UFC Fight Night 70 Results: Burning Questions Going into UFC 189, TUF 21 Finale
UFC Fight Night 70 is in the books. The results are as follows (courtesy of Bleacher Report's FN70 play-by-play man, Nathan McCarter):
- Yoel Romero defeats Lyoto Machida by KO at 1:38 of the third round
- Lorenz Larkin defeats Santiago Ponzinibbio by TKO at 3:07 of the second round
- Antonio Carlos Junior defeats Eddie Gordon via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:37 of the third round
- Thiago Santos defeats Steve Bosse by KO at 0:29 of the first round
- Hacran Dias defeats Levan Makashvili by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Alex Oliveira defeats Joe Merritt by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Leandro Silva defeats Lewis Gonzalez by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Tony Sims defeats Steve Montgomery by KO at 2:43 of the first round
- Sirwan Kakai defeats Danny Martinez by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Next up? A double whammy of UFC 189 and the TUF21 Finale.
There's plenty to talk about here, given the volatile nature of the UFC 189 main event, the interesting headline in the TUF21 Finale and the generally talent-rich lineups underneath them. It was tough to limit this to just 10, but here are the most burning of questions heading into this dynamic duo of cards.
Will Fighters Take Action over the Reebok Deal?
1 of 10
Event: Both of Them
The Fight: All of Them
The Real Fight: Fighters Giving an Inch vs. UFC Taking a Lightyear
The Stakes
On July 11, the UFC's exclusive outfitting policy will come into effect. While backlash surrounding the deal (detailed well by Bleacher Report's Chad Dundas) has quieted a bit over the last month, there are still serious concerns regarding fighters' willingness to comply in light of a likely (and potentially huge) pay cut. The weeks between Fight Night 70 and UFC 189 could be a hugely tumultuous time for MMA.
The Question
Will fighters take action over the Reebok deal?
Analysis
What more can be said about the Reebok deal?
It's unnecessary in a world where the top pugilist has walked to the ring flanked by pop star Justin Bieber, pro wrestler Triple H and corporate mascot The Burger King. It's insanely unfair, as top fighters who established themselves outside the UFC (particularly women) are getting disproportionately hammered. It's undeniably detrimental to the sport as fighters who already struggle to make ends meet are forced out of the realm of professional athletics and into being weekend warriors.
Quite frankly, it's indefensible. It doesn't matter how many times Dana White disingenuously parrots that "fighters are getting all the money" (which they aren't, as the UFC sells ad space on those uniforms and doesn't give fighters a cent of it) while simultaneously acknowledging that folks like Jose Aldo are making more from other apparel companies. The situation is dire right now, MMA fans, and fighters are running out of time to do something about it.
Which Welterweights Will Assert Their Standing in the UFC?
2 of 10
Event: UFC 189
The Fights: Cathal Pendred vs. John Howard, Mike Swick vs. Alex Garcia, Matt Brown vs. Tim Means, Gunnar Nelson vs. Brandon Thatch
The Real Fight: All Kinds of Fighters vs. All Kinds of Situations
The Stakes
The middle of UFC 189's fight card is packed with solid welterweights desperate to stand out. Some are ranked fighters looking to regain their footing after tough losses. Some are newcomers looking to establish a name. Some are veterans looking to follow in the footsteps of Robbie Lawler. Some are fighting for their jobs.
UFC 189 will host a great deal of interesting talent, and the middle of the welterweight pack will be shaken up in a big way after Saturday night.
The Question
Which welterweights will assert their standing in the UFC?
Analysis
It would take forever to go over each of these fights, but a lot is on the line for all these men. Mike Swick and John Howard likely have their spots on the roster at stake. Cathal Pendred, Gunnar Nelson and Brandon Thatch are all young upstarts looking to establish themselves as the future of the division. Tim Means and Matt Brown are, essentially, fighting with a spot in the top 10 on the line.
While these fights are somewhat lacking in name value, each one is a high-stakes affair.
How Will Michelle Waterson Do in Her UFC Debut?
3 of 10
Event: TUF21 Finale
The Fight: Michelle Waterson vs. Angela Magana
The Real Fight: Invicta Postergirl vs. Fresh Starts
The Stakes
One moment, Michelle Waterson was the top draw in Invicta FC. The next, she was handing her belt over to the unknown Herica Tiburcio. In spite of that, the Karate Hottie got called up to the UFC and looks to begin anew as a strawweight.
Her UFC debut comes opposite Angela Magana at the TUF21 Finale. A big win could establish her as an overnight star, while a loss would leave her reeling.
