The UFC’s featherweight division received a much needed jolt this past weekend, as the kingdom, according to champion Jose Aldo Jr., has it’s king, prince and joker. But alas, there are would be “rulers” who definitely say otherwise.
After successfully defending his title on Saturday night, Aldo referred to himself as “the king” of the division. He subsequently labelled his opponent, Chad Mendes, as the “prince”, while categorizing Irishman Conor McGregor, a 145-pound “joker”.
Yet, when it comes to the lay of the land, and who “the king” may take on next, it’s the joker who may have said it best.
During a pre UFC 179 media scrum, McGregor stated “I hold the key to the biggest attendance, the biggest gate, the football stadiums. I hold the key to that, and they know I hold the key to that. I am the No. 1 contender.”
Anyone who attempts to deny this bold statement, simply does not understand the business, the art of Mixed Martial Arts promoting. Which at its core, is to sell out venues, and attract buyers for pay-per-view events.
Who deserves the next title shot is a fruitful debate, one which has pundits and fans making the case for merit versus hype.
When it comes to he who deserves to challenge Aldo’s reign, an argument can be made for Cub Swanson, who is on a six fight win streak, and somewhat peacefully made his way up the rankings.
His apparent final hurdle is a daunting one: former UFC lightweight champion and featherweight challenger Frankie Edgar, one of the sport’s pound-for-pound best.
The two are set to square off on Nov. 22, in the main event for the UFC’s latest visit to Austin, Texas. While Edgar is on his own mission to land a second title shot vs Aldo, Swanson has already been promised the keys to that door.
On Sunday evening, he tweeted “The @ufc has assured me the next shot at Aldo. As long as I win my fight against Edgar.”
A key to the octagon door has apparently been offered up to “KillerCub”, in essence, the right to be considered the No. 1 contender. But what if Edgar wins? Will he be given the key? Will he be considered the No. 1 contender as well?
On the outside looking in, is Denis Bermudez. “The Menace” is currently on a seven fight win streak, and is set to take on one of the division’s top dogs, in Ricardo Lamas.
While it’s safe to say that with a victory, Bermudez will move one step closer to fighting for UFC gold, what will a win for Lamas mean?
History has proven, for the most part, that much more is required to earn a championship rematch, so Ricardo’s motivation appears to be more about remaining relevant, and holding his ranking, until the time comes when another name is offered up.
And before we know it, the now recovering Chad Mendes will soon jump back onto the horse, chomping at the bit, to rid these challengers of whatever dreams and illusions they may have about championship glory. Unfortunately, it may take some time before “Money” makes his return, so the division will must move on, and business must continue forward.
The aforementioned McGregor is set to take on Dennis Siver, a bout which will headline the UFC’s return to Boston, on Sunday Jan. 18.
For fans of McGregor, it’s a waste of time – they want their man to take on Aldo next. For purists, the bout vs Siver is a worthy test for Conor, and one that is of excellent value in terms of experienced gained for Conor, while continuing to build his brand amongst the legion of haters and appreciators.
Siver is a stern test for anyone in the division, but a victory over McGregor will likely not earn him a shot against Aldo. Instead, he will be given a thumbs up, and awarded the official label of “being in the mix”.
So for purists and promoter alike, the questions waiting to be answered, are will it be McGregor or Swanson? Will the UFC risk Conor, and his key to profitable corporate revenue, against Siver in Bean Town? Will the final decision be made after Swanson and Edgar duke it out in Austin (which gives the UFC just under two months to change the Boston headliner)?
Such is the business of MMA and the debate of who will get, earn and deserve the next divisional title shot.
In the land of Kings, Princes and Jokers, perhaps the beauty lies in being the peasant, who is lucky enough to watch, examine and forecast, what may go down in 2015, for what is becoming one of the UFC’s most interesting divisions.