The UFC has 10 more events scheduled this year. This means there’s about 120 more fights before 2017. While I’m excited for most of these, here is a list of what I consider to be the best upcoming UFC fights of the year. I left out some of the more popular bouts, and tried to include ones that are flying under the radar. Get hyped!
Best Upcoming UFC Fights in 2016
Beneil Dariush vs Rashid Magomedov – TUF: Latin America 3 Finale (Nov 5th)
In one week’s time, we’ll be getting one of the best upcoming UFC fights. These two lightweights are real dark horses in the division, but have the skill to be title holders in the near future. However, they are evenly matched, and I suspect a real competitive fight.
Dariush was on an impressive 5-fight win streak until being submitted by top-ranked Michael Chiesa. However, even though he lost by submission, I’d favor Dariush’s grappling skills against most of the lightweight division. Meanwhile, his stand up has improved drastically as of late, and held his own with the likes of Michael Johnso. With that said, Rashid Magomedov is 4-0 in the UFC, and has what I might call THE MOST technical striking in the division. It get much more prestine or efficient than Rashid Magomedov. I’m expecting a very competitive, back-and-forth scrap.
Tyron Woodley vs Stephen Thompson – UFC 205 (Nov 12th)
While UFC 205 is virtually all great matchups, I want to shed light on the co-main event – one of the best upcoming UFC fights in 2016. Conor McGregor vs Eddie Alvarez is a bout I’m sure everybody knows about, but this fight is just as interesting despite not having half the spotlight. Woodley, the newly crowned welterweight champ, possesses a very real threat of shutting down the sensational momentum of karate fighter Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson.
Woodley’s right hand can melt anybody, and we know his wrestling is some of the best in the division. Furthermore, his athleticism and explosiveness means he can move with more speed and velocity than pretty much anybody in the game – as long as it’s in short bursts. With that said, Thompson’s peculiar karate-style and fluid movement makes him an anomalie. He’s more about sustained movement and precision. He throws strikes that you never see coming or even prepare for, and has so much experience at 33 years of age. It’s a clash of polar opposite titans as the meat-and-potatoes of Woodley meets the exotic dish of Thompson.
Chris Weidman vs Yoel Romero – UFC 205 (Nov 12th)
I can’t resist but put another UFC 205 bout on this list of the best upcoming UFC fights in 2016. Also on the main card is this showdown between two top middleweight contenders. Weidman, the former champion, looks to restake his claim for the 185 lb strap by taking on Cuban olympian Yoel Romero. While Romero is undefeated in the UFC, he has certainly looked beatable, however he has also looked unbeatable. Romero’s hot-and-cold performances has mostly to due with his style.
Romero, a lot like Woodley, can explode on his opponents in the blink of an eye. Romero isn’t afraid to recklessly throw himself into harm’s way if that means landing a flying knee, or securing a high-octane takedown too. Weidman on the other hand is a much more calculated grinder. Weidman looks to win every exchange, and mentally break his opponent just as much as physically. He goes about doing this as a calculated grinder, applying a pressure and tempo early on and sustaining that throughout the fight. Both fighters possesses well-rounded weapons, but Romero’s are rooted in well-timed blitzes of aggression while Weidman is all about the slow burn.
Luke Rockhold vs ‘Jacare’ Souza II – UFC Fight Night 101 (Nov 27th)
It appears there’s a little tournament of four going on at 185 lbs to see who champ Michael Bisping faces next. Former title holder Luke Rockhold is seeking a trilogy against Bisping, but first he’ll have to re-conquer Jacare Souza. These two met for the Strikeforce middleweight title several years back; Rockhold captured a close decision against Souza. Now, with both fighters having made massive improvements, we’ll see this fight again.
Rockhold claims to have the best grappling in the division, and that’s certainly one of his biggest weapons, but Rockhold’s striking posseses sniper-like characteristics. He doesn’t throw much variety anymore, but everything looks to be on target and with deadly intentions. Souza on the other hand might have the best grappling skills in the sport (it’s a toss up between a handful of names honestly), but for sure in the middleweight division. Souza striking has improved greatly but still lacks the fluidity of other top middleweights, nevertheless when Souza gets ontop of his opponent it’s only a matter of time before they tap out. This is a dont-miss fight!
