Top 5 Fights To Make In The Wake Of UFC 193

By Rick LaFitte

Top 5 Fights To Make In The Wake Of UFC 193

Holly Holm punishes Ronda Rousey during UFC 193 women's bantamweight title fight — UFC 193 proved a memorable event in Australia. Not only did the show set an all-time attendance record, it also delivered the biggest upset in UFC history. Holly Holm derailed the Ronda Rousey hype with a stunning second-round knockout to win the women’s bantamweight title. Strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk continued her dominance by turning back game challenger Valerie Letourneau. Here are the Top-5 fights to make in the wake of UFC 193.

5. Valerie Letourneau vs. Joanne Calderwood

Valerie Letourneau kicks Joanna Jedrzejczyk during women's strawweight title bout at UFC 193

5. Valerie Letourneau vs. Joanne Calderwood

Valerie Letourneau kicks Joanna Jedrzejczyk during women's strawweight title bout at UFC 193. — Letourneau added some new fans with a valiant effort against Jedrzejczyk. She had some moments but absorbed plenty of punishment in the five-round striking battle. It was far from the one-sided affair that many expected and the American Top Team product raised her stock in defeat. Letourneau against Joanne Calderwood would definitely have exciting potential. “JoJo” was forced out of a December clash with Paige VanZant due to a knee injury.

4. Robert Whittaker vs. Michael Bisping

Robert Whittaker punches Uriah Hall during middleweight action at UFC 193

4. Robert Whittaker vs. Michael Bisping

Robert Whittaker punches Uriah Hall during middleweight action at UFC 193 — Whittaker’s middleweight move continued to pay dividends as he defeated Uriah Hall to make it four straight wins. “The Reaper” should vault into a top-10 spot after ending Hall’s successful ways. Whittaker had originally been slated to face Michael Bisping in Melbourne but the veteran was forced off the card due to an elbow injury. “The Count’s” offensive volume, experience and cardio would make an excellent test. It's a fight worth revisiting.

3. Mark Hunt vs. Frank Mir

Mark Hunt batters Antonio

3. Mark Hunt vs. Frank Mir

Mark Hunt batters Antonio — Hunt ended a two-fight skid with a first-round KO of Antonio Silva in their highly anticipated rematch. While it failed to produce the drama of their epic 2013 clash, Hunt showed he remains a dangerous threat in the division. “The Super Samoan” against Frank Mir would be intriguing. The former titlist is in rebound mode after a decision loss to Andrei Arlovski at UFC 191. Mir has added improved boxing skills to accompany his slick ground game.

2. Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Claudia Gadelha 2

Joanna Jedrzejczyk punches Valerie Letourneau during UFC 193 co-main event

2. Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Claudia Gadelha 2

Joanna Jedrzejczyk punches Valerie Letourneau during UFC 193 co-main event — Jedrzejczyk wasn’t able to get a stoppage against Letourneau but it wasn’t from a lack of trying. The Polish standout employed all the offensive weapons in her arsenal in earning a unanimous decision win. A rematch with the no. 1-ranked Gadelha seems to be in order. The talented Brazilian gave Jedrzejczyk her toughest Octagon test in losing a split-decision and is coming off a UFC 190 victory over Jessica Aguilar.

1. Holly Holm vs. Ronda Rousey 2

Holly Holm after knocking out Ronda Rousey in women's bantamweight title clash at UFC 193

1. Holly Holm vs. Ronda Rousey 2

Holly Holm after knocking out Ronda Rousey in women's bantamweight title clash at UFC 193 — Holm turned in a stunning title-winning effort against the seemingly unbeatable Rousey. Her head kick finish was one of the most shocking moments in MMA history as Holm claimed both Fight and Performance of the Night bonuses. With Holm and President Dana White talking rematch, it seems to be a slam dunk. There’s no doubt Holm-Rousey 2 would enjoy huge PPV success and would also be a huge test as to how Rousey responds from adversity.

Share On Facebook

Share