The Question
How will Michelle Waterson do in her UFC debut?
Analysis
Waterson has a very high promotional ceiling, there's no doubt about that. There are, however, big questions regarding her place in the strawweight division. While the sample size is small, true atomweights have fared very poorly in the UFC thus far, with the most recent example being Joanna Jedrzejczyk mauling a puny-by-comparison Jessica Penne.
In the short term, Waterson's future seems solid as she faces off with TUF20's black sheep in a fight where she will likely open as a huge favorite. In the long term, it is tough to imagine Waterson—an undersized striker who works best at range—being able to mount a lengthy winning streak in a division rife with grapplers and clinch-based bruisers.
.jpg?w=256 "Titans Camp Football")
Will Jorge Masvidal Show Some Killer Instinct?
4 of 10
Event: TUF21 Finale
The Fight: Jorge Masvidal vs. Cezar Ferreira
The Real Fight: Jorge Masvidal vs. Coasting
The Stakes
Jorge Masvidal entered Fight Night 63 on a three-fight winning streak, poised to make a run into the UFC's lightweight top 10. He exited frustrated and flustered by a controversial split-decision loss to the suddenly huge Al Iaquinta. While the majority of onlookers scored the fight in favor of Masvidal, UFC matchmakers are doing him no favors. Set to face TUF: Brazil 1 winner Cezar Ferreira in the welterweight division, the Strikeforce alum is running on a career treadmill.
The Question
Will Jorge Masvidal show some killer instinct?
Analysis
Masvidal is a fringe top-10 lightweight and is in prime position for a title run, given the recent drop-offs of Rustam Khabilov and Gilbert Melendez. Had he stayed at 155 pounds, there were more than a few fighters he could have rebounded off of directly into the top 10. That makes it somewhat odd he would jump up to 170 pounds at this point in his career.
On the other hand, Masvidal told MMAJunkie Radio in May that he has long struggled to make 155 pounds, which is an interesting statement given his constant lack of urgency in the cage. Many have perceived that to be a mental or strategic issue. If it was a physical problem, and if he looks good against Ferreira, it could be the beginning for a whole new Masvidal.
Who Has Gotten Better Since UFC 167?
5 of 10
Event: UFC 189
The Fight: Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald
The Real Fight: 2015 Robbie Lawler vs. 2015 Rory MacDonald
The Stakes
Rory MacDonald is finally getting his shot at the welterweight belt, but he must defeat a tough Robbie Lawler in order to take the title. The two faced off once before in a closely contested bout at UFC 167, which Lawler won via split decision. This will be decided on which fighter has improved the most in the 18 months since.
The Question
Who Has Gotten Better Since UFC 167?
Analysis
Both men have posted some impressive wins since their first fight. Lawler twice looked strong against a dangerous Johny Hendricks and earned a clean win over a game Matt Brown. MacDonald, however, utterly dominated Tyron Woodley and starched Tarec Saffiedine with 2014's Knockout of the Year.
Though Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor may get all the attention ahead of UFC 189, this is the clear-cut most interesting matchup of the weekend from a technical perspective. Lawler is a creative veteran with a diverse attack, while MacDonald is hyper-analytical and looks to dissect each opponent on the fly. This one could easily be the Fight of the Year for technique-minded fans.
Does Jake Ellenberger Have Anything Left?
6 of 10
Event: TUF21 Finale
The Fight: Jake Ellenberger vs. Stephen Thompson
The Real Fight: Jake Ellenberger vs. Wear, Tear
The Stakes
Jake Ellenberger likely saved his UFC job by defeating Josh Koscheck at UFC 184, but make no mistake. There are few UFC fighters the Juggernaut can reasonably be favored over. Set to take on Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson, it feels like the IFL veteran needs a miracle to pull off a win.
The Question
Does Jake Ellenberger have anything left?
Analysis
Fighters can go from predator to prey overnight. Jake Ellenberger's career speaks to that. Over the course of two years, Ellenberger has gone from being a top-five welterweight to being a +175 underdog (odds via OddsShark.com) against a relatively unproven kickboxer.
At age 30, it is possible he still has some fight left in him. His fights against Kelvin Gastelum and Robbie Lawler, however, suggest that's not the case.
Will Stephen Thompson Finally Get Some Respect Around Here?
