Odd Yet Interesting Fights: My 2009 UFC Wish-List Vol.1

I've read countless articles of fights people wanted to see in 2009. I've noticed that all of them are high caliber fights. Such as: Rampage/Rashad, Anderson/GSP, Chuck/Randy 4, etc.

I too want to see those fights, but there are a lot of other fights I'd love to see in '09. Many of which will get no love unless they are brought up. So that is what I'm doing, ENJOY!!!

10. Josh Koscheck vs. Mike Swick

I put this at number ten because it's the most talked about of my list. This fight would be exciting to watch. Both men are stars searching for the next step on the ladder. The winner of this fight could jump to no. 1 contender status, or at-least a fight with Jon Fitch.

These two had strong showings at the "Fight For The Troops'' and should present quite a challenge for one another. I hope this happens in '09, it has a high possibility! I also hope it's free on Spike (Greedy, I know).

9. Ben Saunders vs. Dustin Hazelett

Both are rising stars in the welterweight division, both need a win against a quality opponent. Saunders showed his skills at UFC's "Fight For The Troops," by pulling off an Anderson Silva like Muay Thai clinch. After that beat down he delivered, people started taking notice.

Hazelett began making waves at "The Ultimate Fighter 7 Finale," by submitting Josh Burkman. He won submission of the night, and fight of the night honors. He then went on to pull off an impressive victory over Tamdan McCrory at UFC 91. After two straight submission of the night awards it was clear this guy was for real.

I don't know about the possibility of this fight happening in '09. But we can all cross our fingers and hope!

8. Cain Velasquez vs. Junior Dos Santos

Two rising stars of the heavyweight division. Both men are impressive, and are sure to cause trouble in the heavyweight division for years to come.

Velasquez is 4-0 with all of his fights ending in the first round by (T)KO. He is extremely talented, and very dynamic. I'd love to see him challenged by a game opponent. If he wins his fight at UFN 17, this should be his next bout.

Dos Santos burst onto the scene after delivering a high-light reel KO of Fabricio Werdum. He is 7-1 in his MMA career, and is definitely a force to be reckoned with. He has power and good speed for a heavyweight. I think a fight with Cain could propel him to the next level.

Again I am uncertain about the possibility of this fight, so all we can do is hope.

7. Anthony Johnson vs. Karo Parisyan

One rising star, one fighter on the brink. What more could you ask for?

Anthony Johnson jumped onto the scene with a 13 second knockout at UFN 10. He then lost to Rich Clementi at UFC 76, although he dominated early, he got caught in a rear-naked choke and tapped out. He then returned and knocked Ultimate Fighter 6 runner-up Tommy Speer.

Johnson lost a contraversial match to Kevin Burns, due to getting his eye poked, but avenged his loss at "The Ultimate Fighter 8 Finale." He is definitely a star, all he needs is to prove it. What better was than to fight a respected veteran?

Karo has been inactive lately due to injury, but before was a stud. He only has 3 losses in the octagon (Thiago Alves, Diego Sanchez, and Georges St.Pierre) which are nothing to be ashamed of. He is fighting at UFC 94 against up and comer Dong Hyum Kim. Depending on what happens I'd love to see him face "Rumble" Johnson next.

This fight may or may not happen, but if Dana White ever reads this, "MAKE IT HAPPEN!"

6. Denis Kang vs. Kendall Grove

Both fighters are stars, but can't seem to find consistency as of late. This fight could welcome Denis Kang to the masses or be Kendall Grove's comeback.

Kendall Grove was the T.U.F 3 winner, and seemed to be heading for stardom. Until UFC 74 came along and Patrick Cote handed him a slice of humble pie in the form of a knockout. The UFC hoped for a comeback at UFC 80 when the matched him up with Jorge Rivera, but didn't get their wish, another knockout loss.

Grove moved back to Hawaii, and now trains with BJ Penn. In his fight with Evan Tanner (R.I.P) he looked better than ever. Hopefully "Da Spyda" is back to his old self. This fight could be a make or break fight for him.

Denis Kang was recently signed to the UFC and is fighting at UFC 93. As usual he is getting a below-average opponent to introduce him to the fans. He is a veteran fighter with a record of 31-10-2, he needs no intro for hard-core MMA fans.

Kang has had a string of bad luck lately and needs to get back to his winning ways. A win over Belcher at UFC 93 could help. After that match him up with an opponent that will challenge him (insert Grove).

Are you listening Dana?

5. Cheick Kongo vs. Shane Carwin

Both could get a title shot in the heavyweight division in the future. This fight would tell us a lot about both fighters.

Kongo looked impressive in his fight at UFC 92 (minus the intentional shot to the boys). He lobbied for a title shot after his win. Is he ready? No, he needs a few more fights before he gets a shot at Brock/Frank.

