You can’t take away the fact that the UFC’s debut on the FOX Sports 1 network was a pretty successful one. Not only was the fight card stacked, but the line-up delivered as well, providing entertaining bouts for both fans and critics alike.
The overall judging of the event was weird, to say the least, with one too many 10-8 rounds dished out. Although there were no controversial decisions involved in my eyes, what are the odds that a fighter walks away from a 30-25 score? Just ask Joe Lauzon.
UFC Fight Night 26: What’s next for the main card winners?
Anyway, the main event featured two of the UFC’s most elite fighters in former Light Heavyweight champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and former Middleweight contender, Chael Sonnen. As soon as the fight started, Sonnen secured a takedown but “Shogun” found a way back to his feet. The Brazilian then surprised everybody and took Sonnen down intead, however, after a few scrambles and what not, Rua succumbed to a Guillotine Choke and was forced to tap.
As for the co-main event, Travis Browne proved that heart and hard work was a fighter’s best asset as he knocked out former multi-time champion Alistair Overeem in spectacular fashion. The knockout was somewhat reminiscent of Anderson Silva’s kick to Vitor Belfort’s chin, and few would have argued that the referee could have perhaps given Overeem more time to recover before the stoppage. He was, in fact, winning the fight up till that point, throwing heavy knees inside the clinch game of “Hapa” Browne. But the American weathered the early onslaught and once he figured that Overeem was getting tired, he pounced with a splendid front leg kick, sending his opponent to the lower ranks of the UFC’s Heavyweight division.
Let’s get straight to the rest of the main card winners and who is probably next in store for them:
- *Michael Johnson vs. Matt Wiman
Blackzilian native Michael Johnson (13-8) produced a Boxing clinic against Joe Lauzon this past Saturday night at UFC Fight Night 26; testament to the training he has received ever since he made the switch to Boca Raton, Florida. The “TUF 13” alumni has improved by leaps and bounds in his footwork and striking, and if gets another win or two, he could be a real force to be reckoned with in the 155-lbs division. With that said, I believe Matt Wiman (15-7) could possibly end up as Johnson’s next opponent. Wiman poses a great deal of threat whilst standing and on the canvas so Johnson could face a stern test here.
- *John Howard vs. Josh Samman
Let’s face it: No one gave John Howard (21-8) a chance against Uriah Hall. The latter was expected to have an easy night, given the striking credentials he showcased in “The Ultimate Fighter”. But Howard refused to back down. Following his release from the UFC in June of 2011, Howard went 7-1 before making his return to the octagon. Despite having a height and reach disadvantage against Hall, however, Howard sneaked out a lackluster split decision victory. So who’s next? I’d say Josh Samman (10-2). Besides, Samman was Hall’s original opponent before Howard stepped in as a replacement. And now that “Doomsday” has gotten the past the hype train of Uriah Hall, a potential bout with Josh Samman makes sense.
- *Matt Brown vs. Jake Ellenberger
I was initially in favor of Matt Brown (18-11) taking on Rory MacDonald next, following the former’s quick and slick TKO victory over Mike Pyle. But wouldn’t it be just too soon? I honestly think it’d be best for Brown to take on someone in the top ten rankings first, before slowly moving up the ladder. And in my humble opinion, Jake Ellenberger (29-7) fits the bill perfectly. Yes, he may be coming off a loss against the aforementioned MacDonald but in all honesty, the 28-year-old poses a legitimate threat to any fighter in the UFC’s 170-lbs division. A match-up of this caliber could also indicate if Brown is indeed ready for a kingpin like Georges St. Pierre.
- *Urijah Faber vs. *Michael McDonald
Both Urijah Faber (29-6) and Michael McDonald (16-2) came off winners from Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 26 line-up, and looked impressive in doing so. McDonald fought in the preliminary portion of the event, stopping Brad Pickett via Triangle Choke in dominating fashion. Faber, though, had to recover from the early onslaught that was delivered by his opponent, Iuri Alcantara, before typically grappling his way through to a Unanimous Decision victory. Both fighters are in the upper echelon of the UFC’s Bantamweight division, and a match-up like this is not only capable of headlining a UFC fight card, but also peaking the interest of a common or any Mixed Martial Arts fan for that matter.
- *Travis Browne vs. Fabricio Werdum
Two fighters defied the odds this past Saturday night; While John “Doomsday” Howard defeated Uriah Hall, it was Travis Browne (15-1-1) who garnered all the attention for his spectacular come-from-behind knockout win over former DREAM, Strikeforce and K-1 champion, Alistair Overeem. Browne ate some of Overeem’s vintage knees and the referee was very close to stopping the bout when the latter had Browne in all sorts of trouble during the opening stages. But the American rallied through the pain and delivered a brutal front kick to Overeem’s chin that sent him tumbling down for help. Yes, Browne’s heart was not to be denied and he looked excellent.
Fabricio Werdum (17-5-1) is another fighter that has been winning in the UFC of late. The Brazilian may hold an advantage in the grappling department, but stand-up wise, I believe “Hapa” matches up pretty well with Werdum. Whatever it is, this is a fight that has “Fight of the Night” written all over it should it materialize in the near future.
- *Chael Sonnen vs. Wanderlei Silva
A no-brainer. This fight, in fact, is one that has been in MMA fans’ minds for a long time now, well before Chael Sonnen (28-13-1) even took on “Shogun” Rua. And Sonnen made it clear in his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan that this was the fight that he wanted. Wanderlei Silva (35-12-1, 1 NC), in the meantime, is one of the greatest fighters of all time, and a former champion in the now defunct PRIDE promotion. But Silva has adopted a somewhat counter-attacking style of late, a style that not many MMA fans of old are accustomed to. Silva has always been known to be a slugger, but will that sort of a style work against a wrestling expert like Chael Sonnen?
Let me know what you think in the comments section below.
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