Following Saturday’s main event at UFC 85: Bedlam in London, England, the future of the weltereight division has started to come into focus.
Thiago Alves’ second round destruction of Matt Hughes is sure to be a reality check for the former UFC welterweight champion. Hughes was never really able to punish his opponent as the younger, stronger and faster Alves was simply too much for the future hall of famer. What’s next for Hughes? It has to be a grudge match with Matt Serra, which I believe may turn out to be Hughes’ retirement bout in the Octagon.
As for Alves? Well, for a guy who just knocked out two top contenders in the division, you figure he deserves a title shot, right? I say don’t reward Alves quite yet, who not only failed to make weight for this fight, but was also suspended last year for using diruretics to make 170 lbs. If I was Dana White, make Alves prove that he can make weight against one more contender, then guarantee him he will be next in line to fight Georges St.Pierre. That’ll be some fight.
In the co-main event at UFC 85, it was a rude awakening for Canadian Jason ‘Dooms’ Day who was overwhelmed by Michael ‘The Count’ Bisping. Bisping was relentless in his attack and it was just too much for Day to handle. Seeing as the Canadian stepped up twice for the UFC in taking on tough opponents, let’s see what middleweight they reward him with. Personally, I’d like to see him take on the winner of the upcoming Ultimate Fighter Seven finale main event between Kendall Grove and Evan Tanner.
