Kelvin Gastelum defeated Vitor Belfort
As one fighter comes up, another goes down. Vitor Belfort has one stop remaining on his career path and Gastelum seems to have sky high potential. As for Vitor he said he would like one last fight against a non-Brazilian fighter at UFC 212. That should be easy enough, Uriah Hall is on a losing streak having failed to live up to his own potential. Two strikers going at it in a fan-friendly scrap seems to be an obvious choice to me.
Gatelum for his part has called out Anderson Silva, who himself has been calling for rematches. Silva, it seems, would like to face Bisping again, a nice idea but one he won’t get anytime soon. He has also asked for a fight with Nick Diaz, and it seems that is harder to organize than it should be. It is too soon to send Gastelum to the wolves of the division in Yoel Romero, Luke Rockhold, Jacare Souza, Chris Weidman and Gegard Mousasi. He could benefit from the rub a win against Silva will get him, and for Anderson himself, if he really wants a rematch with Bisping then he needs a much better performance than the one he showed against Derek Brunson. So Silva. (Editor’s Note: This was written before the news yesterday of Silva vs. Gastelum being officially booked.)
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua defeated Gian Vilante
If you want to belong in the top 10 of the Light Heavyweight Division, then “Shogun” remains the roadblock that you must smash your way past in order to belong. Illr Latifi coming off a loss to the departing Ryan Bader needs a new dance partner or if the UFC is keen to build up a newcomer Tyson Pedro who is sitting at 6-0 would benefit from fighting such a well known fighter.
Gian Vilante will have to look to those ranked below him now as, while he did not look terrible, it was far from a stellar showing. Step forward Ed Herman, the scrappy American fighter always brings in and would be a good “reset” fight for both fighters.
Edson Barboza defeated Beneil Dariush
Well, if that is not the Knockout of the Year, then I don’t know what will be. Edson Barboza continues to impress and it is now time to speed up the division. If he can make a quick turn around then a rematch with Tony Ferguson who was robbed of competing after Khabib had health issues in the lead up to their fight. The first fight they put on was an incredible back and forth, and with McGregor showing no interest in defending his belt then an interim fight with Ferguson seems the stand out pick. The sooner the better in my eyes, although it does add yet another interim title but until McGregor gives clarity on his position then there is little else to choose from.
Beneil Dariush had a good first round and remains an elite competitor, For me he is the gatekeeper to the top 10 and if you get passed him then you are the real deal. However, a loss is still a loss and one man who knows to much about losses currently is Gilbrt Melendez to determine who belongs at the bottom of the top 10 and who is in the top 20.
Ray Borg defeated Jussier Formiga
These two Flyweights put on a great show for the fans and while Borg got the decision it was still a close fight. Ray Borg now sets himself up for a fight with the winner of the Henry Cejudo and Sergio Pettis and a potential shot at the championship after their fight at UFC 211.
Jussier Formigas stock is hurt but nothing that he should be too devastating. He seems to only lose to the best in the division. John Moraga has hit a losing skid, Neil Seery is also a valid option
Kevin Lee defeated Francisco Trinaldo
Kevin Lee continues to impress and now has a four fight winning streak. Trinaldo, for his part, looked good, but the fairytale title run that many had predicted has been stopped in it’s tracks. The winner of Will Brooks and Charles Oliveira seems most sensible for Lee. Trinaldo can now face Adriano Martins which should tell us the potential ceiling of each.
Alex Oliveira defeated Tim Means
Alex Oliveira v Emil Meek
Tim Means v Warlley Alves
Marion Renee drew with Bethe Correia
Marion Reneau v Jessica Eye
Bethe Correia v Liz Carmouche
Sergio Moraes defeated Davi Ramos
Sergio Moraes v Matt Brown
Davi Ramos v Sabah Homasi
Joe Soto defeated Rani Yahya
Joe Soto v Michael McDonald
Rani Yahya v Iuri Alcantara
Michael Prazeres defeated Josh Burkman
Michael Prazeres v Rustam Khabilov
Josh Burkman should retire
Jeremy Kennedy defeated Rony Jason
Jeremy Kennedy v Ryan Hall
Rony Jason should be cut
Paulo Henrique Costa defeated Gareth McLellan
Paulo Henrique Costa v Gerald Meerschaert
Garreth McLellan should be cut
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