Fantasy MMA Matchups: UFC, Strikeforce and More!

Jon Jones VS Anderson Silva (205 lbs)

So first of all, there are a lot of great fantasy match-ups for Anderson in the Light Heavyweight division (like Machida, Rua, Jackson, etc.) but Jon Jones is the most interesting match up.  

Jones would have a size advantage. He is two inches taller and when they are both not in fighting shape, Jones says he weighs close to 230 lbs, while Anderson says he's close to 220 lbs.

They both have a similar build, being tall and lanky, and this fight could also serve as the passing of the torch for MMA's flashiest elite fighter.

Jones is younger, has better wrestling and might be more explosive, but his stand-up still isn't as refined as Silva and Silva has the experience.

Result: double-spinning back elbow knock-downs, with Silva barely returning to his feet quicker and gathering the Rocky II style win.

Forrest Griffin VS Alistair Overeem (225 lbs)

One of the keys to this match up is the 225 lbs catch weight.  

Griffin is huge for 205lbs and this would be a much better weight for him to compete at, as he could probably bulk up and still have to cut just a little weight.

Overeem would have to reduce his size, but he could certainly make the weight considering he used to compete at 205lbs.

Stylistically, both men like to strike and are more than proficient on the ground. Alistair could take an early lead with his advantage in kick-boxing, but expect Griffin's pressure and heart to give Overeem trouble in later rounds.

Result: Forrest Griffin picks up the split-decision win while looking like he's been run over by a truck.

Ryan Bader VS Todd Duffee (240 lbs)

Ryan Bader could bulk up to as big as he wants, while Todd Duffee would have to cut a relatively small amount of weight, just so the weight difference isn't out of control.

Duffee could be in trouble against someone like Bader who has knock out power and a speed advantage. On the other hand, we've never seen Bader compete against someone bigger and stronger than him.

Both guys are young, talented, and powerful. Winner goes on to challenge for Mr. Olympia.

Result: Bader gets the early advantage with punches and a takedown. Duffee rallies in the second for a TKO victory.

Cain Velasquez VS Fedor Emelianenko (240 lbs)

Cain VS Dos Santos is a great upcoming match up in its own right, but this would be the match up for true interstellar domination.

Standing, either man could get knocked out. Cain could take Fedor down, but he probably wouldn't want to mess around too long with the crafty Russian in grappling exchanges.

Result: If Fedor shows up in form, expect the match to end in a draw via dual-combustion.

Rich Franklin VS Keith Jardine (205 lbs)

When Jardine wants to, he uses kicks quite well, as does Mr. Franklin.  

The match would mostly play out like some weird kick-boxing bout.  

Result: Jardine befuddles Franklin early with his crazy monkey style, but true to form, gets KTFO in the 3rd. Franklin wins despite suffering a hairline fracture in his fibula.

Frank Mir VS Rousimar Palhares (225 lbs)

Despite Mir's BS rumors about dropping down to 205 lbs, getting down to 225 lbs would actually be pretty difficult for him.  

Despite losing some mass, he would have a very clear size advantage over Palhares.

Both men grapple to cripple. If someone grabs a hold of something, that something won't be the same again.

In the striking department, Mir will hold an edge in reach and overall ability, but Palhares has the more durable chin.

Result: After both guys take punishment standing for a while, Mir decides to let it go to the ground and ends up with a unanimous decision victory. The audience is terrified but entertained throughout.

Jon Fitch VS Demian Maia (180 lbs)

Is Jon Fitch submittable? Maia would certainly put that to the test.

Starting the bout standing is just a formality, as they would likely immediately embrace and roll around.

Result: Fitch comes in cocky and is submitted in the first minute. They have a rematch and fight to an impossible to score split decision.

ALSO:

Jose Aldo VS Eddie Alvarez (155lbs)

Jonathan Brookins VS Josh Grispi (160lbs)

Gray Maynard VS Kendall Grove (190lbs)

Josh Koscheck VS Tito Ortiz (195lbs)

Alexander Gustafsson VS Thiago Alves (195lbs)