The Hit List: UFC 162 fighters who are in must win situations
With UFC 162 on the horizon, there are some fighters who must worry about not only winning, but also keeping their job.
The top few fighters on the card obviously have no worries, because they are either riding winning streaks or are company favourites. However, some fighters are currently on losing streaks and they have a bit more to worry about.
Below is MMASucka.com’s “The Hit List”.
The Hit List: UFC 162 fighters who are in must-win situations
Chris Leben
Who he’s fighting: Andrew Craig
Leben hasn’t won a fight since July of 2011 when he beat Wanderlei Silva at UFC 132. Following that victory “The Crippler” went on to lose to Mark Munoz and it was later revealed that he tested positive for Oxycodone and Oxymorphone. He was given a redemption fight after a one-year suspension against UFC newcomer Derek Brunson at UFC 155 this past December. Unfortunately for Leben, he lost a unanimous decision and will be riding that nasty two-fight losing streak. I always thought Leben would be a company man for the UFC, however after two straight losses and the positive drug tests, one must believe that a third straight loss would send the TUF 1 competitor packing.
Dave Herman
Who he’s fighting: Gabriel Gonzaga
A lot like Leben, “Peewee” has had his fair share of controversy. After a big UFC debut at UFC 131 in Vancouver against John-Olav Einemo, Herman tested positive for marijuana prior to his next fight. He then went on to lose his next three fights, most recently against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC 153. Following that bout, the 28-year old tested positive for marijuana on a second occasion and was suspended for six-months. This bout against Gonzaga will be his return to the Octagon after the suspension and a loss will be four-straight and a pink slip would be more than justified.
Rafaello Oliveira
Who he’s fighting: Edson Barboza
Oliveira came in to the UFC on a four-fight winning streak, but lost his first two matches in the promotion against Gleison Tibau and Yves Edwards. He won his most recent bout against Yoislandy Izquierdo at UFC 148 this past July, however a loss against Barboza would be his third in his last four fights. With the UFC lightweight division becoming so deep a loss would more than likely send Oliveira walking out the door.
Unique Situation: Frankie Edgar
Who he’s fighting: Charles Oliveira
When you think about fighters that could be let go, Frankie Edgar’s name does not come up. Ultimately he won’t be fired, but he is in a unique situation. This fight against Oliveira will be Edgar’s first non-title bout in seven match-ups. He had a great rivalry with Gray Maynard which he prevailed from, but his back-to-back losses against Benson Henderson forced Edgar to drop to the featherweight division. He was granted an immediate title shot at 145-pounds against Jose Aldo and although close, Edgar lost a unanimous decision and his third-straight. What would one do with Edgar if he does end up losing to Oliveira at UFC 162? One could only guess.
