For now the title picture in the UFC looks to have stabilized a little more after the tumultuous year that passed. Every title holder has a solid claim to the belt (if you pretend that Randy Couture no longer exists like the UFC), and at least a few contenders lined up.
However, three divisions in particular—Welterweight, Middleweight, and Light Heavyweight—have lost what were previously their figureheads. In fact, all of these champions have been violently and decisively removed from their spots.
This article examines the former champions against their new rivals, analyzing who among them has the best chance to regain their championship title.
Welterweight—Matt Hughes vs. Georges St. Pierre
Despite the year long hiccup that was Matt Serra's title reign (successful defenses: zero), GSP has been dominating the division in a way similar to Hughes in his yesteryear.
While there are a few solid challengers coming up (Jon Fitch, Thiago Alves), none really pose a threat to the young Canadian, who seems to have regained his aura of invincibility with three straight dominating wins since getting finished by Matt Serra, including stopping Serra in the second round with knees to the body just this month.
The fact of the matter is, when GSP is focused he looks unstoppable.
He trains with extremely high-level proponents in every area of his game, his striking is crisp and solid, his submissions are great, and his wrestling is near Olympic level (he was actually planning on trying out for the Olympic team in his time off).
Add that to the solid training partners and game-planning of Greg Jackson's camp, coupled with his natural strength and beastly athleticism, and you have a champion who looks extremely hard to beat.
The series between Hughes and St. Pierre is 2-1 GSP and will likely remain that way. With the two beatings that GSP has given Hughes—one win by KO and one by submission—a lot of people are forgetting that Hughes actually won their first go round, also by submission.
However, most chalk this up as a rookie mistake on the part of St. Pierre and something that is very unlikely to be repeated (it is one of his only two losses).
Hughes will always be competitive in the division, but he has given multiple hints that he is nearing the end of his career and only wants a few more fights. With Thiago Alves coming up this summer and most likely a bout with rival Matt Serra after that, Hughes has more or less conceded that GSP is the better fighter and doesn't show a marked interest in the belt, at least as long as the man from Quebec holds it.
Seeing as he will likely do so for quite some time, Hughes, the only man on this list to hold a win over his nemesis, appears least likely to regain his titleholder status.
Middleweight—Rich Franklin vs. Anderson Silva
Ever since Rich Franklin burst onto the UFC scene, he's been earmarked for success. He had it all: an exciting striker with a well-rounded game, a marketable look, and intelligent speaking ability.
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