HEAVYWEIGHT - CAIN VELASQUEZ
Record - 9-0
Last loss - Runnin strong
Most notable moment - UFC 121, Cain came in as a slight underdog and manhandled Brock Lesnar from the opening bell clear up til the stoppage 4 minutes and 12 seconds later, to obtain the UFC heavyweight belt and carry the pride of a Mexican American community through the sport.
Reason to love - Cain sits atop the world right now with an impressive resume in the hardest hitting division. If you love to see fighters finishing fights, then Cain is your man 8 out of 9 times. Finishing 6 of his nine fights in the first round and 2 of his fights in the 2nd round, Cain is an action first fighter that loves to mix it up quick.
Biggest challenge - Shane Carwin or Junior Dos Santos. Two heavyweights with the same amount or more stoppages in only a couple more fights, JDS and Carwin bring heavy hands to the table if they get a shot in the future. Cain has shown he has a chin in his fight against Kongo, but the new heavyweights are a whole new breed of power.
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT - MAURICIO 'SHOWGUN' RUA
Record - 19-4
Last loss - UFC 104 October 2009, controversial decision that gained Shogun immediate rematch. Previous loss in UFC debut in 2007 against Forrest Griffin.
Most notable moment - August 28th, 2005. At the age of just 23, Shogun had racked up a record of 10-1, with his only loss to Babalu, and 9 of his 10 wins coming by knockout, only winning one decision to his last opponent, Little Nog. Needless to say he was a superstar in the making, and this date sealed his deal as he would face Alistair Overeem and Ricardo Arona on the same night of a tournament, and would go on to win both by TKO in the first round.
Reason to love - Another striking artist, Shogun holds 16 of his 19 wins by way of KO or TKO, and 1 of the other 3 were by submission. At the age of 29 he has many years left in the sport, but also an incredible resume behind him. Flying under the rader because of all the hype of UFCs other superstars, Shogun stays respectful, and confident.
Biggest challenge - Jon Jones recently defeated Ryan Bader and was offered a short notice (6 weeks to prepare) title shot. I'm fairly certain even the mention of the name Jones brings up highlight reels, but that isn't the only thing dangerous about the kid. Jones shares the same mass success at an early age that Shogun once had himself, and that propelled Shogun to the position he sits atop today.
MIDDLE WEIGHT - ANDERSON SILVA
Record - 28-4
Last loss - 5 years ago to Yushin Okami, where he knocked Okami out with a kick from his back, but was DQ'ed because the strike was illegal. Previous loss was in 2004 to Ryo Chonan via flying scissor heel hook.
Most notable moment - This one is up in the air for me. His record streak of wins and title defenses as well as his victories when traveling up in weight have all been impressive. For now I'm saying every most recent fight he wins is the most impressive as it keeps his legendary streak alive.
Reason to love - The reasons not to love list would be a lot easier and shorter. Anderson is a true athlete, and a true entertainer. He has recently developed the ability to really sell fights, and might have picked it up from Chael Sonnen. Now whether you love him for his five round uphill battle and last minute sub on Sonnen, or his collection of sick KOs (front kick to Vitor, standing back elbow to Fryklund, soft jab on Forrest, leg catch on Irvin, knees twice to Franklin) is totally your choice.
Biggest challenge - At middleweight, no one poses much of a threat to him. The obvious match up and toughest test of his career will come if GSP is able to best Jake Shields. GSP will come into the fight with a game plan that you can guarantee will play to the biggest weaknesses of Silva.
WELTERWEIGHT - GEORGE ST-PIERRE
Record - 21-2
Last loss - April 2007 to Matt Serra (avenged), previous loss October 2004 to Matt Hughes (avenged)
Most notable moment - UFC 94, January 2009. Aside from his two losses, GSP had only one close fight, and it was with his first fight against BJ Penn, where GSP won a split decision. At the time of the rematch, BJ Penn was in the top 5 of pound for pound fighters along with GSP, Silva, and Fedor. GSP wanted to leave no room for doubt and absolutely dominated every round of the rematch. Eventually BJ's corner threw in the towl at the end of the fourth round. This hurt me as a BJ fan, but was a huge accomplishment for GSP and his career.
Reason to love - It takes a true appreciation of the sport to enjoy GSP's fights. He turns every fight into a chess match, months before the actual bout. He studies every second of tape available on his opponents, makes a solid game plan, and sticks with it. This strategy has allowed him to not only beat, but dominate and humiliate his opponents in what's considered one of the deepest talent pool divisions. If you call GSP boring and don't think he is one of the smartest competitors in the sport, you are mistaken.
Biggest challenge - Don't think for one second that it is Anderson Silva just yet. