The Ultimate Fighter Live has produced yet another batch of young talent for their lightweight division. Urijah Faber and Dominick Cruz’s warriors performed beautifully until the very end, and Friday’s finale left the division with certain exciting implications. There are a number of big matchups at 155 pounds awaiting Joe Silva’s call very soon. A few are indicated here.
Danny Castillo vs. Michael Chiesa:
Michael Chiesa recently completed his victorious Ultimate Fighter run, winning the show during an emotionally trying time. The Maverick was faced with daunting adversity and stared it down, finishing the three toughest fighters in the house. But he must now move on. A proven WEC and UFC veteran like Danny Castillo would provide a serious indication of where Chiesa is headed after his Iaquinta victory. Castillo outlasts his opponents and tends to win grinding decisions; however, because he lacks finishing ability, Chiesa’s ability to weather a storm and end fights with his crafty grappling would make him a formidable opponent for the Alpha Male standout. The TUF winner’s skills and heart would be tested once more, and another finish could stop Castillo’s winning streak at three.
TJ Grant vs. Joe Proctor:
Finishing the season with a win at the finale, Proctor cemented his status as a top contender in this season’s lightweight group. He clearly has the striking to compete with the top fighters in his division, and also excels on the ground with his Lauzon style jiu jitsu. TJ Grant is riding a two-fight win streak, and as an eight time UFC veteran, the Canadian has shown incredible durability. It is always interesting to see how the TUF fighters fare against proven Zuffa talent, and a win over Grant will be a big step up in the division for Proctor.
Jamie Varner vs. Justin Lawrence:
Varner’s long awaited return to the octagon was quite exciting as the former WEC champ pulled off a massive upset in knocking Edson Barboza out with authority. With that victory, Varner showed just how well he could neutralize a flashy yet lethal kickboxer of Barboza’s status. In Justin Lawrence, he would be faced with a similar task. Lawrence, although coming up short in his quest to become the next Ultimate Fighter, commanded attention the moment he set foot inside the UFC training center. His wildly powerful standup game makes for a visceral viewing experience, especially after establishing his UFC presence by putting John Cofer to sleep with a sneaky right foot to his grill.
Sam Sicilia vs. Jeremy Stephens:
Although he is amidst a tough losing streak, Jeremy Stephens always presents a difficult fight. Lil Heathen loves to stand, but isn’t afraid to wrestle to achieve superior positioning in a fight. Sicilia has awesome potential and could very well become a premier striker, but he, like the rest of TUF’s cast, needs to face real UFC opposition before we evaluate his status as a top fighter. Sicilia has great power in his hands, and is also a very tough opponent to finish. These two lightweights would duke it out until one of them is forced to give up, which is very unlikely. Also, Stephens most definitely will deem Sicilia unworthy of a fight with him, and those extra emotions could provide some fun drama.
Daron Cruickshank vs. Tony Ferguson:
Tony Ferguson is the prime example of an Ultimate Fighter alum continuing to improve long after his time in the house. After being crowned the winner of season 13, ‘El Cucuy’ proceeded to rack up a few big wins over Aaron Riley and Yves Edwards before meeting his match against a sharp Michael Johnson. Ferguson has a wrestling background, but has become a full-fledged striking machine. Cruickshank has some pretty crisp kickboxing of his own, and redeemed his questionable chin from the Vick knockout in the finale when he went three tough rounds with striker, Chris Tickle. Ferguson has the reach to win this fight, but he hasn’t seen the precision of a guy like Cruickshank yet.
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