Justin Gaethje’s Replacement Opponent
If Justin stays on the card, who do you want to see him fight, and who do you believe the UFC chooses? The news that Dan Hooker broke his hand and is out of UFC 313 is undoubtedly disappointing, especially given the excitement surrounding their matchup. The card isn’t exactly stacked with other compelling fights, so it’s crucial for the UFC to find a suitable replacement.
Several fighters have offered to step in, but options like Rafael Fiziev, Mateusz Gamrot, and Renato Moicano don’t quite bring the same level of excitement. Fiziev, a rematch, is not a wise choice as Gaethje already knows his game. Gamrot, though respected, has a grappling style that might not be the best fit. Moicano, while viable, is more of a grind-and-control fighter, which Gaethje might find less engaging.
The best and most logical choice is Ilia Topuria. Topuria has been vocal about his desire to fight Gaethje and is known for his willingness to take on challenging fights. Dropping his featherweight title to fight Gaethje on short notice would not only boost Topuria’s reputation but also make the fight with Islam Makhachev a much more significant pay-per-view attraction. If Topuria can pull off this feat, he’ll earn a legendary status similar to Alex Pereira, who became a household name last year with his dramatic and unorthodox bouts. So, while it’s not the ideal situation, it’s the one that makes the most sense and provides the most upside for both fighters and the UFC.
Song Yadong vs. Henry Cejudo 2: A Necessary Rematch?
Is it worth booking a Song Yadong vs. Henry Cejudo rematch, in the hope that everyone gets their chocolate ganache? Or is it better for both of them to move on to other fights? The controversial and bizarre ending of their fight at UFC Seattle, where Song won by technical decision following an eye poke, has left many fans and pundits divided.
Personally, I think officially declaring the bout a No-Contest would be the fairest outcome. The fight was stopped due to an illegal strike, and it’s not right for a fighter to win as a result of cheating, no matter how unintentional. However, if we must have a winner, Song Yadong clearly had the upper hand. He was outstriking Cejudo and controlling the fight. The eye poke, while unfortunate, saved us from seeing an older Cejudo get dominated for an extra 10 minutes.
Given the less-than-stellar nature of the fight, I don’t see much value in a rematch. It’s not like the match was a classic or even particularly entertaining. Song should move on to stronger opponents to prove his mettle, and Cejudo, if he doesn’t retire, should consider testing his skills at a different weight class. Both fighters would benefit more from new challenges than reliving a contentious and unremarkable fight.
The Case for Point Deductions in MMA
Do you actually think a point deduction for every foul would be a better product? Not accusatory btw just wondering. I completely agree that point deductions for fouls would significantly improve MMA as a sport. It’s baffling that MMA is the only combat sport where fouls are not consistently penalized. This lack of enforcement often leads to a frustrating and unfair experience for both fighters and fans.
The argument that referees already influence the fight by recognizing fouls is a weak one. Referees are there to enforce the rules, and failing to do so is not being objective; it’s actively helping the offending party. In no other sport would a referee allow repeated fouls without consequences. Imagine if an NFL referee didn’t call defensive pass interference, saying, “Well, we told the Saints to stop doing it, 4th and 7.” They would be fired immediately.
Cheating is cheating, regardless of the sport. If fighters know they will be penalized for fouls, they will be less likely to commit them. The concept of mitigating penalties is a legitimate skill in other sports, and MMA should follow suit. Using instant replay to confirm fouls and awarding the non-offending party a choice of position for minor infractions like fence grabs would make the process smoother and fairer.
This change would not only make the sport more competitive and fair but also enhance the viewing experience by reducing the number of interruptions. It’s time for MMA to step up and implement a more robust fouls system.
Henry Cejudo’s Future Opponent
If Henry Cejudo doesn’t retire and doesn’t rematch Song Yadong, who would you like to see him matched up with next? Henry Cejudo’s decision to move up to bantamweight was met with mixed reactions, and his performance against Song Yadong definitely didn’t do much to quell the doubts. Given his size and previous form, I think it’s time for Cejudo to consider a return to flyweight.
At 125 pounds, Cejudo was a dominant champion and could find more success and less strain on his body. Potential opponents like Deiveson Figueiredo and Matt Schnell could provide engaging and competitive fights. If Cejudo insists on staying at bantamweight, he could face contenders like Aljamain Sterling or Cory Sandhagen, though I doubt these matches would be as exciting or beneficial for his legacy.
Jose Aldo, another former champion, is also an intriguing option, but he’s currently booked against Aimann Zahabi, which is a baffling decision. Aldo deserves better opposition in his twilight years, like a legendary catchweight fight against Patricio Pitbull or a high-profile matchup with Henry Cejudo. These fights would provide more entertainment and respect for one of the sport’s greatest icons.
Anthony Hernandez at Middleweight
How do you see Fluffy Hernandez doing against the top 5 at middleweight? Fluffy Hernandez’s recent unanimous decision over Brendan Allen in their UFC 298 rematch cements his status as a rising contender at 185 pounds. With a seven-fight win streak and a high ranking, he’s undeniably a force to be reckoned with.
However, while Fluffy’s superpower of relentless wrestling and exceptional cardio can make life difficult for his opponents, it remains to be seen how effective it will be against the top 5 middleweights. Fighters like Dricus du Plessis, Nassourdine Imavov, and Khamzat Chimaev are known for their hard-hitting and well-rounded skills. Even Sean Strickland, who is a bit lower in the rankings, could pose a significant challenge.
Fluffy’s gameplan is solid, but his chin and overall striking defense might be tested against these elite opponents. Brendan Allen, while a tough fighter, is a step below the caliber of those in the top 5. I see Fluffy as a fighter who can hold his ground and make any fight competitive, but I doubt he has the tools to become a world champion. Nevertheless, his next few matchups will be crucial in determining his true potential in the middleweight division.
The Bizarre Fight of the Night Award
FOTN? It was the worst fight of the night? The fight of the night (FOTN) award at UFC Seattle was one of the biggest head-scratchers of the event. Rob Font’s battle against Jean Matsumoto was an absolute slugfest and one of the most entertaining matchups of the night. The fact that Font and Matsumoto were snubbed for the FOTN award in favor of a less engaging fight is truly baffling.
Matsumoto’s willingness to engage and Font’s resilience made their fight a must-watch, yet the UFC chose to recognize a different bout. It’s frustrating to see such a deserving performance go unacknowledged. The UFC should consider giving out four performance bonuses to ensure that all standout performances are recognized. It not only rewards the fighters but also adds to the excitement and credibility of the event.
Wrapping Up
Thanks for reading and thanks to everyone who sent in questions! Whether you’re curious about the latest news, fighter matchups, or the inner workings of the sport, feel free to reach out via Twitter (@JedKMeshew). Your insights and queries help keep the conversation lively and engaging. Until next time, stay tuned for more MMA action and analysis.
