Next step for these LHW matchup winners:

Rashad will be facing Shogun for the Title at UFC 128 in March, but 3 other important divisional matchups will be taking place within the next couple months. Lets try and sort out what the logical next step should be for each fight winner.

UFC 126:
Franklin vs Forrest
Bones vs Bader

UFC 130:
Rampage vs Thiago Silva


I personally feel if Rampage wins his fight with Thiago he should be right in line for a Title shot at that point, but with that fight in May, 2 months after Shogun and Rashad square off, not sure that they wouldn't make another Title fight before hand.

I can see Forrest especially with his history with both Gun and Shad getting a shot for beating Franklin, and Franklin getting one as well if he gets by Forrest, but think they might endup having to fight once more before getting the nod, possibly against the Bones/Bader winner.

The Bones vs Bader winner would porbably be the most deserving of all, but who knows what Dana is thinking., it's crazy to think that Bones could possibly find himself in a Title fight later this year.

Either way, tons of great possible future matchups for the Title.

All three winners could be made the next contender. I'm thinking Forrest Franklin winner fights the Bones Bader winner.

Wolfgangsta wrote:

I'm thinking Forrest Franklin winner fights the Bones Bader winner.

This will happen. If Randy beats Machida he'll get the next shot I think.

This is what I think SHOULD happen, not what I think will happen.
UFC 126:
Franklin vs Forrest- winner fights Machida vs Randy winner(for a title shot)
Bones vs Bader- winner get the next title shot

UFC 130:
Rampage vs Thiago Silva- fights the winner of lil Nog vs Tito.

Why would Machida be closer to a title shot than Rampage?

Nog/Tito is fighting the loser of one of those matchups.

If Rampage WIns he sets up the best championship fight. A rematch from when he got crushed in 2005 or a rematch with his nemesis from 2010.

bobbitt15 wrote:

Why would Machida be closer to a title shot than Rampage?

You know I was actually thinking Machida won the dec over Rampage. Brain fart.