nicknamed earned for his unmatched cardio and stamina in the octagon. With Miocic expected to take some time off and with Cain needing surgery, what a way it would be to welcome both back to the octagon.
Daniel Cormier V Anthony Joshson: 2017 may be the year we finally see the rematch between 'DC' and 'Rumble' play out, after Cormier was forced out of the originally scheduled rematch at UFC 206 with a groin injury. Johnson who has looked like an absolute monster since his defeat to Cormier, scoring 3 knockout victories over Jimi Manuwa, Ryan Bader and most recently finishing Glover Teixiera in just 13 at UFC 202. Cormier had another successful title defence after submitting 'Rumble' beating Alexander Gustafsson before beating late UFC 200 Jon Jones' replacement Anderson Silva. Again this matchup tests Cormier's Olympic level wrestling against the downright scary power of Johnson inside the opening couple of rounds, evident from 'Rumble{s}' knockdown in the pairs first battle.
Michael Bisping V Yoel Romero: This matchup makes the most sense at this current time period in the 185lbs division, with Michael Bisping avenging his UFC 100 stunning knockout to Dan Henderson to defend the title against the wrestler at UFC 204. One pay-per-view event later at UFC 205 in Madison Square Garden, Yoel Romero solidified his number one contender credentials against former champion Chris Weidman, beautifully executing a fight ending flying-knee to setup a title battle with 'The Count'. This battle of behemoths once more pits Romero's Olympic level wrestling against the technical striking and incredible cardio of Bisping who has an almost unbelievable resting heart rate of 34 beats per minute.
Tyron Woodley V Stephen Thompson: These two contrasting styles battled to see who was the better back at UFC 205, and no victor could be determined as both men fought to a majority draw. Woodley's explosive wrestling and powerful striking couldn't overcome Thompson, while 'Wonderboy' was unable to snatch the crown with his unbelievable kickboxing and karate background as Woodley retained his title. Thompson found himself in some 'touch and go' moments in the battle, particularly in the fourth round, after he was dropped twice by Woodley before being caught in a vicious guillotine but somehow managed to get his head free and survive the round. A rematch between the two would more than likely settle the score between two of the finest Welterweight strikers.
Tyron Woodley V Demian Maia: The only other title fight the UFC matchmakers should be exploring at this time is Woodley defending against grappler Demian Maia. Brazilian Maia is on an absolute war path in the Welterweight division, and is currently on a six fight win streak since his loss to current Bellator Welterweight Rory MacDonald back in 2014. Most recently Maia made easy work of Carlos Condit in their main event clash, submitting the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt in the first round. This matchup also pits Woodley's power and explosive ability against Maia's unbelievable grappling, but the question lies, can Maia get in range to submit Woodley before the champ uncorks one of his almost always fight ending right hands.
Conor McGregor V Khabib Nurmagomedov: This matchup would see Conor McGregor defend his Lightweight crown for the first time against Russian Sambo specialist Khabib Nurmagomedov. McGregor flawlessly grabbed the title from Eddie Alvarez back at UFC 205, while at the same time, 'The Eagle' finished Michael Johnson via kimura at the same event to make him the #1 contender. McGregor's almost ridiculous left hand power and hugely effective teep kick, against Khabib's wrestling and underestimated ground game. Something to be considered is how Johnson stunned Khabib badly in their bout before his eventual loss, which proves Nurmagomedov can get hit, but can he get hit and survive against someone who hits like Conor.
Conor McGregor V Tony Ferguson: Again this bout features McGregor defending his title, this time against superior grappler Tony 'El Cucuy' Ferguson. Ferguson out pointed former champ Rafael Dos Anjos last time out, looking as impressive as we've seen him in recent times. Ferguson is currently riding a 9 fight win streak, and his only loss in the organisation occurred against Michael Johnson. Ferguson a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Eddie Bravo at 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu, has one of the most effective D'Arce chokes in the UFC today, finishing Lando Vannata, Edson Barboza and Mike
Rio in the UFC using this technique. Ferguson doesn't get hit very often, so McGregor and Ferguson would be an interesting matchup of contrasting styles.
