UFC 205, Alvarez vs McGregor: Matches to make for losers
UFC 205 was a triumphant event in New York City, but with winners come losers, and here we take a look at who the losers could fight next.
The UFC finally came to New York City on Saturday night, and they conquered in dramatic fashion. There were some big winners, and some big losers but that’s the price of MMA.
But with losses, comes an opportunity to pick yourself up and embrace a new challenge. Here is a list of possible fights for the losers of UFC 205.
Eddie Alvarez lost to Conor McGregor via TKO in the 2nd round
Things didn’t go as planned for Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205. Undoubtedly his most significant career loss, how the warrior picks himself up from here will be a testimony to his character. Sometimes, it’s good to see a former champion take a step down, find their confidence and reassert themselves. The thing is, at the top of the lightweight division, there are no easy fights.
And truthfully, I highly doubt Eddie Alvarez wants one either. Though it will be best for him to take a break for a few months, his desire to prove himself will be burning. When he’s ready to step back in the octagon, a fight against a tough opponent like Edson Barboza would suit him.
Barboza doesn’t have a fight booked as of now. And due to the success of Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov, he will not get a title shot in the near future. He would embrace the challenge of facing the former champ, and Eddie Alvarez would get the chance to immediately boost his credentials.
A dangerous contest, definitely. But I find it difficult to believe that after one TKO loss Eddie Alvarez will want to pick something safer; it’s just not in his nature. And nothing will silence critics more than a win against a beast like Barboza. Beyond that, someone like Michael Chiesa would offer a different kind of challenge. Or the UFC could pull a crazy card and reintroduce Nate Diaz to the lightweight division this way (unlikely). With what Alvarez said about him before UFC 205, there’s an interesting dynamic.
Nov 12, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Blood drips from the face of Stephen Thompson (blue gloves) during his welterweight title bout against Tyron Woodley during UFC 205 at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Stephen Thompson and Tyron Woodley fought to a majority draw
Although Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson wasn’t technically a “loser,” he still left UFC 205 without the title belt he badly wanted. The debate of whom he fights next depends upon Demian Maia’s proposed trajectory.
In one sense, you can say Thompson missed his opportunity and now the next contender steps in. On the other, you can say the fight was too close, controversial, and deserves a replay. I would not begrudge a second fight between Woodley and Thompson. It was a mammoth title bout, of which Thompson won three rounds. And sadly for Maia, it would make better business.
If the rematch doesn’t happen, there is one welterweight fight in particular that would have fans salivating: Stephen Thompson vs Donald Cerrone. Say no more. That is all.
Nov 12, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Chris Weidman (red gloves) reacts after losing to Yoel Romero during UFC 205 at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Weidman lost to Yoel Romero via TKO in the 3rd round
Sadly for Chris Weidman, it wasn’t to be. After almost a year off, and following years of campaigning to get MMA legalized in his home state, he suffered a brutal knee to head in the 3rd round. Romero followed up with some unnecessary punches, but it was already over.
Chris Weidman is officially removed from the title picture — and a fun fight with Michael Bisping is gone.
Next week, Gegard Mousasi and Uriah Hall have their rematch in Belfast. The winner of that is probably the best option for Weidman as things stand. Preferably, it would be Mousasi, due to the fact he is considered the higher level competitor. Even if he gets revenge over Hall, he is still just on the outside of title contention, and a fight with Weidman will work well for him.
Although, it wouldn’t surprise me if a rematch with Luke Rockhold cropped up. Whatever happens, I hope Chris Weidman takes a good solid break to recuperate. His recent inactivity will probably push him to ignore this advice, but it will be for the best. Weidman will be back, and he’ll be better.
Nov 12, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Joanna Jedrzejczyk (red gloves) fights against Karolina Kowalkiewicz (blue gloves) in their strawweight title bout during UFC 205 at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Karolina Kowalkiwiecz lost to Joanna Jedrzejczyk via unanimous decision
The challenger fell short against her fellow Polish rival, but out of all the losers, she gained the most. Sometimes it feels patronizing to tell a fighter who lost that they still “won” on some level, but in this instance, it is definitely true. Her toughness was outstanding, her heart even more so, and she caused more damage to Jedrzejczyk than the champ did to her.
She handled herself impressively, and the crowd reaction was evidence of that. I initially intended to square her up with Joanne Calderwood, but after a fight such as this, it’s a disservice to give her an opponent who is coming from a loss. With that in mind, a fight against former champion Carla Esparza works for both competitors.
Kowalkiewiecz brought up the idea of a rematch with Jedrzejczyk on Polish soil. Whilst this is unquestionably enticing, it doesn’t need to happen right away. The demand for that fight will increase tenfold by allowing each competitor to pick up another win, and by keeping the fans waiting a little while.
Nov 12, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Khabib Nurmagomedov (red gloves) fights Michael Johnson (blue gloves) during UFC 205 at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Michael Johnson lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov via submission in the 3rd round
Once again, Michael Johnson drops at the final major hurdle. The talented and dangerous fighter was a sorry victim of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s desire to prove himself. And the Russian proved himself splendidly.
Though the loss was crushing in every sense of the word, Michael Johnson held on longer than most humans could. Theoretically, this toughness did him little favors; it just allowed him to take a beating for even longer. But in this sport, toughness always wins you respect.
Out of all the losers at UFC 205, who Michael Johnson faces next is the least obvious. Francisco Trinaldo will likely take the chance to hop up the rankings, and that fight is interesting. But after some thought, I think the most appealing prospect would be a fight with Will Brooks.
Both guys are coming off bad losses, although Brooks’ had mitigating circumstances. Yet a fight with Johnson seems like a logical midpoint before he attacks the top-tier in the UFC. And considering Michael Johnson has lost 3 out of 4, he doesn’t deserve anything beyond that.
The UFC are not lacking in prospective fights over the next few months, and as the door of Madison Square Garden closes, we move on to the next big thing. Until then…
More from FanSided
This article originally appeared on 