Robert Whittaker vs Derek Brunson – UFC Fight Night 101 (Nov 27th)
While bouts like Weidman vs Romero and Rockhold vs Souza might be getting the majority of the hype at 185 lbs, this fight is equally important. The winner will arguably be right in the mix with the aforementioned middleweights. Whittaker is on a 5-fight win streak, and has some very masterful striking technique – his boxing primarily. He’s gritty, and has shown greatly improved defensive grappling skills.
Meanwhile, Brunson is an explosive wrestler who is fine-tuning to be a power puncher. He racked up five straight as well, with four of these being TKO finishes. He’s powerful, and has shown great awareness in fights by capitalizing on little windows of opportunity. Both Whittaker and Brunson are proving to be very elite middleweights which makes this one of the best upcoming UFC fights.
Joseph Benavidez vs Henry Cejudo – TUF 24 Finale (Dec 3rd)
This flyweight battle features a matchup of top title contenders and Ultimate Fighter coaches. Even if you aren’t watching the current season of TUF, you should still tune in to this fight. Cejudo still lacks experience, but has an uncontested wrestling pedigree which makes him someone to keep an eye on. With steady growth and evolution, Cejudo has the skills to be an unstoppable fighter. He fell short to flyweight champ Demetrious Johnson (as did Benavidez), but I have no doubt we’ll see him back in line. Benavidez however might be looking for his last-hoorah. Nevertheless, he remains a top contender and has the skills to beat pretty much anybody except the current title holder. This is a fight between the two silver-medalists at 125.
Raphael Assuncao vs Aljamain Sterling – UFC Fight Night 102 (Dec 9th)
Bantamweight prospect “Aljo” Sterling looks to rebound from the first loss his career. He takes on long-time contender Raphael Assuncao who was recently defeated by TJ Dillashaw at UFC 200. This is a crossroads fight between a veteran of the game and a young, hungry prospect. This makes my “best upcoming UFC fights in 2016” list because both have phenomenal grappling skills. Assuncao seems more traditional approach whereas Sterling represents the new age. Sterling is unorthodox, athletic, but will be tested in this matchup. Can he prevail?
Cub Swanson vs Doo Ho Choi – UFC 206 (Dec 10th)
UFC 206 is receiving critique due to the absence of Georges St-Pierre, but this fight alone is a reason you should tune in. Cub Swanson possesses some of the most enertaining fighting styles in the sport. He’s risky, aggressive, unconventional, but extremely fluid and masterful.
Since his return to fighting he has taken out two contenders in the featherweight division. He’ll look to take out one more in Doo Ho Choi. “The Korean Superboy” isn’t just your average contender though, he’s a young, hungry, confident prospect. At 3-0 in the UFC with 3 first round knockouts, this unassuming Korean fighter might just have the best striking in the division. So far he’s been nothing short of spectacular, but he’ll be facing a storm of violence when he meets Cub Swanson. DO NOT miss this fight!
Alan Jouban vs Mike Perry – UFC on FOX 17 (Dec 17th)
In a slugger’s delight matchup, welterweights Alan Jouban and Mike Perry will meet on a fan-friendly card on FOX. In just a few month’s time, Perry has solidified himself as must-see TV. He might not be the most technically prestine fighter, but Perry’s durability and punching power makes him a threat against anybody. He really reminds me of a young Robbie Lawler, but with a bit more personality (yeah, that’s what we’ll call it!). Jouban however brings a bit more technique and calculation into the Octagon. While he’s known to stray away from this and get into brawls, he does appear to have the broader arsenal and more knowledgeable striking game. I don’t see either man shooting for takedowns; they’ll likely stand in front of eachother and throw blows until one of them is unconscious. That’s why this is one of the best upcoming fights of the year!
Fabricio Werdum vs Cain Velasquez II – UFC 207 (Dec 30th)
In a rematch between former heavyweight kings, Fabricio Werdum and Cain Velasquez will meet for an anticipated rematch. There is no belt this time around, so can suspect the winner will get the next title shot. In the first match, Werdum sparked a mild upset over Velasquez by submitting him in the third round. Both fighters landed devastating shots throughout the course of the bout, but Werdum had the gas tank to keep it up. With the high altitude of Mexico City no longer a variable, this rematch should be even more competitive. Werdum was KO’d by Stipe Miocic, but both he and Velasquez rebounded with wins over Travis Browne. Werdum defeated him soundly with a decision while Velasquez finished him in the first round. This is likely to be a very evenly matched fight. I can’t wait!