José Aldo V Max Holloway: Current champ versus Interim champ. The only realistic bout for these two men is a unification battle to determine the real kingpin at 145lbs. Aldo was promoted to undisputed champion after the UFC stripped Conor McGregor, while Max Holloway and Anthony Pettis squared off to determine a challenger to Aldo. Aldo one of the best Muay Thai practitioners to grace the octagon, has along with Edson Barboza, some of the most punishing leg kicks we've witnessed in recent times, evident from his dismantling of Urijah Faber back at WEC 48. Holloway on the other hand, possesses a very slick boxing game and clever use of kicks aswell, as we witnessed at UFC 206 when he finished Anthony 'Showtime' Pettis, becoming the first man to finish the former UFC Lightweight champ in the process.
Cody Garbrandt V T.J. Dillashaw: A hugely exciting matchup for the newly crowned UFC Bantamweight champ, is a first title defence against former Team Alpha Male teammate T.J. Dillashaw. The build up to this fight would be something to behold, with Dillashaw remarking how he has made Cody "cry" many times in the gym, already bringing up old stories and fuelling bad-blood between the youngsters. Dillashaw left Team Alpha Male to train with fantastic stand up coach Duane 'Bang' Ludwig and has been criticised since. Garbrandt arguably the divisions hardest hitter, looked incredible against Dominick Cruz, beating Dom at his own game on his way to a decision win. Dillashaw looked equally as good against John Lineker at UFC 207, avoiding the power of the. Brazilian and reverting to his immense wrestling background. A hugely exciting matchup for sure.
Demetrious Johnson V Kyoji Horiguchi/Jussier Formiga: The current pound-for-pound best has basically conquered everyone in his division a long time ago. It's very difficult to sell a third Joseph Benavidez battle and equally hard to sell another Henry Cejudo battle after DJ's first round domination of the Olympic wrestler. There may be only one fight left in the division for Johnson, before a move up to Bantamweight, and I believe that's against either Kyoji Horiguchi, or Brazilian grappler Jussier Formiga. Horiguchi recovered from his loss to 'Mighty Mouse' well, picking up a three fight win streak, beating the likes of Chico Camus, Neil Seery and most recently Ali Bagautinov at UFC Fight Night Belfast. Formiga on the otherhand looked decent on his way to a unanimous decision win over Dustin Ortiz to cement his place as the #4 ranked Flyweight contender. #5 ranked Wilson Reis was scheduled to face DJ at UFC 201 but Johnson was forced off the card with an injury, subsequently Reis has now been booked to face Japan's Ulka Sasaki at UFC 208.
Holly Holm/Germaine de Randamie V Amanda Nunes: With the UFC to debut the UFC Women's Featherweight championship at UFC 208 between former Bantamweight champ Holly Holm and Germaine de Randamie, a way to give the title some value would see the winner defend against Amanda Nunes as 'The Lioness' looks to emulate Conor McGregor by becoming only the second ever to hold two UFC title simultaneously in two separate divisions. Nunes would add the Featherweight crown to her recently UFC 207 defended Bantamweight title and become the first multiple women champion simultaneously with a win over Holm or de Randamie.
Amanda Nunes V Valentina Shevchenko/Julianna Peña: This bout is arguably the most certain to occur in 2017, with Shevchenko and Peña already scheduled to battle in a more than likely title eliminator at UFC Fight Night Denver. Nunes has already tasted victory against Shevchenko, but with the kickboxer recently defeating Holly Holm, her game may have substantially improved. Peña on the otherhand, is in my opinion one of the divisions 'dark horses' and may prove to cause Nunes many problems if she can find a way past Shevchenko using her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk V Jessica Andrade: Arguably Joanna's most difficult challenger to her UFC Women's Strawweight championship, would be the power and precise striking of Brazilian Jessica Andrade. Former Bantamweight Andrade, has seen huge success since her move to Strawweight, currently on a two fight win streak since her move to to the division, finishing both Jessica Penne and Joanne Calderwood comprehensively to warrant her #6 ranked contender spot in the Strawweight division. Andrade is a hugely aggressive striker who likes to move forward constantly, and in my opinion could finally be the one to take Jedrzejczyk's as of yet unobtainable title.
