Cody Garbrandt, Donald Cerrone, and Anthony Johnson each scored big wins at UFC 202. By doing so, they made a strong claim for title shots in their respective divisions. But will they get them? Let’s break down each fighter’s case, and go over why he should or should not be next in line.
Cody Garbrandt vs Dominick Cruz for the Bantamweight Title
Cody Garbrandt has been on a hot streak. He demolished fellow prospect Thomas Almeida in decisive fashion, and then took out long-time veteran Takeya Mizugaki at UFC 202. Garbrandt has shown to have destructive boxing skills that combines one-punch KO power with silky smooth combinations. After his UFC 202 victory, he called out bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz for a title shot.
Cruz can’t seem to get away from his Team Alpha Male rivalry. His trilogy with Urijah Faber recently came to an end when Cruz decisioned him at UFC 199. However, Cruz has a standing rivalry with former champion TJ Dillashaw which stems from when Cruz narrowly defeated TJ to reclaim his 135 lb belt. Now, it looks like a rivalry between Cruz and Cody Garbrandt could be sparking up.
Will it happen?
Technically speaking, no. TJ Dillashaw should be the one getting the next crack at Cruz’s belt. First off, Cruz narrowly defeated him in January; I personally thought Cruz deserved the win, but it was a closely contested fight. Secondly, TJ Dillashaw rebounded by taking out top 5 contender Raphael Assuncao at UFC 200. It wasn’t a performance that sent shockwaves through the division, but it was a dominant unanimous decision win.
Cody Garbrandt vs Dominick Cruz is a fight that I think will happen, I just don’t think it will be next. I see the UFC holding off, and giving Garbrandt another fight. They should then set up Cruz vs Dillashaw 2. If Cruz loses this, they have the option of doing Cody Garbrandt vs TJ Dillashaw; current Team Alpha Male vs former Team Alpha Male. Whatever ends up happening, expect Cody Garbrandt to be part of it. It should be a very intense and exciting build up.
Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone vs Eddie Alvarez for the Lightweight Title
After getting a Mortal Kombat-esque TKO against top 10 welterweight Rick Story, a move back down to lightweight was on Cerrone’s mind. Even though Cerrone is now 3-0 at 170 lbs, he called out lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez for UFC 205 at Madison Square Garden. Cerrone defeated Alvarez by unanimous decision in what was Alvarez’s UFC debut. Since then, Alvarez went on to defeat Gilbert Melendez, Anthony Pettis, and most recently TKO’d Rafael dos Anjos to become the lightweight champ. Alvarez’s title run proves that styles make fights, not records.
Even though Cerrone has good odds of becoming the lightweight champion, many fans want to see Cerrone continue his rampage at welterweight. He is now in the top 10, and is just one or two wins removed from a title shot. Nevertheless, Cerrone wants a belt, but I wonder what he plans on doing if ever picks up the lightweight belt that has alluded him for so long. Will he defend it? Or, will he immediately vacate it and go back up to 170 lbs?
Will it happen?
Even though I favor Cerrone’s odds against Alvarez, I don’t think the UFC will book this fight. Dana White has said how he is a fan of Cerrone at 170 lbs, and others agree. He looks like an absolute monster. Furthermore, a lot comes down to what Conor McGregor and the UFC decide to do. If McGregor wants to fight Eddie Alvarez for the lightweight belt (rather than defend his featherweight belt), the UFC would surely deny Cerrone and give McGregor the shot instead. I love the idea of Donald Cerrone causing chaos back at lightweight, but he’s a welterweight now and I would like to see him stay there.
Anthony “Rumble” Johnson vs Daniel Cormier for Light Heavyweight Title
“Rumble” Johnson wants another shot at Cormier and the light heavyweight belt. Johnson took out top 3 light heavyweight Glover Teixeira in just 13 seconds at UFC 202. Before that, “Rumble” pounded out top 5 light heavyweight Ryan Bader. Johnson and Cormier met before at UFC 187; Johnson nearly KO’d Cormier in the first round, but failed to get the finish and succumbed to a rear-naked choke in the third round. Now, there has never been a stronger case for Johnson to get another shot at DC. The only problem is – a certain man named Jon Jones puts it all in jeopardy.
As if Jon Jones can’t screw enough up, he could very well jeopardize Johnson’s claim to a title shot. We thought that Jones was going to be out of action for 2 years following his PED violation. However, recent news suggests that Jones could be given a drastically decreased suspension, and might be ready to sooner rather than later. In which case, the UFC might just book Jon Jones against Daniel Cormier so they can settle their unfinished business.
Will it happen?
I’m actually optimistic about this one. Even though Dana White mentioned how he would like to see Jon Jones come back and fight Anthony Johnson (not even champ Cormier), I think the UFC will do the right thing. Johnson deserves his crack at Daniel Cormier regardless of Jon Jones. In my eyes, Jones has forfeited his turn in line – at least for the time being. Cormier vs Johnson 2 is the perfect fight to headline UFC 205 at MSG.
