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UFC on Fox: Maia vs. Condit fights to make
- Updated: August 28, 2016
It’s a well known fact that one of the most demanding jobs in MMA media is fantasy matchmaking. Lesser men may wilt from the task, but a true dedicated pro like myself will always step forward and dive into the theoretical hellscape that is the UFC roster.
This week I’m looking at the fallout from UFC Vancouver: Maia vs. Condit and the best possible fights to make coming out of the event. I’m trying my best to follow the Silva/Shelby methodology of similarly tenured opponents and (somewhat) winners vs. winners and losers vs. losers. Given those loose guidelines, here are my favorite fantasy matchups:
DEMIAN MAIA: If I’m Demian Maia right now, I’d just go ahead and wait for a title shot. He’s earned it, and he’s far enough in his career that if he’s been smart he shouldn’t “have” to fight right now. So sit on the sidelines. If the UFC goes with Woodley vs. Thompson first, that’s fine. But why jeopardize your shot at the belt to take a fight you don’t need. If he absolutely can’t stop himself from fighting, then I’d love to see him take on Cerrone. But my best advice is wait for a chance at the belt.
CARLOS CONDIT: Is he retiring? I wouldn’t mind if he did, he’s been doing this forever. Not a bad idea to step away. However, if he wants to keep fighting, then a second fight with Robbie Lawler has to be next. Their first fight was amazing and left some real unfinished business. I can’t see that a second fight would be any less awesome. It’s also the kind of thing that could headline a small card or co-main a big one. Lawler vs. Condit 2 is the fight to make.
ANTHONY PETTIS: Pettis won his featherweight debut, and he looked dangerous, but he didn’t necessarily look “great.” Oliveira plunked him with a lot of hard shots as Pettis’ gas tank faded fairly quickly. Pettis was able to win this fight with his grappling, which is ultra impressive, but it doesn’t quite make him an immediate superstar at 145. If Renan Barao beats Phillipe Nover (and he should), then Pettis vs. Barao would be a great/weird 135 …
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