Source: Don “The Don of MMA” Livingston... http://www.sportschatpalace.com/
A day after the big announcement of the UFC purchasing top competitor Strikeforce, the MMA world is still buzzing over the news and how it will impact the sport. The speculation is rampant across the internet as to how this deal will play out but only the masters in the grand Zuffa tower know exactly what is about to transpire.One thing is clear, the UFC went shopping and made this purchase with the intention of adding to its roster. When and how they will utilize their new toys remains the biggest mystery but let’s take a look at the who piece of that equation and see which current Strikeforce fighters were likely at the top of the Zuffa wish list when they went fighter shopping.
Here is my take on the UFC’s Top Ten:
A day after the big announcement of the UFC purchasing top competitor Strikeforce, the MMA world is still buzzing over the news and how it will impact the sport. The speculation is rampant across the internet as to how this deal will play out but only the masters in the grand Zuffa tower know exactly what is about to transpire.One thing is clear, the UFC went shopping and made this purchase with the intention of adding to its roster. When and how they will utilize their new toys remains the biggest mystery but let’s take a look at the who piece of that equation and see which current Strikeforce fighters were likely at the top of the Zuffa wish list when they went fighter shopping.
Here is my take on the UFC’s Top Ten:
1. Alistair Overeem: The UFC Heavyweight division was at its deepest just a short time ago but as contenders knocked each other off there are only two are currently thought of as top flight heavyweights (Champion Cain Velasquez and potential challenger Junior dos Santos). Overeem is considered by many as the top heavyweight in the world and in my opinion the only true challenger for Velasquez at this time. Overeem could challenge for the UFC belt in his Octagon debut. The biggest questions surrounding Overeem are the rumors of performance enhancing substances and his desire to compete in K-1 which will likely be prohibited in a UFC contract.
2. Nick Diaz: Diaz spent a few rocky years in the UFC before finding his stride in EliteXC and Strikeforce. Since leaving the UFC Diaz has gone on a tear and captured the Strikeforce welterweight title leaving a band of would-be challengers in his wake. The UFC would be looking for fresh challengers for dominant welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre and Diaz would provide just that challenge. The Stockton Bad Boy would be the perfect foil for the squeaky clean fan-favorite in GSP and could also present a stylistic match-up that St. Pierre has yet to face during his reign.
3. Gilbert Melendez: Melendez is the Strikeforce Lightweight champion with a well-rounded skill set that would suit him well in the stacked UFC Lightweight division. While not flashy or boastful, Melendez brings a rugged in-your-face style that could present problems to the upper echelon of the UFC lightweight division. The UFC lightweight division is completely stacked and Melendez would need to win at least two high-profile bouts before getting a title shot.
4. Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza: The Brazilian submission wizard has continued to hone his game since arriving on the Strikeforce scene and in addition to winning the Strikeforce middleweight championship Jacare has adeptly improved his stand-up game. Souza’s game is now well-rounded and he would be a solid challenger to anyone on the UFC middleweight roster. The only issue in the Jacare move to the UFC would be that his friend Anderson Silva currently owns the UFC Middleweight strap. Silva has previously ventured into the light-heavyweight division and that move would open the door for Jacare to advance within the UFC Middleweight division.
5. Antonio “Big Foot” Silva: Silva is the former EliteXC heavyweight champion and recently put a beating on the once invincible Fedor Emelianenko in his last bout. It was a convincing victory over a legendary figure in the world of MMA. Silva is a giant man who cuts weight to reach the 265 pound limit and with his BJJ black belt and improved striking Silva would be a stern test for any heavyweight in the world.
6. Tim Kennedy: In addition to being a world class fighter, Kennedy is a decorated military veteran with designs on continuing his service once his MMA career is over. The UFC has been very active with the Armed Forces in raising money and awareness and Kennedy would be a great addition to the roster. This is not to imply that the UFC support for the troops has been an act but let’s face it, a hero like Kennedy who also has top flight MMA skills is a great selling card for the organization. Kennedy would need several big wins in order to get into the UFC title picture but he certainly would be a solid contender.
7. Dan Henderson: Yes, I know, been there… done that. Even at an relatively advanced age Henderson showed he still has some gas in his tank with a thrilling knockout of Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante to win the Strikeforce light-heavyweight title. The UFC brass felt Henderson’s skills had diminished when it came time to negotiate a new contract and the talks became contentious. The UFC would love to prove they were right and have one of their top light-heavyweights defeat Hendo.
8. Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal: Lawal is the former Strikeforce light-heavyweight champion who made a meteoric rise in his brief MMA career. Lawal is a world class wrestler with a tireless desire to improve his MMA game. King Mo has a flamboyant personality but is also a very cerebral fighter who has broken down fight match-ups for FIGHT! Magazine. A knee injury in his title loss to Feijao Cavalcante has sidelined Lawal since last August but look for Lawal to return stronger than ever. Lawal’s skills and personality would make him a marketable fighter in the UFC.
9. Fedor Emelianenko: Fedor once ruled the heavyweight MMA world in going unbeaten for nearly ten years. Despite two recent losses, the Russian sambo fighter possesses the skills to win the fight from anywhere and has displayed those skills throughout the years. The motivation for the UFC to bring Fedor into the fold would be purely selfish as they would like to portray the fading Russian star as a fighter who was overrated all along. Fedor would get no “tune up” fight as the UFC would try to prove its overrated point.
10. Jason “Mayhem” Miller: The host of MTV’s Bully Beatdown is also a rock solid middleweight fighter who once challenged for the Strikeforce title. Miller had a brief stint in the UFC, losing a one-sided unanimous decision to an emerging Georges St. Pierre. Mayhem’s outlandish personality and tough fighting style would make him a fan favorite among UFC fans. While he may never challenge for a UFC belt, Miller would fill the role of gate-keeper perfectly with his skills and personality.
Honorable Mention: Shinya Aoki, Gegard Mousasi, Robbie Lawler, Feijao Cavalcante, Sergei Kharitonov, Evangelista Santos.
Checkout http://www.reprizentfightwear.com/ for MMA Apparel...
No comments:
Post a Comment