Great 2016 for UFC So Far

Great 2016 for UFC So Far

 

            Two main events, two of the best fights in each division titles’ history, 2016 has started marvelously for the UFC. On January 2^nd Carlos Condit fought Robbie Lawler to a close decision, causing fans to argue weather Lawler deserved to retain his Welterweight belt that night, at UFC 195.

On the 17^th TJ Dillashaw and Dominic Cruz treated Boston to the Bantamweight Division’s most thrilling title fight to date. Again fans disputed the judges’ split decision for Cruz. With the UFC taking this week off, fans can distract themselves with NFL Divisional Playoff games or shoveling feet of snow, depending on location, but next week’s (Jan 30) Fight Night from Newark, NJ has the potential to keep the company’s 2016 thrill streak going.

            Anthony “Rumble” Johnson vs Ryan “Darth” Bader matches the LHW division’s #2 and #4 fighters. #2 Johnson is 20-5 with 14 KO wins. Fresh off one of those KO’s: Rumble stopped Jimi Manuwa last contest at 0:28 of the second round.

He was submitted earlier this year by Daniel Cormier by RNC (3^rd 2:39) at UFC 187. Before the title fight Johnson had racked up nine straight in the win column including six KO’s.   Of his five losses, four are by Sub and one by KO.

Ryan Bader is 20-4 with ten decision wins, currently he is on a streak of five straight decision wins. In 2015 he outpointed, fellow top ranked 205ers: Rashad Evans (Oct) and Phil Davis in January. This clash of styles should offer excitement. Bader has also never lost by decision (2KO, 2Sub).

            If that weren’t enough, the following week (Feb 6) a Heavyweight Championship rematch between 20-5 Champion Fabricio Werdum and the man he took the title from 13-2 Cain Velazquez battle it out, the night before the Superbowl in Las Vegas and on PPV. So far this year the UFC has given us plenty to cheer, as we build up to UFC 200, the potential for great action continues.