UFC 207 is in the books, and what an event it was. A fitting way to wrap up 2016 may was a brand new breed of fighters coming through. One new champion was crowned, while we may have just watched one of the biggest names in the sport for the last time.
The first fight on the main card was a flyweight one, which was scrappy and fun, and eventually won by Ray Borg who took the decision victory over Louis Smolka. The second bout was not as fun, with Dong Hyun Kim topping Tarec Saffiedine in a sloppy fight. Then came TJ Dillashaw vs. John Lineker, and after a fun, three round fight, Dillashaw walked away with a wide decision over Lineker. Next was the co-main event, with Cody Garbrandt shocking almost everybody, and beating Dominick Cruz decisively over the course of five rounds. In the main event, Ronda Rousey’s long awaited return was spoiled, as she was stopped by Amanda Nunes in under one minute.
Now, originally, I was going to pick and choose opponents for all five main card winners, but I have decided to leave out Dong Hyun Kim, as he’s just in an awkward situation.
Amanda Nunes
Two in a row, two first round stoppages, over two of the most recognised names in Women’s MMA. The Brazilian is on a five fight tear with four stoppages, and doesn’t look like stopping now. Nunes has a lot of women gunning for her now she’s beaten Rousey, but there’s only one woman that deserves the shot in my eyes. Well, two women, well one, well… What I’m trying to say is the winner of the fight between Julianna Pena and Valentina Shevchenko which takes place on January 28th should fight for the belt next. Amanda has said time and time again she doesn’t care who she fights, but she will have a tough night with either of these women. Pena is 2-0 in the UFC and won TUF 18, she has wins over names such as Jessica eye and Cat Zingano. Shevchenko and Nunes have already fought, with Nunes winning a decision. Other than that fight, Valentina has been perfect in the UFC, defeating Sarah Kaufman and Holly Holm.
Cody Garbrandt
This is a strange one, why? Because TJ Dillashaw deserves a title shot, and probably would have gotten it if Cruz would have won, but the feeling straight afterwards was probably that Cruz, because he was one of the most dominant champions, deserved an immediate rematch. At the post fight press conference, though, Cruz said he agreed that TJ deserved the next shot, and he was completely fine with him having it. Garbrandt did say he wanted to give Cruz an immediate rematch, though, but the next move will likely be Garbrandt vs. Dillashaw. A massive rivalry, after Dillashaw’s split with Team Alpha Male. Both Garbrandt and Dillashaw looked the best they ever have last night, and if, or when, they clash, it’s going to be incredible.
TJ Dillashaw
Well, the above paragraph kind of gives this one away… Dillashaw dominated John Lineker last night, dominated him like nobody else has dominated him before, and walked away with a wide decision victory. Dillashaw used good striking and slick, amazing wrestling to dominate Lineker throughout three rounds. Note: When I say amazing wrestling, I mean, amazing wrestling. Amazing. Just amazing. Absolutely ama… Okay I’ll leave it there. Dillashaw deserves a title shot no doubt, and will likely get it back. Can the former champ regain his belt or is Garbrandt here to stick around?
Ray Borg
Ray Borg looked better than he ever has last night, and dominated Louis Smolka for the decision win. Smolka did reveal after the fight that he had been ill all week, but it was still an impressive performance by Borg. Two judges even scored a round 10-8 for Borg, so, yeah, it was pretty dominant. Borg is in a weird situation, because he’s young and ever so talented, but he has missed the 125lbs mark twice now. Borg is currently ranked #13, but will likely shoot up a few places when the rankings are updated. Above him, at #10 is Brandon Moreno, who shocked the masses when he tapped Louis Smolka in his UFC debut. Following that, Moreno took a split decision over Ryan Beniot, so is 2-0 in the UFC and surging at the moment.
