Now That's Interesting

Yesterday, MMA sites were all aflutter with the news that Anderson Silva had signed for his next fight. He'll be fighting at Light Heavyweight later this year against the former LHW Champ Forrest Griffin.

Wow.

Just when I think the UFC doesn't have many more fights that I'd pay to see, they somehow manage to dig one up. The mere thought of this one makes me a little giddy. Silva's taken a lot of heat over the past six months or so since he's had two fights in a row that were less than explosive - and far less than entertaining. We miss the Silva who decimated Rich Franklin - twice. Oh, and by the way, how weird is it that Franklin is training with Anderson Silva? Bizarre.

Anyways, in my humble opinion, a fighter like Griffin who will go balls-out to throw down in every fight he's in is exactly what Anderson Silva needs. Plus, it's a top LHW contender for Silva in what many think is babysteps towards Silva going after two titles.

Personally, I still want to see him destroy GSP but after his last couple fights, I'm less convinced that would happen. But the fight is apparently still being discussed. They want another GSP defense and at least one more Silva win before they look at it seriously.

A Silva win over Griffin might just pave the road into what is, on paper, the biggest fight that the UFC can deliver right now.

Where Do We Go From Here?

Forrest Griffin is the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.

Everybody got that?

Now, with a very close fight just barely in the books, a lot of people will immediately call for a rematch with Rampage for Forrest's first title defense. It makes sense and probably will draw very well. Rampage obviously was not quite the same after those early leg kicks and quite possibly was injured going into the fight. I would have no problem with an immediate rematch for Rampage.

But it's not what I would book.

There's a lot of groundswell building for a Machida title shot. It's getting hard to deny him a shot even though he's boring as hell in the cage. But he keeps beating everyone in his path so at what point do you give in and let him have a shot? Not yet. Forrest doesn't strike me as a good matchup for Machida in an attempt to make an entertaining fight.

So, that's not it either.

A lot of people will say the winner of Rashad Evans and Chuck Liddell should get the next shot. I have absolutely no desire to ever see Rashad Evans fight for a title - but I don't think that'll be a problem. Not that I think it would stop Dana but doesn't it seem odd to give Chuck a title match against someone that Chuck lost to?

That would also seemingly take Wanderlei Silva out of the equation since he lost to Chuck who lost to Rampage.

So... who gets the shot?

Here's my vote...

Winner of Rashad/Chuck gets a match with Rampage. I hate to put poor Wanderlei in a match that might suck but face him off with Machida. Whoever puts on the best showing out of those five gets the New Year's title shot.

So, who does Forrest get?

How about Michael Bisping? Should be a fun, exciting, marketable fight that Forrest would probably win to keep all the possible big matches alive.

Thoughts?

Top Five Friday

Ay yo!

It's time for the second edition of Top Five Friday... and in honor of it being a big MMA weekend [the first IFL show of the year is tonight & the UFC PPV is tomorrow night] I've decided on an MMA-themed Top Five and thus...

My Top Five MMA Dream Matches Of The Moment

5. Kimbo Slice vs Bob Sapp
Let's start with the Mother of All Freak Show Fights. Bob Sapp, the man who has made a living off being a freak show fighter in Japan, who incidentally got his ass knocked the fuck out last weekend in no time flat, taking on the YouTube King, Kimbo Slice. So, Kimbo vs Sapp... it soooooo needs to go down in Japan. For one, it'll draw the best there since they love the freak show fight, they love Sapp, and I can't imagine they wouldn't adore Kimbo. For two, since it'd require a weight class change that would probably be a bad idea for both [although Kimbo could probably do it] so you'd need the "relaxed" rules of Japan. It'd be over in no time flat probably but it'd be a fun first round.

4. Chuck Liddell vs Forrest Griffin
This would be better if Chuck was the champ as you'd have the great story of the heavily favored champ taking on his former student, the huge underdog, in what would be a great brawl. Forrest shows no fear and would stand and throw with Chuck. The UFC screwed this one up by booking Forrest vs Rampage but... oooh, fantasy booking hat on! Forrest vs Rampage... Forrest takes Rampage to the limit but ends up losing by controversial decision. In the match, Rampage hurts Forrest pretty bad at some point... maybe a tweaked neck or something from a big slam. Chuck takes up his former student's mantle to go after Rampage... and wins the title. Forrest comes back but instead of being grateful to Chuck... he immediately challenges him for the title. It's beautiful!

3. Mirko CroCop vs Brock Lesnar
I said it a month or so ago... this really is a fantastic dream match but only if it goes down in Japan. This match has lost some luster for me since Brock lost his first fight and CroCop's heading back to Japan to get back in the groove before his UFC return. If CroCop can string together some wins and Brock gets on track, this could be a fantastic match sometime in '09 though.

2. Fedor Emiliananko vs Randy Couture
Couldn't go without everyone's favorite dream match, right? Arguably, the two top heavyweights in the world going toe to toe for the undisputed World Championship. Of course, with Noguiera stopping Sylvia while Randy could only take him to the limit [and with Sylvia having a bad back during the fight], there probably is some "dispute" to it. This fight may happen this year... depending on how the UFC contract scenario shakes out. It's got a limited shelf life though so it needs to happen quick. And preferably before Fedor ends up fighting real competition and loses.

1. Wanderlei Silva vs Anderson Silva
Okay, Wanderlei made a little noise recently about dropping down in weight class if Hendo wins the title tomorrow night... so he could do the same to face Anderson. Two of the best strikers in the world colliding would make for one of the most exciting fights in ages. This is a long shot because I believe they are on the same fight team but it would be awesome.

Okay, that's that. UFC Picks to come tomorrow.