The 7 Most Anticipated UFC Rematches
UFC matchmaker Joe Silva has been a very busy man of late, especially when it comes to booking rematches.
In just the past week, Rafael dos Anjos vs. Donald Cerrone II and Fabricio Werdum vs. Cain Velasquez II were added to the promotional docket.
Now while both contests serve as championship fights, there are plenty of reboots at the promotion's disposal that don't necessarily incorporate divisional gold.
But in an organization as deep and revolving as the UFC, which Octagon repeats stand out above the rest?
Based on divisional importance, fan appeal, stylistic matchmaking and overall marketability, here are the most anticipated rematches available to the promotion at this time (some of which have already been scheduled).
Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Claudia Gadelha
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While it's often difficult to attract casual fans' interest in the women's strawweight department, Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Claudia Gadelha II is the matchup with the potential to change that.
Rising contenders such as Paige VanZant and Michelle Waterson will certainly fight for the title one day, but this is the title fight that makes the most sense for the newest UFC weight class entering 2016.
These women have met once before back in December 2014 at UFC on Fox 13, ending in an ultra-thin split-decision in favor of current divisional champion Jedrzejczyk.
The contest would have won Fight of the Night honors if not for Junior dos Santos and Stipe Miocic, as Gahelha was able to secure seven total takedowns and find long-lasting success on her feet alongside her undefeated Polish opponent.
Nevertheless, the 26-year-old Brazilian will get another chance at Jedrzejczyk after dismantling promotional newcomer Jessica Aguilar back at UFC 190.
The only issue is that Gadelha was significantly banged up in that affair and will most likely be unable to fight for the title until next year.
Demetrious Johnson vs. John Dodson
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Much like the women's strawweight landscape, in accordance with Joseph Benavidez's failed attempts at UFC gold, Demetrious Johnson vs. John Dodson II is the one true title fight to make in the flyweight division
As one of the best—and most underrated—pound-for-pound fighters in the world, Mighty Mouse has been unable to soar above sea level in the eyes of many fly-by-night fight fans.
However, when Dodson is on the other end of one of Johnson's numerous title defenses, the level of interest and anticipation takes a turn for the better.
Stylistically, they are the two quickest fighters in the weight class. Johnson uses unparalleled footwork and shifty angling to pick apart his opponents, while The Magician closes distance in hopes of landing his one-punch knockout power (rarely found at the flyweight level).
Since their first meeting in early 2013 at UFC on Fox 6, a fight in which Johnson's chin and wrestling reigned supreme, the divisional champ has transformed into a finishing machine. However, injuries have capped Dodson's action to just three fights since that unanimous-decision loss.
Johnson is going to be the odds-on favorite entering their title rematch at UFC 191 on Sept. 5, but Dodson's athleticism and willingness to exchange at the drop of the hat will always cause issues for one of the sport's more calculated and measured champions.
Rafael dos Anjos vs. Donald Cerrone
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With an epic eight-fight winning streak at 155 pounds, including five finishes and five victories over currently ranked or previously ranked Top 15 opponents, Donald Cerrone has arguably done more to warrant a title shot than any other fighter in UFC history.
While you could make the case for Rafael dos Anjos vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov or Cerrone vs. Anthony Pettis, RDA vs. Cowboy II is a matchup of the world's two hottest lightweights who happen to be at the pinnacle of their respective careers.
That's a rarity in today's MMA where injuries, split-second decisions inside of the cage and swarming divisional politics can lead to a fighter's demise.
Not to mention newly crowned champion dos Anjos stands as the last man to defeat Cerrone inside of the Octagon, winning by unanimous decision in 2013 at UFC Fight Night 27.
Their Dec. 19 lightweight title fight at UFC on Fox in Orlando will certainly be one of 2015's best fights, especially considering RDA's last defeat (Nurmagomedov) came at the same venue (Amway Center) in 2014 at UFC on Fox 11 (an event in which Cerrone choked out Edson Barboza in three minutes).
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Vitor Belfort vs. Dan Henderson
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This collision of ancient MMA gods may not land on the same radar as many of these other rematches, but Vitor Belfort vs. Dan Henderson III is something we should all be excited about.
