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A spectacular night of finishes at
UFC 198 in Curitiba,
Brazil saw a new Heavyweight World Champion crowned, and title contenders emerge. Here are four fights to make following the
Ultimate Fighting Championship's card of the year:
Fabricio Werdum Vs Browne/Velasquez Winner: Werdum was knocked clean out by Stipe Miocic in his home country. Seemingly over-excited by performing in front of his countrymen, he went headhunting when he felt the American was hurt and paid the price as he ate a perfectly timed counter.
The Brazilian will feel he underperformed, and as a fighter not getting any younger, will want another shot at the belt as soon as possible. First, however, he will need to prove winning it the first time was not a fluke. After so brutal a KO he will need at least six months out, but when he returns it should be against the victor of the UFC 200 heavyweight tussle, to test whether he really has a case for still being the best in the world.
Demian Maia Vs Stephen Thompson: Currently enjoying what must amount to the third or fourth reinvention of his career, Demian Maia looked outstanding as he dominated one of the toughest in the welterweight division in Matt Brown with his undoubted world class grappling skills.
His third round submission earned him his sixth straight win, and made a powerful case for the BJJ wizard as a title contender. Stephen Thompson is higher in the pecking order presently, however, and a title eliminator against the karate phenom would represent a fascinating clash of styles echoing the legendary Gracie challenges of yesteryear.
Ronaldo Souza Vs Rockhold/Weidman winner: One of the scariest men in the middleweight division looked just a little bit scarier as he dominated the legendary Vitor Belfort in Curitiba. 'Jacare' did not look daunted on the feet, but plainly new he had an advantage on the ground which is where he duly took the fight before pumelling his compatriot until he forced the stoppage.
He was robbed against Yoel Romero, who subsequently tested positive for PEDs, and with his stunning performance must surely be next in line to fight for the title. Whoever is victorious at UFC 199, they will not look forward to facing a man with some of the most savage jiu jitsu in all MMA.
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira Vs Rashad Evans: Little Nog looked surprisingly sharp as he lit up Patrcik Cummins of the feet in the first round at UFC 198. Thought by many to be on the decline after one too many wars in the cage, many thought the younger more athletic wrestler would have the Brazilian veteran's number.
However, Nogueira's boxing looked as fluent as it has in a long time, and suggested he isn't quite yet done at the top level of MMA. To be certain, a rematch against former champion Rashad Evans could test whether he deserves a place back in the light heavyweight top 10. A decisive loss for either would probably mean a well earned retirement, which should give the second encounter undoubted added edge.
