Fights for the Fans

First of all, as we all know there are some pretty big matchups that the UFC can make this year. The matchups aren't limited to just a weight class or two, arguments can be made that good matchups can be made at any weight. So, here we go. I've compiled a list of fights that I'd like to see happen in '09.

Randy Couture vs. Lyoto Machida - at 205, a fellow bleachereporter brought this to my attention. The UFC is in the business of building superstars and that is exactly what they're doing with Machida. This matchup would give Machida sure star power if he could get past the master of gameplans in Couture.

Sean Sherk vs. Diego Sanchez - Two top fighters with incredible cardio, relentless ground games, and much improved stand up. Diego was succesful in making his lightweight debut and Sherk faces Frankie Edgar coming up soon. Sherk vs. Sanchez would definately be fireworks given Sherk's relentless style to push the pace in every fight.

Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Brock Lesnar/Frank Mir

Gonzaga, if he gets past Shane Carwin @ UFC 96 should be the #1 contender. Gonzaga is as big a heavyweight as they come. He posseses top level jiujitsu and very solid striking. Gonzaga would present a big challenge to Lesnar or Mir.

Jon Fitch vs. Carlos Condit—Recently added to the UFC's roster. Condit makes his much awaited debut into the UFC's welterweight ranks. Both are top 10 fighters and this fight could produce some fireworks. I would imagine that the UFC will pit Condit versus one of Fitch's teamates before they would make this matchup though. Condit faces Martin Kampmann first on April 1.

Yushin Okami vs. Nate Marquadt - Okami's earned it. I see a Okami vs. Marquadt matchup being pretty interesting. I'm not really feeling Marquadt, but Okami has earned the right to fight a top contender and earn himself a title shot. Both fighters would present some danger zones to the other. There are 3 middleweights in my mind that are #1 contenders. The top 4 middleweights to challenge to Silva are Okami, Marquadt, Maia, and newly signed Yoshihiro Akiyama. If anything have a 4-man tournament to determine who faces the pound for pound king in Anderson Silva.

Those are some matchups that I'd like to see. What is a matchup or matchups that you a fan would like to see? Thanks for reading this and giving the matchups you'd like to see.