As the year draws to a close, let’s take a look at the state of the UFC’s roster, and what we can expect in the upcoming months. Today, we’re going to be looking at the UFC Welterweight division (170lb).
Home to the best fight of the year (Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald), the UFC Welterweight division looks to have a bright future going into 2016. With a decent supply of contenders for the belt, Welterweight will have more phenomenal fights. One of those fights isn’t far away.
In what will be his second title defense, champion Lawler will be facing off with number four ranked Carlos Condit at the first MMA event of the new year, UFC 195.
Originally scheduled for UFC 193, the fight between the two will be a barn burner. Condit is one of the most fascinating strikers in the sport with absolutely brutal elbows, whereas Lawler can take an ungodly amount of punishment. It’s a tough one to call, and the odds reflect that. Currently, the betting line stands as Robbie Lawler -115 against Carlos Condit at -105.
That fight takes place at UFC 195, January 2nd and awaiting the winner of that fight is no doubt Tyron Woodley, a wrecking ball who has been relentless in his chasing of that title shot.
Woodley actually beat number one contender Condit in early 2014, but because of the bizarre fashion of that victory (Condit was unable to continue due a nasty knee injury), it tends to be forgotten. Woodley then earned his shot in unceremonious circumstances after he was meant to face Johnny Hendricks (#3) in a title eliminator, but Hendricks was unable to compete due to a failed weight cut.
Hendricks, a constant threat to the title, faces Stephen Thompson (#9) at UFC 196, which should he win will propel him back into title contention.
Elsewhere in the division, Demian Maia recently grabbed some attention by beating Gunnar Nelson in an enthralling ground fight, where he dominated the very capable Nelson en route to a decision victory.
After the bout, the 38-year-old announced his displeasure with the UFC ranking system, and the former Middleweight title contender stated he was ready for a shot at a new belt.
“People are influenced by marketing and whatnot,” Maia said. “I think the ranking system should be defined with a mathematic formula or something and not just someone’s opinion over who’s the better fighter.
“I beat Magny, a Performance of The Night, by the way. After that he fought twice and defeated Erick Silva and Kelvin Gastelum, but Gastelum, who lost to him, rose two spots. I don’t know what’s up with that. I’m ready for the title, I’m a much improved fighter.” Of course, it wouldn’t be the UFC Welterweight Division if there wasn’t a mention of former champion Georges St-Pierre.
News of St-Pierre’s flirtation with a return have been running riot recently, after both boxing legend Freddie Roach and coach Firas Zahabi hinted at starting a GSP training camp in order to see his physical state.
If the Canadian was to return, with a reclaiming of the title on his mind, then a fight with Robbie Lawler or a rematch with Carlos Condit could be big business.
Prediction for 2016: Condit beats Lawler by decision, defends it against Woodley and then faces Johnny Hendricks late in the year.