As two of the most infamous names in the sport's history, both men have forged their own iron-clad paths en route to becoming legends of their craft.
They first met at Pride 32 in 2006, in which Henderson won via unanimous decision, and then again two years ago at UFC Fight Night 32, in which Belfort won via first-round knockout (which was the first time Hendo was ever finished by strikes).
Sadly, the Phenom tested positive for elevated testosterone levels the first time around due to the use of an anabolic steroid. When the two fought again in late 2013, Belfort was on testosterone replacement therapy, a controversial treatment that caused some to question the legitimacy and ethics of the sport. The use of TRT was banned in early 2014.
The Brazilian's success over the past few years can be credited to his legal exemption to use TRT. However, with that cunning procedure outlawed, Belfort has been forced to adapt to his natural level of athletic capabilities (which didn't seem too prolific after getting pummeled by middleweight champion Chris Weidman back at UFC 187).
Although, Henderson has been found to use TRT in the past as well, suggesting we may finally see an even playing field when the two meet for a third time in November at UFC Fight Night 77.
Fabricio Werdum vs. Cain Velasquez
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Say what you will about Cain Velasquez's depleted effort at altitude, but Fabricio Werdum outclassed and out-hustled the former heavyweight champion at UFC 188 to claim the divisional crown.
The underlying fact about their meeting just over two months ago in Mexico City is that Velasquez was competing for the first time in 20 months. His inability to stay active atop one of the more recognizable divisions prohibits him from finding a perennial groove.
Sure his victories over Junior dos Santos and Antonio Silva remain impressive, but those were the only two fighters he faced before Werdum since Brock Lesnar in 2010.
The Brazilian represented a new challenge and chapter in Velasquez's career, and the 33-year-old heavyweight failed beyond comprehension. His conditioning, the very strength he has become famous for, waned at the worst possible time.
Every ounce of credit should be given to Werdum for racking off yet another scintillating performance, especially on the feet, but it will be interesting to see how their eventual rematch plays out if the old Cain decides to show.
Of course, this could simply be a pairing in which one fighter has another fighter's number (much like Velasquez against dos Santos).
Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald
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UFC 189 may mark the best title fight in UFC welterweight history.
Matt Hughes vs. Frank Trigg at UFC 52 and Georges St-Pierre vs. Matt Serra at UFC 69 certainly command mention, but what current champion Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald did back in July is nothing short of legendary.
The lion-hearted cohorts battled tooth and nail for nearly 25-straight minutes, culminating with a five-round TKO victory for Ruthless.
But it was more than just a rematch (they first met back at UFC 167 when MacDonald lost via split decision) for Lawler's first UFC title defense. It was a testament to what an elite-level MMA contest can look like when two world-class athletes lay everything on the line.
Now, while MacDonald will more than likely have to win at least one or two more fights to work his way back to a title shot, he's young enough and skilled enough to make it happen within two years.
As for Lawler, he'll have to fend off the likes of Carlos Condit, Tyron Woodley or Johny Hendricks for a third time to make this highly anticipated trilogy possible.
Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson
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Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson II is like an MMA supermoon eclipse. Everything must play out perfectly before their rematch is even considered.
For Gustafsson, he must get past UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier at UFC 192 to remain relevant in the 205-pound division.
It's a harsh reality, but even despite his elite striking skills, the Swede is essentially in a do-or-die situation when he meets DC in October. If he loses, which is a very good possibility if he can't contain the champ's wrestling, then his potential grudge match with Bones will quickly fade.
But if Gustafsson wins, whether it be by knockout or a decision, he'll essentially be setting up the biggest rematch in UFC history—one that can be targeted for UFC 200 in July 2016.
Of course, a huge portion of this hypothetical pie revolves around Jones' legal issues. The former pound-for-pound great must do whatever he needs to do to even become eligible to fight.
While his actions were deceptive and unjust, it will be hard for the promotion to keep him out of the Octagon not only due to him not cheating the sport, but more so because his title-stripping could be looked at as punishment enough.
In any case, this is by far the most anticipated and prolific reboot the UFC can possibly put forth. Their first encounter back at UFC 165 was easily the most memorable title fight in division history.
It's unfortunate that the stars will have to align for a second tilt to come to fruition, but these things have a weird way of working themselves out.
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