ROUNDTABLE (pt. 1): Which top fighter from a previous UFC era would you most like to see in their prime against a top star in today’s scene?

Which top fighter from a previous UFC era would you most like to see in their prime against a top star in today’s scene, and who do you think would win?

Michael Grocke, MMATorch contributor

Matt Hughes (45-9) vs. Carlos Condit (30-10) – Welterweight (170 lbs.)

Matt Hughes and Carlos Condit are two of my all-time favorite fighters, and the fight I would most like to see. I tend to think as time goes on people forget just how dominant Matt Hughes was from 1999-2005. The UFC Hall of Famer successfully defended his title seven times and is on most people’s list of the top 10 best fighters of all-time.

While not as decorated as Hughes, Carlos Condit successfully defended the WEC Welterweight Championship three times and held the UFC Interim Welterweight Championship when he defeated Nick Diaz at UFC 143.

Hughes would utilize his superb wrestling skills in an effort to get the fight to the ground where he can administer his ground and pound while trying to work in a submission. Condit, on the other hand, will do everything he can to keep the fight standing to try to take advantage of his height and reach advantage. I think Condit would find success early keeping distance, but eventually Hughes would get inside and begin getting takedowns with relative ease.

Winner: Hughes by UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Michael Hiscoe, MMATorch contributor

I’d love to see top-form, peak B.J. Penn against Conor McGregor at lightweight. I think the cut to 145 was too much for Penn and he was always at his best at 155 anyway. It’s also a more natural weight for McGregor. The promos building up the fight would likely be legendary and both fight so aggressively, that it would likely be a really fun fight to watch. As for who would win, it would be the classic grappler vs. striker match. If B.J. could get McGregor down, I can only see him swallowing him up and submitting McGregor rather easily. However, if McGregor can stay standing, he’s a more effective counter striker and would likely win by knockout. I’d have to take McGregor despite B.J. Penn’s legendary status. I wouldn’t support it, but heck, even today’s B.J. Penn would take that fight right now.

Robert Vallejos, MMATorch contributor

I would love to see many fighters from the SEG era in this current climate. In particular I think it would be great to see a guy like Dan Severn face a modern collegiate wrestling heavyweight like Cain Velasquez. Velasquez would likely prevail because of his striking ability, but I have no doubt that these two could put on a trilogy of fights. Heck, Severn would probably take the fight in 2016 if it was offered to him.

How about your dream fight? 

If you are reading this on our desktop website, in the comments section below let us know your dream fight between fighters from different eras. If you are reading this on our mobile site, email mmatorch@gmail.com with your pick. We publish some reader dream fights later this week.

NOW CHECK OUT THE PREVIOUS ROUNDTABLE: What would you like to see UFC do with Jacare Souza now that Luke Rockhold is out of Nov. 27 Fight Night?