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Stipe Miocic V Cain Velasquez: An absolute dream match for an die hard MMA fan, is a UFC Heavyweight championship bout between Cleveland, Ohio favourite Stipe Miocic and former champ Cain Velasquez. The matchup would pit Miocic's technical boxing ability against the supreme wrestling of Velasquez and the 'Cardio Cain' nicknamed earned for his unmatched cardio and stamina in the octagon. With Miocic expected to take some time off and with Cain needing surgery, what a way it would be to welcome both back to the octagon.
Daniel Cormier V Anthony Joshson: 2017 may be the year we finally see the rematch between 'DC' and 'Rumble' play out, after Cormier was forced out of the originally scheduled rematch at UFC 206 with a groin injury. Johnson who has looked like an absolute monster since his defeat to Cormier, scoring 3 knockout victories over Jimi Manuwa, Ryan Bader and most recently finishing Glover Teixiera in just 13 at UFC 202. Cormier had another successful title defence after submitting 'Rumble' beating Alexander Gustafsson before beating late UFC 200 Jon Jones' replacement Anderson Silva. Again this matchup tests Cormier's Olympic level wrestling against the downright scary power of Johnson inside the opening couple of rounds, evident from 'Rumble{s}' knockdown in the pairs first battle.
Michael Bisping V Yoel Romero: This matchup makes the most sense at this current time period in the 185lbs division, with Michael Bisping avenging his UFC 100 stunning knockout to Dan Henderson to defend the title against the wrestler at UFC 204. One pay-per-view event later at UFC 205 in Madison Square Garden, Yoel Romero solidified his number one contender credentials against former champion Chris Weidman, beautifully executing a fight ending flying-knee to setup a title battle with 'The Count'. This battle of behemoths once more pits Romero's Olympic level wrestling against the technical striking and incredible cardio of Bisping who has an almost unbelievable resting heart rate of 34 beats per minute.
Tyron Woodley V Stephen Thompson: These two contrasting styles battled to see who was the better back at UFC 205, and no victor could be determined as both men fought to a majority draw. Woodley's explosive wrestling and powerful striking couldn't overcome Thompson, while 'Wonderboy' was unable to snatch the crown with his unbelievable kickboxing and karate background as Woodley retained his title. Thompson found himself in some 'touch and go' moments in the battle, particularly in the fourth round, after he was dropped twice by Woodley before being caught in a vicious guillotine but somehow managed to get his head free and survive the round. A rematch between the two would more than likely settle the score between two of the finest Welterweight strikers.
Tyron Woodley V Demian Maia: The only other title fight the UFC matchmakers should be exploring at this time is Woodley defending against grappler Demian Maia. Brazilian Maia is on an absolute war path in the Welterweight division, and is currently on a six fight win streak since his loss to current Bellator Welterweight Rory MacDonald back in 2014. Most recently Maia made easy work of Carlos Condit in their main event clash, submitting the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt in the first round. This matchup also pits Woodley's power and explosive ability against Maia's unbelievable grappling, but the question lies, can Maia get in range to submit Woodley before the champ uncorks one of his almost always fight ending right hands.
Conor McGregor V Khabib Nurmagomedov: This matchup would see Conor McGregor defend his Lightweight crown for the first time against Russian Sambo specialist Khabib Nurmagomedov. McGregor flawlessly grabbed the title from Eddie Alvarez back at UFC 205, while at the same time, 'The Eagle' finished Michael Johnson via kimura at the same event to make him the #1 contender. McGregor's almost ridiculous left hand power and hugely effective teep kick, against Khabib's wrestling and underestimated ground game. Something to be considered is how Johnson stunned Khabib badly in their bout before his eventual loss, which proves Nurmagomedov can get hit, but can he get hit and survive against someone who hits like Conor.
Conor McGregor V Tony Ferguson: Again this bout features McGregor defending his title, this time against superior grappler Tony 'El Cucuy' Ferguson. Ferguson out pointed former champ Rafael Dos Anjos last time out, looking as impressive as we've seen him in recent times. Ferguson is currently riding a 9 fight win streak, and his only loss in the organisation occurred against Michael Johnson. Ferguson a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Eddie Bravo at 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu, has one of the most effective D'Arce chokes in the UFC today, finishing Lando Vannata, Edson Barboza and Mike
Rio in the UFC using this technique. Ferguson doesn't get hit very often, so McGregor and Ferguson would be an interesting matchup of contrasting styles.
