Like your standard ‘matches to make next’, but with an emphasis on fantasy and a disregard for probability. Basically, fights that should happen, but probably won’t.
In this multi-promotional edition of MTWM, we look at fights that could happen if only the fighters weren’t all competing in different organisation – like Pimblett vs. Loughnane!
Suggested pre-reading/viewing:
Saul Rogers: UFC aside…
Whatever happened between the UFC and Saul Rogers (visa issues et al), it looks like one of the most talented lightweights in the UK right now is going to be staying close to home for a bit.
And that’s good and bad news. Bad because he clearly deserves to be up there competing with the best in the world. Good because you get to keep hold of him a bit longer. Unlike UFC 204, tickets for ACB 47 were clearly very much available.
Generally we only get to see UK fighters return to regional promotions when they’ve been cast asunder by the big shows, and it can leave them in a difficult position. Most shows can’t justify the higher wages commanded by the fighters, with few UFC veterans promising stellar ticket sales upon their drop back into the UK MMA leagues.
Rogers has the aura of a UFC fighter (given his performances on TUF) but without the ‘relegation’ required to bring him to your local MMA events. We’ve effectively got a UFC level competitor on our doorstep, though for how long is uncertain.
Another UK lightweight on the cusp of a call up is Cage Warriors champion, Chris Fishgold. Though many assumed Fishgold would be getting the call about now, he recently signed a new contract with CWFC. Whether this is a genuine commitment to the promotion or simply a bigger/better contract to be bought out of is anybody’s guess, but the chances are he’s going nowhere just yet.
Fishgold vs. Rogers is perhaps the most compelling UK lightweight fight that definitely won’t be made right now.
Daniel Crawford: under the radar
Jack Mason should really think about getting into the matchmaking business.
If you get the above joke, you’re #UKMMA! Commiserations. Anyway, the man behind BCMMA got my attention with at least 50% of the below tweet.
Whilst Ryan Scope vs. Chris Fishgold is a damn fine matchup, it’s the second part of the tweet that stands out to me.
Paddy Pimblett is 21-years-old. Let that sink in for a moment. Despite the 12-1 record and relentless shouts on social media for ‘The Baddy’ to be in the UFC, we’re not really in a rush against time just yet. A little bit more experience on the regional scene wouldn’t do any harm and the hype is unlikely to be dying down any time soon. Basically, he’ll get there soon enough, don’t be so keen to see him go!
Daniel Crawford is only 9-1 in his career, but is already building up an impressive, understated resume. His victory at ACB was made all the more noteworthy by the difficulty Alihan Suleimanov gave him in the first round. Though he was stripped of the Warrior Fight Series belt for failing to make weight, his victory over Kams Ekpo should not be overlooked.
It’s not the Loughnane-Pimblett fight you’re all salivating over, but at least it’s a fight that might actually happen. Kudos, Mr Mason. Oh, and Paddy seems really keen on the idea…
Two birds, one massive promotional stone
Not a bad start for a first go at light-heavyweight, that. Stuart Austin welcomed himself to the 205lbs division by smashing through Nills Van Noord in 2:33 at Euro FC.
As he explained before this fight, Austin is a free agent now, so the only limitations are availability of fights on the UK scene. Light-heavyweight isn’t exactly bursting at the seams with up-and-coming talent right now, so Europe may be the place to go.
Had Darren Stewart not gone and got himself signed to the UFC (no, we didn’t know either), this would have been a very simple choice. As it is, there are a couple of names that make sense for Austin, but they depend on where he’s at now.
Given his status as former BAMMA champion, a shot at current light-heavyweight top dog, Paul Craig could be in the wings for Austin. Assuming the many moving pieces scupper that otherwise awesome idea however, why not pair him up with Tomasz Narkun over at KSW? Fresh off of a stoppage victory over the eminently KO’able Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou to retain the strap at KSW 36, Narkun is building a nice win streak in the ever-growing promotion.
Stuart Austin vs. Tomasz Narkun the next time KSW are in the UK? You know you want that.
Champion vs. Champion
This one is short and sweet.
Iurie Bejenari and Jamie Powell both have six professional fights under their belt, they both last fought (and defeated) Owen Gayle, and they both hold regional flyweight titles.
Whether it’s at BCMMA or Shock N Awe, it’s a fight that should happen. End.
