The dominant narrative heading into Saturday’s UFC on FOX 12 event is the main event between Matt Brown and Robbie Lawler and the fact the winner is supposed to get the next shot at champion Johny Hendricks.
But this isn’t the only matchup with potential title implications. Also on the main card, three fighters in three different weight classes have the opportunity to extend lengthy winning streaks and propel themselves into title contention.
Anthony Johnson
A winner of seven straight fights, Johnson meets Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in Saturday’s co-main event. Despite Daniel Cormier unofficially being tabbed as next in line for a light-heavyweight title shot — after Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson have their rematch at UFC 178 on Sept. 27 — Johnson could slot in as a backup plan if he pulls off an impressive victory.
The Blackzilian product is coming off a dominant performance over Phil Davis at UFC 172 where he out-struck the Alliance MMA pupil for three rounds. The win erased any memories of the 30-year-old’s first UFC stint, as an unsuccessful welterweight and middleweight. Since his loss to Vitor Belfort at UFC 142 in January 2012 and his subsequent UFC release, Johnson is undefeated and has finished four of his last six opponents.
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Watch UFC on FOX 12 Saturday on Sportsnet 360 with prelims starting at 6 p.m. EST and the main card at 8 p.m. EST
Nogueira hasn’t fought since defeating Johnson’s teammate, Rashad Evans, at UFC 156 back in February of 2013. Aside from the long layoff, “Lil Nog” has generally struggled with superior wrestlers, as witnessed in his losses to Davis and Ryan Bader. Not only is Johnson a great wrestler, but his knockout power could make this a short night for the 38-year-old Brazilian.
As we saw recently with the UFC’s surprising decision to match Chris Cariaso against Demetrious Johnson for the flyweight title, anything is possible. So, with an impressive stoppage victory, Johnson earning a shot isn’t out of the question, especially if Cormier were to suffer an injury setback.
Dennis Bermudez
Bermudez looks to make it seven in a row as he faces the always-exciting Clay Guida. Since losing to Diego Brandao in the TUF 14 featherweight finals, the former NCAA Division 1 wrestler has racked up impressive victories over Max Holloway, Steven Siler and most recently Jimy Hettes. The one thing missing on his resume is a big name victory and here enters the perfect opportunity against the fan favourite Guida.
Where Bermudez seems to be improving with each fight, many questions surround Guida’s fighting ability at featherweight. While he’s 2-1 since the drop down from 155 pounds, he looked completely outclassed against top contender Chad Mendes at UFC 164 where he was knocked out for the first time in his career.
The UFC 145-pound division is wide open with champion Jose Aldo injured and fighters like Chad Mendes, Cub Swanson, Dustin Poirier and Frankie Edgar at the top of the rankings. If Bermudez can earn an impressive victory over the multiple “Fight of the Night” winner, his name could be added to that growing list of legitimate contenders.
Bobby Green
Injuries and scheduling conflicts have given Green the biggest opportunity of his MMA career as he faces former Strikeforce lightweight champion Josh Thomson on short notice.
The 27-year-old has quietly amassed a seven-fight win streak, with his last three victories coming inside the Octagon. Originally set to fight Abel Trujillo, the Thomson matchup presents a huge step up in competition for Green. Many pundits — including myself — felt Thomson should have earned a victory in his last fight against Benson Henderson at UFC on FOX 10. The loss was so disappointing for Thompson, that at the post-fight presser, the 35-year-old contemplated retirement.
Questions have begun to surface about the mental toughness of Thomson, which could play to Green’s advantage. With his wealth of experience and solid skill set, it’s no secret why Thomson is the favourite heading into this fight, but Green has the opportunity to steal his thunder and separate himself from the rest of the lightweight pack.
With the 155-pound title currently tied up with champion Anthony Pettis and No. 1 contender Gilbert Melendez filming The Ultimate Fighter 20, the division is completely wide open. An impressive victory over a man like Thomson, who was slated to fight for the lightweight title a year ago, would no doubt propel Green to near the top of the division.