He will most likely fight another gate keeper next like Herring. But after he fights his next fight. I think the UFC should line him up with Shane Carwin, the winner might just be in line for a title shot.

Shane Carwin exploded onto the scene at UFC 84, knocking his opponent out in 44 seconds. He then made quick work at UFC 89 with another first round KO. He is now set to face Gabriel Gonzaga for a possible no.1 contender spot.

Win,lose, or draw I think he should face Kongo next. I see Kongo winning his next fight, and I see Carwin doing the same. Both men should then face-off in a no.1 contender match. It would be exciting and most likely end in a knockout!

'09? Lets hope!

4. Keith Jardine vs. Forrest Griffin 2

A little less odd than previously listed, but still un-thought of. Both men could use this fight, I'm sure Forrest would like to avenge his emotional defeat. Jardine would like to take that next step towards a title shot.

Forrest is coming off a loss to Rashad Evans, a training partner of Keith Jardine. He needs a fight to get back on track, why not give him the opportunity to avenge a loss as well as try to get back on the path. Forrest wouldn't be opposed.

Jardine has a rumored fight at UFC 95, but that works out because Forrest is suspended medically. Jardine is fresh off a win at UFC 89 against Brandon "The Lie" Vera. He needs to keep compiling wins in order to get his title shot. A fight with Forrest would be perfect, if he wins again he is almost guaranteed a shot.

It's a win/win for both men. Lets hope we see this in '09!

3. Jim Miller vs. Tyson Griffin

Jim Miller is a future star, and Tyson Griffin is on the verge of becoming one as well. Both would benefit from this fight, and it would provide great action for the fans!

Tyson Griffin is a well known guy, he recently suffered a loss at the hands of Sean Sherk. He needs to get back in the swing of things. He proved to have a ton of heart in that fight, and gained a few new fans. So he can't really face a "Give Me" opponent.

He must now face real challengers consistently. Griffin is a great fighter, he just needs to work out the chinks in his armor. What better way than to fight a stud like Jim Miller?

I'll be the first to admit it, I am a Jim Miller stan. I think he is destined for greatness, and I'm pushing for a high level fight. Tyson Griffin fits that description perfectly. He's in a lot of people's top 10 list, and has a pretty decent sized fan base. It would be a great test for Jim, and prove to a lot of people what he can do.

The winner will be volted up to Nate Diaz status, which means semi-big named opponents. Then they're just a couple wins away from Ken-Flo status. Which is another win/win situation for both men.

2009: Miller/Griffin! Oh Yeah! Giggidy,Giggidy,Giggidy!

2. Chael Sonnen vs. Demian Maia

I know this match is already set, but I really wanted this before it was announced. This is odd because I assumed no one would put it together, but wishes do come true.

Sonnen is the unofficial WEC middleweight champion. He is veteran fighter, and an all-around likable guy. He is a hard worker and is a game opponent. He is now making his return to the octagon, and is trying for a title shot.

He needs to get past Maia, obviously, but then it's a long road ahead. He'll most likely not get his shot in 2009, but hey I've been wrong before. No matter what, this is a must win for Sonnen.

Demain Maia is a well known fighter, who is on a every-ones radar. He had a stellar 2008,and will need to repeat that in 2009. He is on the edge of stardom, but needs this fight to push him off.

He would benefit greatly from a win, a loss would set him back. He is currently 9-0, and a top 10 middleweight. He would almost be on Yushin Okami/Michael Bisping status with a win. A loss would drop him to Chris Leben/Jason Day status. Not a good look!

This is going to happen in '09 at UFC 95. Fans should be ready for a showdown!

1. Lyoto Machida vs. Wanderlei Silva

Yes, it's more high profile, but I think Wanderlei/Lyoto would be a great fight.

Wanderlei Silva has had a rough time lately, to say the least. He just got knocked out by Rampage, and people are talking about retirement. Wanderlei still wants to fight, and I believe he can.

I know many of you are questioning this pick, but let me explain.

Wanderlei usually bounces back pretty strong (ex. UFC 84) so this would be perfect. He has also had success with awkward fighting styles (ex. UFC 84). Lyoto likes to run, Wandy likes to chase, no other opponent has done that.

A win over Machida would prove to himself and the fans that Wanderlei is still relevant.

Machida on the other hand needs a dominant win over a marketable name, so this is perfect. If he wins at UFC 94, he would be mentioned in title talks, but I doubt he'd actually get one. He needs to prove he still has that killer instinct he showed against Rich Franklin.

He'd be forced to trade shots, and his chin would be tested. This could be the best fight for Lyoto, it's a known name, a lot of people will watch, and it could earn him a well deserved title shot. Makes sense to me, and that's all that matters!

'09 please don't let me down!

" After this he's probably going to want to go back to Japan, where the competition is a little easier!" (Chris Leben before he fought Anderson Silva)