UFC Title Picture: Who's Next, on Deck and in the Hole
The UFC title picture—when it's not murky, it's, well, still murky.
It seems that there is never really a clear-cut top contender these days, as multiple fighters at a time can claim top contention. Athletes are busy these days, and the more they win, the more correct they are in claiming they should get a title shot.
There are currently nine weight classes in the UFC with champions, with the strawweight division still sorting out the preliminary stages of who will be champion.
Using the baseball terminology of at the plate, on deck and in the hole, let's take a look at each title picture and try and sort things out.
Heavyweight
1 of 9
Next: Fabricio Werdum vs. Mark Hunt
UFC 180 was supposed to be a momentous occasion with a top draw representing the country in a heavyweight title defense. Instead, we have a consolation prize in the form of Fabricio Werdum vs. Mark Hunt.
The interim title will be on the line. It's power puncher vs. all-around terror. The winner is the interim champion and will likely have to defend his belt before matching up with Cain Velasquez, who I assume will out for a while if the UFC created an interim belt.
On Deck: Winner of Stipe Miocic vs. Junior dos Santos
In all honesty, outside of Werdum and Hunt, there weren't really any top contenders to Velasquez's throne. Now, with him on the sidelines, it actually opens up the division a bit.
Junior dos Santos, the guy most people agree on as the second best heavyweight in the world, cannot be around the title picture with Velasquez in it due to two overwhelming losses already. Now, he's a former champion who can make a move in the division.
Then you have his upcoming opponent, Stipe Miocic, who was likely the next guy after Werdum and Hunt, assuming he stayed in the win column. Now, a win over Dos Santos becomes even more important, as it will make him the top contender.
Keep an eye on this bout at UFC on Fox 13 in December. It potentially has your next title contender.
In the Hole: Cain Velasquez?
As stated, I would assume Velasquez will be out for a while if the UFC created an interim title. However, assuming the interim champ defends his title once, that would mean Velasquez could be in the hole, if we want to use baseball terms like we are.
Knee injuries can be tricky, as you never know when they will fully heal. But seeing how champions usually defend two or three times per year, if Velasquez can return in decent time, he can combine the belts within a fight or two.
If not, then the title picture would get even murkier. Names like Alistair Overeem and Travis Browne wait in the shadows.
Light Heavyweight
2 of 9
Next: Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier
One of the most anticipated bouts that will happen in 2015, if not the most, is the light heavyweight title bout between bitter rivals Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier. It's a bout that was supposed to happen this year, but did not due to a Jones injury.
They will settle their dispute at UFC 182 on January 3. It will be a heated competition that could produce emotional and physical fireworks.
On Deck: Alexander Gustafsson
Alexander Gustafsson's injury was Cormier's gain. However, Gustafsson is still the next in line, no matter what happens in the division below him.
Gustafsson has given Jones his toughest fight to date. In a losing effort, we saw him give Jones all he could handle, which prompted fans to call for a rematch in the near future.
He will likely take a fight in the meantime to stay active. Assuming he wins that bout, he will instantaneously become the top contender to the UFC 205-pound champ.
In the Hole: Anthony Johnson?
Anthony Johnson's suspension hurts his momentum badly. The streaking light heavyweight was on a path to the title picture quickly after his impressive return to the UFC.
Now he sits on the sidelines, hoping things work out. He cannot fight or improve his position.
Still, when he eventually returns, Johnson has to be considered in the title picture. His dominant victories over Phil Davis and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira were impressive enough to push him past many of the division's contenders.
Middleweight
3 of 9
Next: Chris Weidman vs. Vitor Belfort
Another title fight that was pushed from this year to 2015, Chris Weidman vs. Vitor Belfort has become the biggest must-see fight in the middleweight division. Belfort is the man time and age forgot, while Weidman is the new breed and face of the 185-pound division.
Weidman may be the most complete fighter in MMA outside of Jones, while Belfort represents the old school. Belfort may be Weidman's biggest challenge, but a Weidman win will prove he's a top-three pound-for-pound fighter.
On Deck: Ronaldo Souza
There is no doubt about it. When the title picture clears up with Weidman vs. Belfort, Ronaldo Souza has to be the next guy to get a crack at the belt.
Since coming over from Strikeforce, Souza has run roughshod over the 185-pound division. He has knocked out or tapped out seemingly everyone in his path, proving he is no longer a one-trick pony.
Right now, he does not have a fight, which indicates he is either rehabbing or waiting on a title shot. Either way, when he's ready to return, a title shot should be in his future.
In the Hole: Yoel Romero?
