By Michael Owens
For an event that was only available for Fight Pass subscribers around most of the world, Saturday’s UFC Fight Night sure seemed like a big deal in the UK. Full homegrown BT Sport production, terrestrial TV exposure (comparable to network TV for you North American readers) and a huge arena a crowd. It was the kind of stage that allowed victorious fighters to emerge – in Britain at least as a group of the proverbial ‘big-deals’ who should move on to the biggest stage.
While that might not be a reality for all of the winning fighters on the main card, they are destined to move on to fights that will afford them the opportunity to keep moving upwards at least. The winner of the main event is set to go to the very top.
Alexander Gustafsson – Big Gus may won comfortably as he was expected to against a fighter most people considered to be an also-ran. For as great a record Jimi Manuwa has, he’s never beaten competition at the elite level to establish himself as a ranked fighter. However, ‘The Mauler’s’ win was so dominant and added to his existing, sky-high stock to cement his position as the second best 205-er in the world. There’s only one match for him next and that’s against the winner of Jon Jones vs. Glover Teixeira for the belt next month.
If Jones wins (and he probably will) it will be a rematch of what some people – including this humble writer – think was the best fight in MMA history. If not, the man who almost toppled Jon Jones will face the man who did in a Brazil vs.s Sweden affair that could take place anywhere in the world.
Michael Johnson – This win will help Johnson move onwards and upwards even though he wasn’t able to put on his greatest performance. Although ‘The Young Assassin’ is not ranked, he has name recognition value and a reputation as a dangerous KO artist after years in the UFC. Furthermore, although Johnson was not able to catch his opponent with too many significant strikes it was only due to said opponent’s refusal to engage. It was Johnson’s excellent boxing that scared Guillard into circling away and staying largely out of danger.
With that and his previous two victories in mind, Johnson – who has broken into the UFC official rankings at #14 – needs an opponent that is ranked above him. No-one in the very upper reaches yet – a three-fight win streak in the lightweight division is way short of title-shot material – but someone credible. Most of the top guys in the division have dance partners for the coming months, but many will become available soon. The Jim Miller (#9) vs. Bobby Green (#12) winner at UFC 172 would do just fine.
Brad Pickett – Saturday showed one thing for Brad Pickett fans. ‘One Punch’ would get eaten alive by UFC FLyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson. The Brit’s wild, brawling style and takedowns against the fence may have been enough to beat Neil Seery – who was tough, but still an ageing UFC newcomer – but ‘Mighty Mouse’ would have little problem in avoiding danger and returning fire several times over. Pickett may have beaten DJ back in the WEC at bantamweight but the champ is a whole different animal now.
While last night’s fight was not enough to secure Pickett a shot at the strap – as well as showing that would not be good for his health – it was still a win and such a tough, skilled and entertaining veteran shouldn;t be stopped from working his way up to to the division’s king just because he would more than likely lose. As long as he heals up soon, a rescheduled scrap with Ian McCall should do the job.
Gunnar Nelson – The Icelander picked up what was about as close to a flawless victory, banishing all concern that this was a man that could be diminished after more than a year out. It announced that he’s every bit the rising star he was at the start of 2013, and now with even better skills. This is now a man with his sights very much set on the top 15 fighters in the world at 170 pounds.
At the risk of suggesting a fight that pits grinder against grinder – let me suggest Mike Pyle as ‘Gunni’s’ next opponent. With any luck fans could be treated to a real war of attrition with plenty of dirty clinching action. If the fight goes to the ground – forget about it. Grappling bliss.
Photo by Mark Blundell
