“Renan Barao is a monster” are the words bellowed by UFC color commentator Joe Rogan on every promotional piece for the interim 135 pound champion, and at this point that’s a hard point to dispute.
Barao made a statement that he was ready to be more than a placeholder tonight with a spirited performance against 22-year-old up-and-comer Michael McDonald.
The champion had issues with McDonald and his boxing repertoire early on, quickly solved the puzzle ad any good champion does. His front kick measured distance to the champ goes explode with punches, knees,
and elbows at every opportunity.
Eventually, the challenger succumbed to the more experienced Barao, being forced to submit with an arm-triangle-choke in the fourth frame.
Despite being the most decision-heavy event in promotional history, with nine bouts needing the judges’ score cards, it wasn’t without excitement. Cub Swanson, Jimi Manuwa, James Te Huna, as well as others scored impactful victories.
For a moment let’s get into Joe Silva’s shoes and play fantasy matchmaker, putting together the most interesting and intriguing bouts coming out of tonight.
Renan Barao vs. Dominick Cruz or Eddie Wineland
Barao can make a serious case for being the number-one bantamweight in the world following back-to-back wins over Urijah Faber and McDonald. However, in many minds Barao won’t hold that top spot until he kicks Cruz off his throne. Barao vs. Cruz is the logical next fight on the docket, but that comes down to the health of “The Dominator” and when the interim champ wants to return to the Octagon.
If he doesn’t get a date with Cruz next, you wouldn’t hear any complaints if he met up with Wineland, who is coming off back-to-back victories over Scott Jorgensen and Brad Pickett.
Cub Swanson vs. Chan Sung Jung
Swanson has been a man on a mission since losing to Ricardo Lamas in his Octagon debut. He has buzz-sawed through competition with a trio of knockouts and perhaps won the most impressive bout yet, defeating a Dustin Poirier. With the champ Jose Aldo being held up by import Anthony Pettis, pairing him with “The Korean Zombie” would be a real feather in the cap of the victor in their championship campaign.
Jimi Manuwa vs. Ovince St. Preux
Manuwa has had a lot of hype coming into the UFC without a blemish on his record and a jaw-dropping highlight-reel. Tonight the hometown favorite got his biggest test, shutting down the lengthy veteran Cyrile Diabate. He rag-dolled him around before an injury stopped him from continuing. Manuwa just needs cage time and room to improve, pairing him with Stikeforce import St. Preux will be a great test for his abilities.
James Te Huna vs. Rafael Cavalcante
Te Huna, the Kiwi born Australian has silently chipped away a fine record, going 5-1 in the UFC with a lone setback to Alexander Gustafsson. Facing Jimmo, he took a lot of punishment early, but fired back to win the bout on all three judges score cards. The Sydney resident needs a stiff test, and if he can get past former Strikeforce champion Cavalcante he will make it clear he is ready to tussle with the big boys at 205 pounds.
Gunnar Nelson vs. Josh Neer-Court McGee winner
Nelson is a serious prospect. The grappling guru showed off all facets of his game en route to winning a sound decision over former Sengoku and Strikeforce tournament champion Jorge Santiago. Nelson might be great one day, he might even be champion, but he has holes to fix first and just needs experience. Pitting him against the winner of next weekend’s Neer versus McGee bout presents a fine test for the Icelandic native.
Matt Riddle vs. John Hathaway
Riddle has been criticized heavily for not fighting intelligently and evading game plans in the past, but it seems he might have turned a corner. Riddle put on an intelligent performance tonight as he wrestled a comfortable decision away from Che Mills. Riddle hasn’t tasted defeat in four bouts and looks to be stringing together a run to the top, pitting him against hot prospect Hathaway is a fine test for both men at this stage of their careers.
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I’d like to see jimmo fight manuwa. Manuwa really wasn’t tested in his last fight. Jimmo looked great in round one then faded hard but I’d like to think it will serve as a wake up call and Jimmo will come back much stronger. I bet this fight would be a war.
Swanson vs mendez or Edgar. I know Edgar just dropped but I’d like to see him at 135, atleast until Aldo goes to double nickel.
Goin out on a limb here but what about te huna vs rashad (if he’s staying at lhw)