George Sotiropoulos: Dave Mandel | Sherdog.com
With the recent merger of WEC into the UFC there are many opportunities for some great fights in the lightweight division. I’m no matchmaking extraordinaire like Joe Silva or Sean Shelby, but below are some fights that can’t miss.
We heard on AOL Fanhouse from UFC President Dana White that WEC featherweight tyrant Jose Aldo turned down a 155-pound bout with Kenny Florian, so we’ll assume that the Nova União product is content to rule the world at 145. If he were to change his mind for another challenge at lightweight, Nate Diaz is a sure bet for fireworks.
“The winner of Ben Henderson’s [Dec. 16 title defense against Anthony Pettis] will automatically face the winner of Frankie Edgar versus Gray Maynard,” said White during a UFC conference call.
That’s brilliant matchmaking at play, but I’d like to see the winner get a staunch test like George Sotiropoulos in their Octagon debut.
Here are more post-merger bouts that make sense:
Jamie Varner vs. Evan Dunham
Tie Quan Zhang vs. Cole Miller
Donald Cerrone vs. Clay Guida
Chris Horodecki vs. Yves Edwards
Ricardo Lamas vs. Melvin Guillard
Shane Roller vs. Clay Guida
Kamal Shalorus vs. Joe Stevenson