UFC Welterweight Division?

Question

After St. Pierre's loss last night, it leaves people guessing about his overall skill as a fighter. But theres a plus side to it: since George is no longer established in the UFC as a world champion, he may very well be forced to fight his way back up to the number one contendership spot with fighters like Diego Sanchez, Nick Diaz, Matt Hughes, Thiago Alves, and Josh Koschek.

Koscheck should definetly be in the number 1 contendership spot since hes won 7 out of 8 fights in the UFC all-together,, with his last five fights being victories. I think Thiago just recently got suspended from the UFC after testing positive for some sort of steroid use after his last fight at "Liddel vs Ortiz II". George St. Pierre may get a rematch for the championship, or he might take on Matt Hughes. But personally, I think the next fights should go as follows.

Matt Serra vs Josh Koscheck(Welterweight Championship)

Nick Diaz vs Matt Hughes

George St. Pierre vs Diego Sanchez

Mari, I havn't heard that about Nick Diaz, but I will take your word for it. But you've got to understand that the ranking system of the UFC is not as precise or sophisticated as, say, the boxing system. If you have Anderson Silva entering the UFC and winning the championship during his second fight; this is illustration of what I'm talking about. With that said, the UFC seems to be more interested in whats interesting to the fans; but that doesn't mean they don't pay attention to some ranking system. Anyway, It's possible that Koscheck is required to face George or Matt Hughes before a title shot, but I'd say hes pretty close to the #1 contendership spot already. I've heard about Matt Hughes contract, but it could have only guaranteed him a future shot at the Welterweight Champion, not necessarily a fight with St. Pierre. I can easily see Hughes coming back into the title picture, but there are many others right there with him. I still believe that Diego Sanchez vs St. Pierre is next.

Answer 1

I think you are right on in that GSP vs. Diego might be next--they are both coming off losses, and it is an intriguing matchup that would have come anyway had they not both lost on Saturday. That said, they gave Hughes a (relatively) easy fight with Chris Lytle after he'd lost the title, so don't be surprised to see them feed GSP someone they think he'll beat, and do the same thing with Diego so they can make GSP vs. Diego a title fight.

Hughes will fight Serra for the title next--there's bad blood there, and it will sell. The winner will probably face GSP, as it is a rematch either way, and then Koscheck will get his chance.

Koscheck loses out though--he didn't do himself any favors on Saturday--he was too concerned with putting the "1" on Diego's record, which, to be fair, he did, but used such a boring style that I don't think the UFC is going to give him a title shot until he shows he can beat a contender convincingly in an actual fight. Look for him to be matched up against Fitch or Riggs before he gets a crack at whoever is holding the belt when he (if he) wins that one.

I can't stand the guy, but I think he is a good match for anyone in the division, with the possible exception of GSP, whose standup is better than his, and is extremely difficult to take down. If he fights Hughes, the result will be the same as it was vs. Diego, and if he fights Serra, it's a toss up, because Serra can strike with him, and he's dangerous on the ground from his back.

GSP is still the future of the division; he'll have the title back before the end of the year, and I expect he'll do a better job of keeping it next time.

Answer 2

Nick is currently out of the picture. Not only did he test positive to pot after the Pride 33 fight, he just signed with EliteXC.

I was not impressed by Koscheck's performance (or Sanchez's on Sat night.) I see Dana having Koscheck fight Joe Riggs who is ranked higher than Koscheck, but did just loose to Sanchez (but has beaten Diaz) before he gets a shot. Sanchez would have to win a fight against Hughes or St. Pierre to get the shot.

Don't forget about Parisyan as well. He's ranked up there in the welterweights. I would also expect Jon Fitch to see some more action in the near future.

Answer 3

UFC is a business first & foremost! I would believe that both Matt Hughes & Georges St. Pierre have rematch clauses in their contracts so it would make sense to have them fight each other in a rubber match for the winner to have the first crack at the new champion with the other getting his chance afterwards. As far as Koscheck goes, give him his shot now at the title against Matt Serra. As far as Diego Sanchez goes, F*CK HIM! He wasn't anything special to begin with & Josh only proved that last night. Anyone can go undefeated when you're fighting all bums & get breaks from bad scoring from judges who haven't a clue! Nick Diaz will probably stay over in PRIDE and compete there once they implement the new weight classes.

Answer 4

I don't disagree with your match ups, but Matt Hughes has already been granted a title shot next against Serra. I'm not sure how anyone can question GSP overall skill as a fighter. He lost by one punch. If Serra doesn't land that punch, GSP probably wins that fight. And by the way did GPS not defeat Matt Hughes, BJ Penn, Sean Shrek, Karo Parisyan, and Frank Trigg to name a few. So I'm not sure how anyone can question GSP in any way. He'll be back better than ever and I can see him being champion again in the future.

Answer 5

For Koscheck to be number 1 he should have to beat Hughes or St. Pierre. He doesn't deserve the #1 spot if he doesn't

Answer 6

I think Kos should get his title shot (not that he deserves it after both his and deigo's piss poor performance last night), because Im pretty sure Serra can take him, on the same card Hughes and GSP should have their rubber match with the winner getting a chance to regain the title.

Answer 7

yes

Answer 8

i agree completely