The Doggy Bag: Expect the Unexpected

Brock Lesnar vs. Shane Carwin felt like the biggest fight the UFC could currently promote, and now that it is in the history books I was wondering which possible matchup is next in line for true blockbuster status. What is the best fight the UFC could possibly put on right now? Is it Anderson Silva vs. Georges St. Pierre, assuming both fighters get past their next opponents?
-- Colin in Reno

Mike Sloan, reporter: Hey Colin, thanks for writing to us.

In terms of casual fan interest and pay-per-view buys, I think it would be anything involving Lesnar. He’s the one fighter on the UFC roster that moves the meter and has the casual sports fan talking when he fights. His come-from-behind win over Carwin was huge and I think that the showdown with Cain Velasquez will do terrific business for Zuffa.

As for GSP vs. Silva, that is an MMA fan’s dream considering the dynamic possibilities. The negative aspect of that fight is that Silva has diminished his image lately with lackluster performances and odd in-cage behavior. However, if Silva is able to remind fans of his greatness against Chael Sonnen at UFC 117 and St. Pierre defeats Josh Koscheck for a second time later this year, the champion vs. champion clash will be more marketable than ever.