Within the last week, we have received major UFC 205 fight card updates. This includes a welterweight title fight and a potential lightweight title fight too. Let’s go over what UFC 205 is shaping up to look like.
Rumor: Conor McGregor vs Eddie Alvarez
That’s right! The UFC 205 fight card may just be topped off with a lightweight title fight. Featherweight champion Conor McGregor is rumored challenge Eddie Alvarez for his lightweight title. Even though it’s just a rumor, it’s entirely plausible. We know McGregor will likely either defend his featherweight title against Jose Aldo in a rematch, or go after 155. Joe Rogan teased us a little in regards to this amazing match up.
McGregor recently went 25-minutes with Nate Diaz in a welterweight fight in August. He emerged victorious, but was put on medical suspension. Fighting on the UFC 205 fight card would entail a quick turn around. While McGregor is known for being active, it does seem a little too soon. Alvarez on the other hand hasn’t fought since he snatched the lightweight title away from Rafael dos Anjos. Alvarez won via first round TKO back in July.
Tyron Woodley vs Stephen Thompson
Dana White has officially announced that the welterweight title will be on the line at UFC 205. Tyron Woodley sits as the newly crowned champion after he KO’d Robbie Lawler at UFC 201. Afterwards, he expressed interest in fighting big name opponents like George St-Pierre and Nick Diaz. Unfortunately for Woodley, number one contender Stephen Thompson will be challenging for the gold instead.
Thompson’s recent win streak includes massive victories over Rory MacDonald, Johny Hendricks, and Jake Ellenberger. He has a lot of momentum and hype behind him which stems from his extremely entertaining fighting style. Thompson brings a blend of traditional karate and active footwork. Interestly, Thompson has opened as the favorite over champ Woodley. This should be an amazing fight between two polar opposite styles.
Donald Cerrone vs Kelvin Gastelum
Welterweight contender Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone was originally linked to a fight with Robbie Lawler. However, Lawler had to retract his name. Lawler expressed desire to have more time to recover from his KO loss. Instead, Cerrone will meet #5 ranked welterweight Kelvin Gastelum. Gastelum just picked up the biggest win of his career when he won a sound decision against Johny Hendricks at UFC 200. Interestingly, Gastelum was briefly scheduled to fight Jorge Masvidal, but was pulled from that fight to face Cerrone on the UFC 205 fight card.
Cerrone currently sits at #7 in the rankings. I’d like to believe a win over Gastelum would put Cerrone in line for a title shot, but after seeing how long it took for “Wonderboy” Thompson – I’m skeptical. Let’s not forget about Demian Maia too who should be up next after Thompson.
Frankie Edgar vs Jeremy Stephens
Sources have claimed that a featherweight tilt between Frankie Edgar and Jeremy Stephens will take place on the UFC 205 fight card. While the UFC has yet to officially anounce this, it seems entirely possible. Frankie Edgar was last seen losing a decision to Jose Aldo at UFC 200. The fight was for the interim featherweight championship, and Edgar lost convincingly. Meanwhile, Stephens took out former bantamweight champion Renan Barao earlier this year. This is an exciting featherweight fight with high stakes for both fighters. This could very well be Edgar’s last attempt to cling onto the elite level at featherweight.
Rashad Evans vs Tim Kennedy
Also added to the UFC 205 fight card is a middleweight bout between Rashad Evans and Tim Kennedy. This will be Evans’ middleweight debut as he is dropping from the light-heavyweight division after two straight losses. Kennedy has not fought since being knocked out by Yoel Romero in 2014. It’s an interesting match up between two men toward the end of their careers.
That being said, I wouldn’t rule out a title run from either men. Rashad Evans could benefit greatly from the lighter weight class, but it’s difficult to tell how the weight cut will affect him. Furthermore, Kennedy is a very large middleweight and could potentially be as big as Evans. Before his loss to Yoel Romero, Kennedy was on a 4-fight win streak including a win over current middleweight champion Michael Bisping. It’s not unreasonable to see either Evans or Kennedy work their way up the division.
Liz Carmouche vs Katlyn Chookagian
The UFC 205 fight card also received a women’s fight. Bantamweights Carmouche and Chookagian will meet, presumably on the prelims. Interestingly, both women are coming off of victories over Lauren Murpy – both by decision. However, Carmouche hasn’t fought since April 2015 while Chookagian won her UFC debut last July. Chookagian appears to be a prospect in this stacked women’s bantamweight division, but Carmouche has been a staple of the top 10 for a long time.