Outside of Souza, there is no clear man in line to the title belt. However, Yoel Romero has been representing himself well lately against top competition, and given his age and Olympic background, he would not be a hard sell for a title shot.
Romero is a terrible matchup for many men at 185. Not only is he quick, athletic and incredibly explosive, but he has the superior wrestling and devastating striking to carry him through many of his MMA bouts.
Sure, he's not as technical on the feet as a guy like Weidman or Belfort, but he has one-punch finishing ability. And sure, he doesn't use his wrestling like many believe he should, but he always has it just in case.
That's the type of guy you don't want to face.
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Welterweight
4 of 9
Next: Johny Hendricks vs. Robbie Lawler
The rematch is afoot, and fans could not be more excited. Johny Hendricks vs. Robbie Lawler was awesome the first time around, and it should be just as good the second time.
In the final pay-per-view of 2014, Lawler and Hendricks will renew their competitive rivalry. A Hendricks win would take him to the next challenge, while a Lawler win would force an immediate rubber match.
On Deck: Rory MacDonald
At this point, it's pretty clear that Rory MacDonald is the top contender at 170. He's shaken off some lackluster performances and put in some great work lately.
He is the heir apparent to Georges St-Pierre's throne as the face of Canadian MMA. While he comes off as a guy who can rub people the wrong way, there is no doubt that the people of the land up north would take to a national hero who will not only fight for the title but bring the welterweight title back to Canada.
We will have to see where MacDonald goes from here. Will he wait for a title shot or stay busy in the meanwhile?
In the Hole: Matt Brown?
Yes, Matt Brown just lost to Robbie Lawler. However, it was an awesome fight that Brown continually stayed in. Add the fact that it broke a massively impressive winning streak before that, and he's not far away from a title shot, despite the recent loss.
Brown is a no-nonsense finisher who brings nothing but excitement to the cage. That is why Dana White and the bosses of UFC love this guy and continually give him great spots on their cards.
A win in Brown's next fight, whenever that may be, will bring him back to the brink of a title shot.
Lightweight
5 of 9
Up Next: Anthony Pettis vs. Gilbert Melendez
It's been a long time, but Anthony Pettis will finally defend his belt in the co-main event of UFC 181, the final pay-per-view of the year. It will be against Strikeforce champion Gilbert Melendez, who Pettis coached The Ultimate Fighter 20 against.
It will be a great matchup, but it will be even greater since Pettis has been out for so long. The winner will have an abundance of contenders in the aftermath.
On Deck: Khabib Nurmagomedov
Although currently mending an injury, Khabib Nurmagomedov should be back soon. In my opinion, he is the outright top contender when Pettis vs. Melendez clears up.
The 26-year-old terror is 22-0 in his pro career, as well as 6-0 in the UFC. In his tenure with the company, Nurmagomedov owns wins over Rafael dos Anjos, Pat Healy, Abel Trujillo and Gleison Tibau.
That type of resume warrants a title shot. If he has to take a post-injury fight first remains to be seen, but he has more than earned a shot at the title.
In the Hole: Rafael dos Anjos?
Rafael dos Anjos has a lot on his plate before title shot consideration. I am, of course, talking about his bout with Nate Diaz at the end of this year.
However, in theory, Dos Anjos has done enough to warrant a look at a title shot. He ran a five-fight win streak before losing to Nurmagomedov but has come back with two hellish knockouts of Jason High and Benson Henderson.
If MMA makes sense, than he is literally right behind Nurmagomedov for a title shot. However, this sport is crazy, and he could theoretically jump ahead of the injured Eagle.
Featherweight
6 of 9
Next: Conor McGregor
Right now, the featherweight division has the murkiest of title pictures, as several guys can claim top contention. Although this may not be a popular pick among fans, Conor McGregor should be the next guy, based on hype, personality and resume.
McGregor had already been selling the fight before Jose Aldo vs. Chad Mendes. He must first get past Dennis Siver, but a win over the German should catapult McGregor ahead of the pack.
On Deck: Winner of Cub Swanson vs. Frankie Edgar
Cub Swanson has done more than enough to earn a title shot. But in a sport where self-promotion is increasingly important and the bigger draw will get more looks at big opportunities, he falls just short of McGregor.
Swanson fought Aldo in the WEC and was thrashed in less than 10 seconds. That said, he has made vast improvements to this game.
He is currently slated to fight former lightweight king Frankie Edgar, who is another guy who could approach a title shot with a win. Edgar gave Aldo one of his toughest fights, is a former champion and can still draw a bit from his former champion status.
In the Hole: Winner of Dennis Bermudez vs. Ricardo Lamas?
Again, you can see how deep the featherweight division is given how many guys are mentioned in this category.
