Post UFC 173 Post

Fantasy Matchmaker

TJ Dillashaw: 
So what is next for the newly crowned champ? A rematch with Renan Barao is totally warranted considering all Pegado has done while the crowned prince. If not, another rematch makes perfect sense. TJ actually lost to top contender Raphael Assuncao in a very close Split Decision in October of last year. Either way Brazilians are on the menu for the Team Alpha Male's gold holder.

Daniel Cormier:
Obviously, "DC" is ready for his title shot. Its all just a matter of timing. If Alexander Gustafsson defeats Jon Jones the Swede should finish the trilogy there. If Jones wins again the Cormier fight must happen. Should "Bones" win and face a long time off with an injury, Daniel would need to step back in against someone. Rashad Evans is still out with an injury of his own and Glover Teixeira is coming off a debilitating loss. Anthony Johnson is an intriguing choice should he quickly and safely finish Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in July with is likely. The timing is key and it seems as if "DC" may be sitting on the sidelines for a while which isn't great considering his age.

Dan Henderson:
Retirement. "Hendo" seems to look worse each time out and the fight against Cormier was embarrassing to say the least. There aren't many lucky "Shogun" type of comebacks left in Dan's arsenal and its just time to walk away. We know he won't but lets not encourage him to take more unnecessary punishment.

Robbie Lawler:
The timing sets things up right for the "Ruthless" one to have his rematch with the returning from shoulder surgery and newly minted champion Johny Hendricks. Rory MacDonald and Tyron Woodley are about to settle their business and they can await the winner. It all works out at Welterweight for top fights.

Takeya Mizgaki:
If Dominick Cruz ever returns from his litany of injuries this would be a great set up. There's a better chance of Jesus coming back so if Raphael Assuncao doesn't get the title shot we have a fight.

James Krause:
A solid win over Jaime Varner earns the Blue Springs kid a date, well how about the guy on this very card who fought under him? Tony Ferguson. "El Cucuy" needs a solid test and here we have two men who would guarantee action.

Misc.
Jugger-Not
What has happened to Jake Ellenberger. Thats two fights in a row where the usually aggressive fighter just could not pull the trigger. Jake actually hurt Rob in the 3rd when he began to throw for a second but just stared at his opponent for the most part. Personally we blame Ronda Rousey.

Where's The Towel Boys?
Props to Jaime Varner for showing some true heart out there on a broken ankle, but where is his corner in all this? We have now learned Varner has torn ligaments as well no doubt from hopping around on said broken ankle while his coaches watched. The towel is there for a reason. To save prideful fighters who are hurt and in need of help from an outside viewer. No one would have thought less of Jaime had the towel been thrown in and perhaps the ankle would have suffered less damage.

Wrestle With Him
A rare coaching error from the Serra-Longo camp. Al Iaquina was battering Mitch Clarke on the feet as expected and then dove into the Canadian's guard playing a dangerous game with a submission fighter. Between rounds the coaches were heard so say "wrestle with him" giving their fighter bad advice. Iaquina is a killer on the feet and had a sizable advantage against a weak striker. Al went into the guard of Clarke one time to many and took a nap because of it.

Shit Or Get Off The Pot
Nick Diaz was in attendance yet again. Jesus man, we're big fans but sign for a damn fight or don't. Dana White alluded that yet again they were in discussions with the older Diaz brother but at this point its getting pointless.


Awards:

Entrance Song of the Night: Jaime Varner AWOLNation "Sail"

Fight of the Night: TJ Dillashaw vs. Renan Barao

KO of the Night: Tony Ferguson

Submission of the Night:  Mitch Clarke 

MMAFO & MMAMP went 8-4 on the picking game.