Fights to look for (Welterweight Division)
Even with no signs of GSP's return, the welterweight division is still one of the most exciting in the UFC. In recent years we have seen the division be not only a main event but a co main event on multiple cards. On July 11th we will see a rematch between the champion Robbie Lawler and #2 ranked Rory Macdonald that is sure to keep audiences on their feet. But who else should the UFC put together to keep the division exciting?
1. Johnny Hendricks vs. Tyron Woodley
Both Hendricks and Woodley are coming off second-rate performances followed by an unexciting victory. Woodley lost to Rory Macdonald by decision in a 3 round fight at UCF 174 but he followed it up with a KO victory over Dong Hyun Kim and a decision victory over an over weight and sluggish Kelvin Gastelum. Former welterweight champion Johnny Hendricks lost the decision and his belt to Robbie Lawler in their rematch at UFC 181 but won a 3 round decision to Matt Brown at UFC 185.
While both fighters have bounced back from a loss, neither one did it in the impressive fashion we're used to seeing. They both still rank high in the division making this a fight that might determine who is next in line for a title shot. One thing is for certain however, the win would have to be impressive enough to warrant such an opportunity.
2. Hector Lombard vs. Carlos Condit
A torn ACL injury sustained at UFC 171 has kept Carlos Condit out of action since March of 2014. But with his return to the octagon expected some time in 2015, he is no doubt looking to avenge his loss to Tyron Woodley who took credit for the injury that has kept Condit out of action. But the rankings have changed in the year that Condit has been recovering from knee surgery. Woodley now ranks in at # 3 and is a few impressive wins away from title contention. Condit, now ranks at #4 and when he returns, the UFC must find a worthy opponent for "The Natural Born Killer."
Enter Hector Lombard who is just outside the top 5 ranking with a 3 fight win streak. With decision wins over Josh Burkman and Jake Shields, Lombard needs a big win over a big name to break into the top 5 and get the UFC thinking about giving him a title shot. First things first, he needs to headline a UFC fight night to show everyone that his stamina goes beyond 3 rounds and what better opponent than the former interim welterweight champ.
3. Kelvin Gastelum vs. Matt Brown.
Kelvin Gastelum was quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the welterweight division. With victories over names like Jake Ellenberger and Rick Story, he was the favorite going into his fight with Tyron Woodley at UFC 184. To everyone's surprise, he weighed in 10 lbs. over and lost by decision that night ending his 5 fight win streak. Even with the loss, he remains in the top 10 of the division and is in need of a big win that will make people forget about his weight cut issues.
Matt Brown has gone the distance with the last two welterweight champions and while it still doesn't erase the loss, both Robbie Lawler and Johnny Hendricks had to take their victories by way of decision. It is no surprise that Matt Brown is still in the top 5. With an impressive ground game and knock out power that has stopped the likes of Eric Silva, Brown is by no means out of the welterweight spot light. He is however in need of an opponent that can showcase his striking power and tenacity. Who better than the hard hitting Kelvin Gastelum.
Whether or not these fights take place, the welterweight division will continue to headline UFC events. And while 5 rounds of striking, grappling, and the submission move that might end the fight can be expected of any division, the welterweights have a way of stealing the show.
1. Johnny Hendricks vs. Tyron Woodley
Both Hendricks and Woodley are coming off second-rate performances followed by an unexciting victory. Woodley lost to Rory Macdonald by decision in a 3 round fight at UCF 174 but he followed it up with a KO victory over Dong Hyun Kim and a decision victory over an over weight and sluggish Kelvin Gastelum. Former welterweight champion Johnny Hendricks lost the decision and his belt to Robbie Lawler in their rematch at UFC 181 but won a 3 round decision to Matt Brown at UFC 185.
While both fighters have bounced back from a loss, neither one did it in the impressive fashion we're used to seeing. They both still rank high in the division making this a fight that might determine who is next in line for a title shot. One thing is for certain however, the win would have to be impressive enough to warrant such an opportunity.
2. Hector Lombard vs. Carlos Condit
A torn ACL injury sustained at UFC 171 has kept Carlos Condit out of action since March of 2014. But with his return to the octagon expected some time in 2015, he is no doubt looking to avenge his loss to Tyron Woodley who took credit for the injury that has kept Condit out of action. But the rankings have changed in the year that Condit has been recovering from knee surgery. Woodley now ranks in at # 3 and is a few impressive wins away from title contention. Condit, now ranks at #4 and when he returns, the UFC must find a worthy opponent for "The Natural Born Killer."
Enter Hector Lombard who is just outside the top 5 ranking with a 3 fight win streak. With decision wins over Josh Burkman and Jake Shields, Lombard needs a big win over a big name to break into the top 5 and get the UFC thinking about giving him a title shot. First things first, he needs to headline a UFC fight night to show everyone that his stamina goes beyond 3 rounds and what better opponent than the former interim welterweight champ.
3. Kelvin Gastelum vs. Matt Brown.
Kelvin Gastelum was quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the welterweight division. With victories over names like Jake Ellenberger and Rick Story, he was the favorite going into his fight with Tyron Woodley at UFC 184. To everyone's surprise, he weighed in 10 lbs. over and lost by decision that night ending his 5 fight win streak. Even with the loss, he remains in the top 10 of the division and is in need of a big win that will make people forget about his weight cut issues.
Matt Brown has gone the distance with the last two welterweight champions and while it still doesn't erase the loss, both Robbie Lawler and Johnny Hendricks had to take their victories by way of decision. It is no surprise that Matt Brown is still in the top 5. With an impressive ground game and knock out power that has stopped the likes of Eric Silva, Brown is by no means out of the welterweight spot light. He is however in need of an opponent that can showcase his striking power and tenacity. Who better than the hard hitting Kelvin Gastelum.
Whether or not these fights take place, the welterweight division will continue to headline UFC events. And while 5 rounds of striking, grappling, and the submission move that might end the fight can be expected of any division, the welterweights have a way of stealing the show.
Comments
Post a Comment