José Aldo V Max Holloway: Current champ versus Interim champ. The only realistic bout for these two men is a unification battle to determine the real kingpin at 145lbs. Aldo was promoted to undisputed champion after the UFC stripped Conor McGregor, while Max Holloway and Anthony Pettis squared off to determine a challenger to Aldo. Aldo one of the best Muay Thai practitioners to grace the octagon, has along with Edson Barboza, some of the most punishing leg kicks we've witnessed in recent times, evident from his dismantling of Urijah Faber back at WEC 48. Holloway on the other hand, possesses a very slick boxing game and clever use of kicks aswell, as we witnessed at UFC 206 when he finished Anthony 'Showtime' Pettis, becoming the first man to finish the former UFC Lightweight champ in the process.
Cody Garbrandt V T.J. Dillashaw: A hugely exciting matchup for the newly crowned UFC Bantamweight champ, is a first title defence against former Team Alpha Male teammate T.J. Dillashaw. The build up to this fight would be something to behold, with Dillashaw remarking how he has made Cody "cry" many times in the gym, already bringing up old stories and fuelling bad-blood between the youngsters. Dillashaw left Team Alpha Male to train with fantastic stand up coach Duane 'Bang' Ludwig and has been criticised since. Garbrandt arguably the divisions hardest hitter, looked incredible against Dominick Cruz, beating Dom at his own game on his way to a decision win. Dillashaw looked equally as good against John Lineker at UFC 207, avoiding the power of the. Brazilian and reverting to his immense wrestling background. A hugely exciting matchup for sure.
Demetrious Johnson V Kyoji Horiguchi/Jussier Formiga: The current pound-for-pound best has basically conquered everyone in his division a long time ago. It's very difficult to sell a third Joseph Benavidez battle and equally hard to sell another Henry Cejudo battle after DJ's first round domination of the Olympic wrestler. There may be only one fight left in the division for Johnson, before a move up to Bantamweight, and I believe that's against either Kyoji Horiguchi, or Brazilian grappler Jussier Formiga. Horiguchi recovered from his loss to 'Mighty Mouse' well, picking up a three fight win streak, beating the likes of Chico Camus, Neil Seery and most recently Ali Bagautinov at UFC Fight Night Belfast. Formiga on the otherhand looked decent on his way to a unanimous decision win over Dustin Ortiz to cement his place as the #4 ranked Flyweight contender. #5 ranked Wilson Reis was scheduled to face DJ at UFC 201 but Johnson was forced off the card with an injury, subsequently Reis has now been booked to face Japan's Ulka Sasaki at UFC 208.
Holly Holm/Germaine de Randamie V Amanda Nunes: With the UFC to debut the UFC Women's Featherweight championship at UFC 208 between former Bantamweight champ Holly Holm and Germaine de Randamie, a way to give the title some value would see the winner defend against Amanda Nunes as 'The Lioness' looks to emulate Conor McGregor by becoming only the second ever to hold two UFC title simultaneously in two separate divisions. Nunes would add the Featherweight crown to her recently UFC 207 defended Bantamweight title and become the first multiple women champion simultaneously with a win over Holm or de Randamie.
Amanda Nunes V Valentina Shevchenko/Julianna Peña: This bout is arguably the most certain to occur in 2017, with Shevchenko and Peña already scheduled to battle in a more than likely title eliminator at UFC Fight Night Denver. Nunes has already tasted victory against Shevchenko, but with the kickboxer recently defeating Holly Holm, her game may have substantially improved. Peña on the otherhand, is in my opinion one of the divisions 'dark horses' and may prove to cause Nunes many problems if she can find a way past Shevchenko using her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk V Jessica Andrade: Arguably Joanna's most difficult challenger to her UFC Women's Strawweight championship, would be the power and precise striking of Brazilian Jessica Andrade. Former Bantamweight Andrade, has seen huge success since her move to Strawweight, currently on a two fight win streak since her move to to the division, finishing both Jessica Penne and Joanne Calderwood comprehensively to warrant her #6 ranked contender spot in the Strawweight division. Andrade is a hugely aggressive striker who likes to move forward constantly, and in my opinion could finally be the one to take Jedrzejczyk's as of yet unobtainable title.
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