The Return of UFC 323: A Special Weekend in Las Vegas
This past weekend provided a rare break from the non-stop action in the UFC, but the excitement is back with a vengeance as UFC 323 takes place on Saturday in Las Vegas. This event is particularly noteworthy as it marks the final pay-per-view, possibly ever, and features the last fight of future Hall of Famer Henry Cejudo. With so much on the line, let’s delve into Cejudo’s illustrious career, the new television deal, and some intriguing fantasy fights.
Henry Cejudo: A Career of Triumphs and Questions
Henry Cejudo’s career is a fascinating tapestry of achievement and controversy. An Olympic gold medal winner in freestyle wrestling, Cejudo’s transition to MMA was nothing short of spectacular. He secured world championships in both the bantamweight and flyweight divisions, making him a unique and revered figure in the sport. However, his career is often scrutinized, and for good reason. Cejudo’s greatest accomplishment lies not in his UFC titles but in his Olympic gold medal. This achievement, given his age and the circumstances, is nothing short of remarkable. If Cejudo had never entered MMA, he would still be considered a great athlete.
The Downside of Cejudo’s Career
While Cejudo’s titles and gold medal are undeniably impressive, his career has its fair share of criticisms. One of the most significant is his decision to retire at the peak of his career. Athletes across all sports have long acknowledged that being the hunted is far more challenging than being the hunter, and Cejudo’s reluctance to defend his titles is a stark example of this. His initial retirement, which he attempted to use as leverage for better pay or a title shot in featherweight, backfired spectacularly. This led to a three-year hiatus, during which he lost a step. When he returned, the competition had moved forward, and his performances lacked the sharpness of his earlier years.
Missed Opportunities and Legacy
The real tragedy of Cejudo’s career is the potential matches and legacies he left on the table. His two-division champion status, while impressive, is not as robust as it might seem. His rematch with Demetrious Johnson is often cited as a loss, and his victory over T.J. Dillashaw is tainted by Dillashaw’s ill-advised weight cut. His wins over Marlon Moraes and Dominick Cruz, while significant, have not stood the test of time. Cejudo’s career, while undeniably successful, could have been even more legendary had he stayed the course. Nevertheless, his three world titles and a guaranteed place in the Hall of Fame are testaments to his exceptional talent and achievements.
The New Broadcast Deal: A Mixed Blessing
The UFC’s latest broadcast deal has raised questions about the future of the sport. With the numbered events changing and the UFC receiving guaranteed cash, there is a concern that the quality of fights might suffer. However, the ESPN deal, despite its flaws, had already established a baseline for PPV buys, making the incentive to produce high-quality cards minimal. The new deal with Paramount, while not likely to accelerate the decline, does little to reverse it. Dana White’s recent announcement of doubling the Contender Series output is a worrying sign, as it suggests a focus on quantity over quality. Despite these challenges, the UFC’s alignment with a specific political ideology has helped it retain a strong, loyal fanbase. This connection, rooted in firm ideological beliefs, ensures continued sellouts and increasing site fees, making the UFC resilient in the face of potential changes.
Fantasy Fights: What-If Scenarios
The world of fantasy fights is a haven for endless debate and speculation. Here are a few hypothetical matchups and their potential outcomes:
- Matt Hughes vs. Kevin Holland: Prime Matt Hughes would comfortably best Kevin Holland. Hughes, often underrated, was one of the best fighters in the world during his prime, and Holland’s lack of wrestling prowess would leave him vulnerable.
- Chuck Liddell vs. Jiri Prochazka: This would be a thrilling encounter, but Jiri’s diverse game and modern skillset give him the edge. However, Chuck’s legendary chin and striking power could make this a close and exciting contest.
- BJ Penn vs. Alexander Volkanovski (Lightweight): Prime BJ Penn was a revolutionary fighter whose impact on MMA is often underappreciated. While Volkanovski’s gameplanning and cardio would be significant advantages, Penn’s jab and technical prowess make this a fascinating matchup, with Volkanovski likely emerging victorious by decision.
- TJ Dillashaw vs. Merab Dvalishvili: TJ Dillashaw, despite his current form, is still a formidable opponent. However, Dvalishvili’s superior striking, footwork, and cardio make him the likely victor.
- Diego Sanchez vs. Carlos Prates: In this matchup, Prates, a modern welterweight, would easily outclass Diego Sanchez, a talented but outdated fighter in today’s landscape.
- Brock Lesnar vs. Cyril Gane: Brock Lesnar, despite his limited MMA experience, has the raw power and resilience to overcome Gane’s technical limitations, making him the probable winner.
- Rich Franklin vs. Robocop (Gregory Rodrigues): Rich Franklin, a well-rounded fighter, would likely prevail over Robocop due to his superior technical skills and adaptability.
Closing Thoughts
As UFC 323 approaches, fans are treated to a mix of nostalgia, controversy, and speculation. Whether it’s the final chapter of Henry Cejudo’s career or the hypothetical matchups that spark endless debate, one thing is clear: the world of combat sports continues to captivate and entertain. Thank you for your questions and insights, and we look forward to more engaging discussions in the weeks to come. Stay tuned for the action and keep the questions coming. See you next week!