7 of 10
Event: TUF21 Finale
The Fight: Jake Ellenberger vs. Stephen Thompson
The Real Fight: Stephen Thompson vs. Being at the Right Place at the Right Time
The Stakes
Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson is 5-1 in the UFC. His only loss was in his second bout with the promotion, opposite an at-the-time surging Matt Brown. Three of those wins have been by impressive knockout.
Unfortunately, his stellar performances in the cage haven't translated into adoration from the common fan. If he can beat Jake Ellenberger, who is still ranked in the top 10 for some reason, he will likely start getting the respect he deserves.
The Question
Will Stephen Thompson finally get some respect around here?
Analysis
Go watch some of Thompson's fights on Fight Pass. Do it! The man is Anderson Silva-like, and that is a label readers have not seen thrown around often.
It's hard not to be absolutely dumbstruck by his kickboxing skills, and it's very possible he is the single best striker in the division today. If he can beat Ellenberger decisively, it will likely open the door for much bigger fights, and perhaps a Wonderboy title run.
Will Aldo vs. McGregor Actually Happen?
8 of 10
Event: UFC 189
The Fight: Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor
The Real Fight: Jose Aldo vs. NSAC Doctors
The Stakes
In case anybody missed it, there was a big scare on Tuesday over an injury suffered by Jose Aldo ahead of UFC 189. While he was eventually diagnosed with a bruised rib (rather than a fracture), there is still a very real chance that his fight with Conor McGregor gets scrapped.
The Question
Will this fight actually happen?
Analysis
It is possible NSAC doctors may say that Aldo is medically unfit to compete. It is also possible the bruise may be exacerbated to the point where he can't fight. Either way, there are serious concerns regarding whether or not this fight happens. Make sure to keep a close eye on Bleacher Report for news as it breaks.
If It Doesn't, Will the UFC Really Make McGregor vs. Mendes?
9 of 10
Event: UFC 189
The Fight: Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor
The Real Fight: Conor McGregor vs. Chad Mendes?
The Stakes
With or without Jose Aldo, the UFC is planning to keep Conor McGregor on the UFC 189 card. If Aldo is forced out, a grudge match between McGregor and Chad Mendes has been penned to replace it. Should they go through with that, it may wind up being the worst decision in the history of decisions.
The Question
If Aldo vs. McGregor doesn't happen, will the UFC really make McGregor vs. Mendes?
Analysis
Deep breath...
OK, so McGregor vs. Mendes is an awful idea or the following reasons:
- Aldo vs. McGregor is a potential million-buy fight. It is profoundly unwise to risk him losing. Pull him and rebook it.
- Aldo, should he withdraw, will likely only be shelved for a few months. Should McGregor win while suffering a major knee or shoulder injury during this unnecessary fight, their blockbuster bout gets pushed back up to 18 months.
- It is silly and unfair to ask McGregor to possibly take on Mendes on short notice. McGregor has to split his training and focus between two radically different opponents. Mendes and Aldo do not, which gives them an unfair edge.
- Nobody cares about Mendes. UFC 179 was an absolute dud, drawing a measly 180,000 buys. With two decisive losses to Aldo on his record, a third fight would likely wind up being a Demetrious Johnson-caliber financial flop.
- Given Mendes' historical inefficacy against Aldo and his lack of drawing power, the UFC should have turned to other potential fill-ins. Frankie Edgar was the clear choice if they insisted on a top-five featherweight. Nate Diaz would have been the go-to guy for a "fun" fight. Charles Oliveira hits both notes.
Yeah. There does not seem to be any thought behind this. Hopefully the UFC wises up and protects their cash cow.
If It Does, Will Jose Aldo's Rib Injury Be an Obvious Factor?
10 of 10
Event: UFC 189
The Fight: Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor
The Real Fight: Jose Aldo vs. Bruised Ribs
The Stakes
Bruised ribs are an incredibly troublesome injury and can have a profound impact on a fighter's effectiveness. Even if Aldo can enter the cage, it does not feel like the "real" Aldo will be the one fighting.
The Question
If Aldo vs. McGregor does happen, will Jose Aldo's rib injury be an obvious factor?
Analysis
Bleacher Report's Jonathan Snowden said it best here:
"McGregor is a true fighter. He believes he's better than Aldo. He wants to make his case in the most definitive way possible. He wants to beat Aldo at his very best. Unfortunately, there is no best-case scenario. Not anymore. There is only the lesser of two evils—a win against an obviously diminished foe.
That's no fit way to begin the McGregor Era.
"
Make sure to read his full article.
.jpg?w=480 "Titans Camp Football")
.jpg?w=600 "Best NFL Free Agents")