Dennis Bermudez is likely the fastest-rising featherweight in the UFC outside of Conor McGregor. He has been dominating high-quality guys, including the scrappy, gritty Clay Guida.
As for Lamas, he is another guy who gave Aldo a tough fight in his title opportunity. He is the biggest test to Bermudez yet; the winner could land in the title picture.
Bantamweight
7 of 9
Next: Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz was the UFC bantamweight champion. Then he was injured for an extraordinary amount of time.
In his absence, Renan Barao and then T.J. Dillashaw became champion. They held the title admirably, but now the champion is back.
After wrecking Takeya Mizugaki, it looks like Cruz meets Dillashaw next for the belt. There is no set date or venue, but expect it in the first quarter of 2015.
On Deck: Raphael Assuncao
Man, Raphael Assuncao cannot catch a break.
He is the only man in the UFC to defeat Dillashaw other than John Dodson in the TUF finale. Though it was a controversial decision, he nevertheless holds the victory and should, in theory, challenge Dillashaw immediately.
However, Barao got an immediate rematch, which fell through the day before the fight from weight-cut issues. Then, Cruz's return made things more problematic for the Brazilian, who now likely must fight again before a title shot happens.
When life gives you lemons, you better be making lemonade if you're Assuncao.
In the Hole: Renan Barao?
Barao's fallout from the UFC 177 main event had him at odds with the company. The UFC took away his immediate rematch and instead lined up a co-main event fight in Brazil against Mitch Gagnon on a free-TV card.
Talk about falling from grace.
Barao, though, is still one of the best in the world. He could be back into the title picture quickly, given his championship status and amazing winning streak coming into the Dillashaw title loss.
Bantamweight is not exactly top-heavy at this point, so a Barao title shot with a win against Gagnon may not be out of the question.
Flyweight
8 of 9
Next: Winner of Ian McCall vs. John Lineker
A big fight is coming up soon between Ian McCall and John Lineker. There is no doubt, given how Demetrious Johnson has been cleaning out the flyweight division, that the winner should get a title shot.
Lineker has had weight problems in the past, but if he can prove for a consecutive time that he can make 125, he could be an interesting challenger. His one-punch KO power could make him a threat to Johnson.
While McCall has already fought Johnson in the past, it wasn't for the title, and he was very close to beating him in the championship tournament. McCall has improved from that fight and could be a bad stylistic matchup for Johnson.
Either way, McCall vs. Lineker should be treated as a top contender's bout.
On Deck: John Dodson
John Dodson is on the shelf with an injury, but his return should still have him at the top of the title picture.
Dodson is probably the only man at 125 who can match Mighty Mouse's speed and quickness. Also, he is probably the most successful challenger Johnson has had since owning the UFC belt.
Dodson needs to return first, but his history with Johnson and all-around prowess have him at the top of a very short list.
In the Hole: Jussier da Silva?
Jussier da Silva is currently tied up with John Moraga in his near future, but if he can get by the former title challenger, he could get pushed toward the top of the division.
Known as "Formiga," da Silva is highly skilled and coming off a win over potential title challenger and former Bellator champion Zach Makovsky. A lot of things need to happen for da Silva to jump to the top of the challenger's list, but he has the resume to make an argument for a shot.
Women's Bantamweight
9 of 9
Next: Ronda Rousey vs. Cat Zingano
2015 will start off with a bang next year, as Ronda Rousey meets longtime top contender Cat Zingano in the co-main event of UFC 182. It's a matchup that's long overdue because Zingano was the top contender last year, but injuries and personal issues kept her from cashing in her golden ticket.
This will be Rousey's biggest test to date. Will she pass with flying colors, like she has in all other bouts, or will she finally run into a brick wall?
That will be seen in due time.
On Deck: Cris "Cyborg" Justino
I know, Cyborg isn't in the UFC. She hasn't even fought at 135 pounds yet.
However, when she gets her first 135-pound fight and enters the UFC, she will get an immediate shot at Rousey. There is a 99.99999 percent chance that happens.
It is literally the biggest women's bout any promoter can make at this point. Justino is a savage who has drawn the eyes of MMA fans with her violent style, while Rousey's brash, talk-the-walk ways make for a must-see bout.
In the Hole: Holly Holm?
People want to see Holly Holm rushed into the title picture, but she is a draw that the UFC must build up. The former world champion boxer is still relatively young in MMA and should take a few bouts to reach the main event against Rousey.
Her first test comes in the form of Raquel Pennington, a very favorable matchup for Holm. She will then probably take a step up in competition before she finally gets a look at a title shot.
Holm is one of the few major draws in women's MMA, so her ascent to the top must be taken cautiously.
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