UFC rankings update
UFC 131 paved the way for a couple of title contenders. Junior Dos Santos and Kenny Florian were able to defeat their game opponents to earn future title shots in their respective divisions.
In the main event, Junior Dos Santos showed that he is the best heavyweight striker, outside of Alistair Overeem, in mixed martial arts. He now has earned the right to face champion Cain Velasquez at UFC 136. Meanwhile, Shane Carwin showed a huge heart by making it all the way through the fight after being battered in the 1st round. A rematch with Brock Lesnar or fights with Roy Nelson or Mike Russow may be in his future.
Kenny Florian made a successful debut at featherweight, and after a rough first round was able to edge his opponent Diego Nunes. With the win, Florian looks to be in line for a title shot, despite Chad Mendes being named the number one contender previously. The UFC is badly in need of an established name at 145, and Florian brings that.
Mark Munoz and Demian Maia fought a back-and-forth fight that left neither fighter looking like a true loser. Munoz showed that he is a legitimate top contender, while Maia showcased a new dimension of his game with improved striking. With many middleweight contenders currently booked for future fights, a rematch would not be out of question. Otherwise, Brian Stann and Jorge Santiago are currently unbooked for future contender bouts.
In heavyweight action, Dave Herman had his ups and downs, but showed he is a future force if he can shore up his overall game planning and striking defense. Another heavyweight who enjoyed success was Joey Beltran, who out-willed a debuting Aaron Rosa. I would not be surprised to see Herman and Beltran matched up, as that was the original plan for UFC 131.
A slew of contender hopefuls such as Donald Cerrone, Sam Stout, Chris Weidman, Nick Ring, and Krzysztof Soszynski won their fights rather easily. Look for each of them to be booked against a step up in competition next time out.
In a pair of featherweight bouts that were closer than most pundits thought, Dustin Poirier and Darren Elkins won decisions. Poirier’s decision win was not controversial, though it was close, but many felt Elkins did not deserve the decision as his opponent Michihiro Omigawa won the last two rounds rather conclusively. Dana White later blasted the judges’ decision and awarded Omigawa his win bonus.
* All UFC rankings are now updated following UFC 131, in addition Jonathan Brookins, Rafaello Oliveira, and Yves Jabouin dropped down a weight class and those moves have been reflected. Also, Mike Massenzio, who lost to Krzysztof Soszynski at light heavyweight will be ranked at middleweight since it is presumed he will return to his natural weight class.
