He was entering the bout on the back of two consecutive losses, and had to weather the early storm against his opponent at this past Wednesday’s UFC Fight Night 27 main event, before dispatching him impressively in the 4th frame. Both Carlos Condit and Martin Kampmann found themselves in must-win situations, in an attempt to get back in the pecking order for Georges St. Pierre’s Welterweight crown. But it was Condit who was victorious this time around, evening the score after a close split-decision loss against Kampmann in 2009.
UFC Fight Night 27: What’s next for the main card winners?
The co-main event, however, shared a much different story and outcome as most would have expected. Donald Cerrone was tipped as the favorite in his 155-lbs clash with Brazilian ace Rafael Dos Anjos, but it the was latter who pretty much outworked his opponent for three rounds this past Wednesday. Cerrone was unable to use his Muay Thai to devastating effect, although credit must be given to Dos Anjos for fighting in range and mixing it up well with takedowns and strikes.
Five fights took place on the main card of UFC Fight Night 27 at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. It’s time to seat in the armchair of the matchmaker and speculate on perhaps, the next opponent for the winners:
- *Brad Tavares vs. (Winner of Francis Carmont vs. Costa Philippou)
As Jon Anik said on Wednesday night, Tavares (11-1) has indeed been putting on a decent stretch of wins. He has quietly amassed a record of 5-1 under the UFC banner thus far, and some may argue that the former “TUF” veteran may be ready for a shot at a top ten opponent. Tristar’s Francis Carmont (21-7) is slated to face heavy-hitter Costa Phillipou (12-2, 1 NC) at UFC 165 in Toronto. I believe that the winner of this match-up sizes up really well with Brad Tavares. Besides, a bout of this magnitude could indicate if the 25-year-old is indeed ready for a title run.
- *Takeya Mizugaki vs. Mike Easton
Takeya Mizugaki (18-7-2) executed an excellent game plan against Erik Perez on Wednesday night, showcasing methodical and accurate striking with a touch of patience. The Japanese fighter now finds himself on a three fight winning skid. Mike Easton (13-3), in the meantime, won three straight fights before suffering back-to-back defeats in his last two outings. Despite the recent hurdle, however, Easton very much remains as one of the 135-lbs division’s fastest fighters, with a well nurtured MMA pedigree. Setting up a bout between Mizugaki and Easton could be promising. And while a three round decision will be anticipated by many, I foresee 15 minutes of pure Mixed Martial Arts battle.
- *Court McGee vs. Matt Brown
It’s about time “The Ultimate Fighter” alumni Court McGee (16-3) gets a shot at one of the Welterweight division’s star performers. In other words, Matt “The Immortal” Brown (18-11) fits that bill perfectly. McGee is a sort of fighter that gets in your face, and forces you to box and strike with him. That means you’ll have to deal with 15 minutes of pure pressure and aggression, something which Robert Whittaker learned on Wednesday night. But when you add Matt Brown to this mix, a guy with with five stoppages in his last 6 fights, you have the ingredients of a bout that’s worthy of “Fight of the Night” honors. McGee-Brown, well, is a fight you wouldn’t want to miss folks.
- *Kevin Gastellum vs. Gunnar Nelson
Kevin Gastellum (7-0) first derailed the hype train of one Uriah Hall. Then at UFC Fight Night 27, the young MMA starlet became the first fighter to finish Brian Melancon. Still boasting an unscathed professional MMA record, everything seems to be all Jekyll and no Hyde for the 21-year-old. Yet, Gastellum’s career draws parallel to that of Gunnar Nelson’s (11-0-1). He’s young, undefeated, and also holds a record of 2-0 inside the octagon. That’s why a potential match-up between both these fighters may very well wet the taste buds of fans worldwide. A win for either one could pivot their careers to the next level as well.
- *Rafael Dos Anjos vs. TJ Grant
Now on a four fight winning run, Brazil’s Rafael Dos Anjos (20-6) has certainly earned a place in the upper echelon of the UFC’s Lightweight division, following his upset victory over the much fancied Donald Cerrone. The Kings MMA native has been slowly climbing up that ladder, and now looks closer than ever towards a possible title shot. But before he gets there, I believe that a bout with TJ Grant (21-5) must materialize. Grant also cements a place in the upper ranks of the 155-lbs division, so with Henderson and Pettis locking horns soon, Grant-Dos Anjos could very well decide just who’s the next no.1 contender.
- *Carlos Condit vs. Rory MacDonald 2
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the second meeting between Condit and MacDonald is bound to take place soon. On one end, you have Condit (29-7), who’s coming off a victory following two setbacks, and happens to be in need of another major win to get back in the title mix. MacDonald (15-1), in the meantime, has consistently proven that he’s the next big thing in MMA and is edging closer, with each fight, to a title shot. MacDonald vs. Condit happened once, but this rematch has more stakes in it, and it will come down to who wants it more.
To check out the full results for UFC Fight Night 27, click here.
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