UFC 98: What's Next??

Sean Schimling by Analyst Written on May 24, 2009
MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM - APRIL 21: Lyoto Machida of Brazil and David Heath of England in action during a Welterweight bout of the Ultimate Fighting Championship at the Manchester Evening News Arena on April 21, 2007 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Gary M. Prior/Getty Images). (Photo by Gary M. Prior/Getty Images).

After watching UFC 98 (which was surprisingly good), I sat back and thought. I always find myself thinking what is next for certain fighters. So instead of just thinking to myself, I decided to share with all of you. Enjoy!

 

Lyoto Machida

Obviously, he'll be taking on Rampage Jackson next. But my question is when? I've heard rumors of Rampage and Lyoto being the next coaches on The Ultimate Fighter.

I don't like that idea at all, the 205 pound division is the most stacked in the UFC. Why would you put the belt on hold (again) for seven months?

I'd like to see Lyoto and Rampage go at it at UFC 102 (which I'm attending). It makes sense, it's not like Lyoto sustained any damage against Rashad. Rampage would have plenty of time to get ready, so why not?

 

Rashad Evans

After suffering his first loss in his MMA career, Rashad is going to need a tune-up fight. I don't think he'll want an easy opponent.

I'd like to see him go against someone like Shogun or Thiago Silva. I think Rashad can still be a title contender, but it'll be interesting to see how he comes back from a brutal loss.

 

Matt Hughes

Matt Hughes pulled off a lackluster performance and gained a unanimous decision win over Matt Serra. I thought Hughes would retire, but it doesn't appear likely.

So with that being said, I think Matt Hughes's next opponent should be Brock Larson or Josh Koscheck.

Both men are contenders, but not top contenders. If Hughes somehow pulls a off a win over one of those two, then maybe he'll wash away talks of retirement.

 

Matt Serra

Matt Serra, although he lost, impressed me. He was always pushing the pace, and had Hughes in trouble a couple times. Serra is another fighter I hoped would retire after their UFC 98 fight, but again I'm let down.

I think since it looks like Serra will be sticking around, he should move down to 155. He'd benefit from it, he'll be bigger and stronger than his opponents.

If he chooses to stay at 170, I see him taking on someone like Carlos Condit or Marcus Davis.

 

Frankie Edgar

Frankie Edgar pulled out a great victory over Sean Sherk. I think that Edgar's next step should be or the loser of Guida/Sanchez.

The UFC is almost certain that the winner of Guida/Sanchez will take on the winner of Penn/Florian.

So I'd stick Edgar in there with the loser of that fight and see if he can handle himself, if he does then he may be next in line for a title shot.

I'd also like to see a rematch with him and Gray Maynard.

 

Sean Sherk

Sherk is 35 years old, but still in pretty good shape. He'll have to make another hike up the lightweight mountain. 

I say he starts with Joe Stevenson, Stevenson is a legit gatekeeper. If Sherk wins he continues up, but if he loses then he takes a spot right beside Joe Daddy.

 

The Rest

Krzysztof Soszynski: I think he'll end up facing someone like Jon Jones or Brandon Vera. He's proving he has what it takes to win, now let's see him against a quality opponent.

Chael Sonnen:I say let him face someone in a comeback fight like Patrick Cote of Thales Leites. He'll be a gatekeeper for sure.

That is all folks, hope you enjoyed. As always, Leave Feedback!

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written on May 24, 2009 Preview/Prediction

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