Following last night’s UFC 157 event we take a look at what may be next for the big winners on the card.
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Ronda Rousey:
Rousey was able to show off her defense as well as her offense in her UFC debut in an entertaining fight that showed why female MMA does belong on the sports biggest stage.
Afterwards it was revealed that the winner of Meisha Tate Vs Cat Zingano at the TUF 16 finale in April will fight for Rousey’s title next.
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Lyoto Machida:
This wasn’t an exciting performance from Machida, but it was the cautious strategy many of us thought he would employ in order to get past a very dangerous opponent in Dan Henderson.
There was some suggestion that the dull nature of this fight may result in the UFC looking elsewhere for the next No.1 contender, but Dana White confirmed after the event that Machida is now set to face the winner of Jon Jones and Chael Sonnen for the 205lb title.
A little surprising – for me Alexander Gustafsson would be a more worthy challenger if he beats Gegard Mousasi in Sweden.
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Urijah Faber:
Faber looked like his old self during a good victory over Ivan Menjivar, proving that he’s still a major player at 135lbs.
He’s lost in two title challenges in the division during his tenure in the UFC already though, so he’s going to have to get another one or two wins under his belt before earning another chance. I’d put him in with Michael McDonald next.
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Court McGee:
A good battling performance from McGee here against a tough, gritty opponent, showing improved striking at times and bounced back well after appearing to be tiring in the second round.
I don’t think McGee’s ready for a big step-up in competition yet though and I’d put him in with Kyle Noke next who’s also recently picked up a win after a two-fight losing streak.
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Robbie Lawler:
Great win for Lawler against one of the division’s toughest fighters in Josh Koscheck and he looked like 170lbs is going to be a good fit for him after a long stint at 185lbs over at Strikeforce.
Ideally I’d like to see Lawler matched up with a striker next, and so why not Strikeforce’s last ever welterweight title holder Tarec Saffiedine who’s still awaiting his debut in the UFC and is currently perched at No.9 on the official 170lb rankings.
