UFC 227 Post-Fight Thoughts

UFC 227 exceeded expectations, I would say. Most of the fights were entertaining and there was a lot of drama (the good kind). I'll give a run-down of what I thought about the card and what should happen next for some fighters. 

T.J. Dillashaw looked spectacular. I'm not sure there's anyone else at bantamweight right now that could beat Cody "No Belt" Garbrandt. He's the quickest fighter I've ever seen in the octagon. He's just such a headcase though. If that guy can figure out how not to have the emotional capacity of a teenage girl, he can certainly become one of the best in the world. Until then, fighters as good as TJ (not many) will continue to expose Cody. Luckily for Cody, like I mentioned before, I think he's the favorite against anyone else in the division currently if he's intent on working his way back to the belt. The next matchups for these two are a little tricky.

No Henry, we're all happy for you, but you don't get to fight TJ next. I don't know how long DJ will be out with injuries, but still, do the right thing. Now, for TJ, I know many aren't going to like this, but he should fight Raphael Assuncao next. There's a consensus two top contenders at 135 right now in Assuncao and Marlon Moraes, and Assuncao has won a fight between these two already. I know Moraes' wins have been more impressive, per say, but Assuncao has still been pretty dominant in his wins as well, albeit a lot more decisions. Plus, this would low key be a trilogy fight, with Assuncao barely winning the first fight, then TJ dominating the second. If I'm the UFC, I make TJ bite the bullet on this one because Assuncao still is a top contender, and if TJ wins, which he probably would, the UFC would never have to worry about giving Assuncao a title shot ever again. Assuncao's style has made him a perennial gatekeeper, but he's strung too many wins together in a row this time to ignore his case for a shot. As for Dominick Cruz, TJ is right. TJ had to bust his balls for years fighting #1 contenders to work his way back to the belt, so I have no problem with TJ denying Dom an immediate title shot if that's what he prefers. I say have Cruz and Moraes fight for the next shot, while Cody can work his way back into contention, starting with John Lineker. This just makes so much sense, it's mind-boggling. Where's my job as UFC matchmaker for crying out loud?

In the DJ-Cejudo fight, I actually had it scored 4-1 for Mighty Mouse. There were no obvious rounds for anyone I guess, but to me, DJ clearly took 1 and 3. Outside of that, any other round could have gone to either guy, and I would understand. It just came down to those particular judges last night. What was more important to them, DJ's accumulation of significant strikes on the feet, or Cejudo's takedowns and control time? I'm sure some other judges would hold DJ's stronger points of the fight in higher regard, but like everyone says, you can't leave it in the hands of the judges. For me though, for what it's worth, I gave DJ the nod most rounds because some rounds Henry had DJ on his back for no more than 2 minutes, while in the other 3 minutes, DJ was pretty clearly winning the striking. Plus, control on the ground is cool and all, but there's gotta be some damage given from the top. DJ walked out of the octagon unscathed (minus random and self-inflicted injuries) while Henry certainly looked like he was in a fight. The takedowns are important for scoring, but for as long as Henry had DJ on his back and to never damage him or try to pass guard, I decided that wasn't enough to value that higher than what DJ had done on the feet.

As for matchups, as I stated before, this one is pretty obvious. Let them both heal up, and run it back. Regardless of who you think won, it was a fantastic fight that was healthy for the flyweight division, and one I don't think the fans would mind seeing again. Run that shit back, boi.

Before that, Renato Moicano steamrolled Cub Swanson. Sent him flying with a jab, of all things, and then forced him to tap. If you've ever watched Moicano before, it's evident he's extremely talented and belongs at the top of the division. This is already his third fight with top five competition, and he's looked good every time. He demolished Cub, he beat Jeremy Stephens, I believe by split decision, and gave Brian Ortega perhaps his most difficult fight as a pro. Moicano is about as well rounded as they come. For Moicano's next fight, it's gotta be a title eliminator with Jose Aldo. Ortega isn't gonna sign any contract without Max Holloway's name on it, so this is next best for Moicano. I thought about him fighting Chad Mendes next instead, but that would really only leave Stephens available for Moicano, which makes no sense right now. So, have Moicano vs Aldo for the next crack at the belt, and Mendes vs Stephens, which we would figure out afterwards. As for Cub Swanson, it's not really looking too good for him at featherweight anymore, unfortunately. If he would like to stay, I'd say put him against Alexander Volkanovski. It's definitely a winnable fight for Cub, and it sure sounds like an exciting fight if you ask me. Did I mention that I should be a UFC matchmaker? I did? Oh, oh well. 

Quick thoughts about the rest of the card: Thiago Santos deserves some respect for taking a very dangerous fight like this. Kevin Holland looks exciting and I'm intrigued to see what he can do with a full camp. That was a really competitive fight until Holland clearly gassed out. Next, why the hell was Viana-Aldrich on the main card? One, that's not how you sell PPV's, and two, there were many more deserving fights than that one, on paper. And no, you goofs, it's not because they're women. The Zhang-Taylor fight would have made much more sense on the main card, as it was the debut of an alleged killer on a 16 fight win streak from China. This, among other fights, would have made much more sense on the main card. 

Pedro Munhoz is a legit contender at 135 and Brett Johns has got guts. That round 2 will be up there for round of the year for sure. I feel like Ricky Simon is gonna have a hard time finding guys agreeing to fight him, and Montel Jackson looks like a solid prospect in his own right. Ricardo Ramos also looks like a legit prospect, and he'll probably be ranked this coming week. Kyung-ho Kang also looked like a solid prospect. This loss to Ramos will probably look a lot better on his resume soon. The Sayles-Moraes fight was a shit-show. Eye-pokes, groin strikes, and glove-grabbing galore. Moraes was probably right to win, but you could also provide a convincing argument that one or multiple points could have been taken away. Matt Sayles is talented, but he needs to move down to 135. He's too short and his baby arms will do him no favors against some of the reaches guys have at 145.

To beat a dead horse, Alex Perez looks like he can be a legit contender at 125. Jose Torres, albeit 1-1, has not looked good at all in the UFC. Weili Zhang definitely looked like the better fighter over Danielle Taylor, but she's probably a bit of a hype-job. Finally, congrats to Chito Vera. This win was much needed for him and his family. 

Solid card.