Seattle, Washington’s Key Arena played host to the latest installment of the UFC on FOX series this past Saturday, with a headliner that featured a successful title defense by Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson (18-2-1) over Arizona’s own John Moraga (13-2).
To kick off proceedings, Liz Carmouche (9-3) made her second appearance in the UFC’s octagon following her loss to reigning champion Ronda Rousey at UFC 157 this past February. ‘Girl-Rilla’ was involved in a fairly one-sided affair, using her takedowns and physical strength for a TKO victory over Jessica Andrade (9-3) in the 2nd stanza.
UFC on FOX 8: What’s next for the main card winners?
But ‘Ruthless’ Robbie Lawler (21-9, 1 NC)) was determined to shine in front of UFC president Dana White among others who were cageside, and did so with an exquisite leg-kick that signaled good night-irene for his opponent, Bobby Voelker (24-10).
The co-main event which featured rising prospect Rory MacDonald (15-1) against division-staple Jake Ellenberger (29-7), was expected to deliver fireworks given both fighters’ credentials and recent performances. That, however, wasn’t the case. Both Ellenberger and MacDonald were respectful of each other’s abilities and power, hence leading to a somewhat methodical and slow-paced bout all around. Jake Ellenberger might have spent some time at Mayweather Boxing Club in preparation for this fight, but McDonald used his jab and range en route to claiming a Unanimous Decision victory.
With that said, it’s time for MMASucka.com to step into the match-maker’s shoes, and come up with bouts that we think will/should materialise in the near future. And as for you, our readers, well.. you could tell us if you agree in the comments section below.
Let’s get right to it!
- Liz Carmouche vs. Cat Zingano
Liz Carmouche is a beast in the Women’s Bantamweight division. That honestly goes without saying. With an intimidating appearance and style of fighting, she matches up pretty well with most female fighters. Carmouche’s grappling prowess was on display against Jessica Andrade, showing good control on the canvas. Even so, she did well in the stand-up department too, mixing it up against a Muay Thai practitioner in Andrade. A match-up with ‘Alpha’ Cat Zingano could possibly determine a future no.1 contender to the Women’s Bantamweight title, which in reality, may perhaps turn out to be a classic striker vs. grappler match-up.
- Robbie Lawler vs. Tarec Saffiedine
Tarec Saffiedine was originally slated to face Robbie Lawler before Bobby Voelker stepped in on short notice due to an injury suffered by Saffiedine. Fans would have fancied Saffiedine to get his hand raised if he had taken on Lawler instead but after UFC on FOX 8, well, people may start to favor the latter fighter. Lawler showcased his heavy hands along with sharp and crisp technique against Voelker, proving that he may be after all a dark horse in claiming the 170-lbs title. Now 2-0 in the UFC, Lawler may just be getting into his prime, and a bout with Tarec Saffiedine could have fans drooling soon enough.
- Rory MacDonald vs. (Winner of Carlos Condit vs. Martin Kampmann)
Let’s admit it – the 170-lbs division is stacked with talent and contenders. Rory MacDonald is the cream of the crop of the Welterweight division, and is just, mind you, 24-years-old. The Canadian has steam-rolled over opponents time and time again, and it’s about time he gets a crack at someone in the upper echelon of the division. Carlos Condit is set to take on Martin Kampmann at UFC on FOX Sports 1: 2 and we at MMASucka.com believe that the winner should take on Rory MacDonald. That bout would hence have title implications, setting up a future contender for Georges St. Pierre’s 170-lbs throne.
- Demetrious Johnson vs. Joseph Benavidez 2
With remarkable speed, accuracy and immaculate footwork to go along with timing of takedowns and outstanding grappling ability, Demetrious Johnson is probably the perfect fighting machine on the current UFC roster. That is why fans have been accustomed to seeing Johnson defend his title successfully on more that one occasion. The Flyweight division, as it stands, isn’t deep enough, which begs the question: Who’s next for ‘Mighty Mouse’? Well, the first meeting between Demetrious Johnson and Joseph Benavidez ended in a split-decision victory for the former, in a close contest that could have gone either way. And with Benavidez now riding high on a 2-fight winning streak, it’s perhaps time for the Team Alpha Male native to get another shot at the 125-lbs strap.
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