American MMA: Wrestlers Looking to Take Over Again

The UFC Lightweight and Heavyweight titles are secure in American hands with Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin battling for the Heavyweight belt and Frank Edgar and BJ Penn rematching for the Lightweight domain, but we could see all the UFC divisions lorded over by Americans by year's end.

Brazilian champs Mauricio Rua and Anderson Silva must defend their belts against Rashad Evans and Chael Sonnen, respectively, with Canadian George St Pierre set to defend against Josh Koscheck.  While each of the defending champions will be deserved favorites, overlooking the challengers would be a monumental mistake.  Each of those three challengers are accomplished amateur wrestlers who could dictate the pace of their fight on the right night.

Anderson Silva is the most dominant champion in UFC history.  Either he puts his opponents away in decisive fashion, or he taunts them en route to a decision.  His opponent this time, however, is not a superior Jui-Jitsu practitioner.  What Chael Sonnen is, is a grinder of epic proportions.  His main drawback in his career has been his submission defense, but with three recent dominant performances over top-notch competition, it makes one think Sonnen might have overcome his last hurdle to greatness.

Mauricio Rua finally regained his full form in becoming the undisputed champion, and if he can out strike Machida (who KO'ed Rashad Evans) what hope does Rashad have of dethroning him?  'Wrestling' is the correct answer.  Evans rediscovered his wrestling to overcome Rampage and will presumably try to use a combination of those powerful takedowns, coupled with the threat of knock-out power, to keep the Brazilian champ from utilizing his own game plan.  There's no guarantee, but remember, it wasn't long ago that Rua struggled against the elderly wrestler Mark Coleman....

Finally we have GSP defending against Koscheck, whom he defeated in a non-title bout in 2007.  That bout three years ago was a lot closer than most people remember it, with GSP winning by way of a couple of crucially timed takedowns.  What people might also forget was this was during a time when Koscheck was not focusing on wrestling at all because he felt untouchable in the wrestling department.  Undoubtedly both fighters have improved since that bout three years ago, but Koscheck is going to come in with a lot more for the dominant champ to think about this time around.

Having all three underdog American wrestlers dethrone the current champs does seem like a bit of a stretch, but then again, American wrestlers prove time and time again to be made of championship material.  Can they step up to the plate like they have so many times before and lord over all UFC divisions?  Only time will tell.  And I can't wait.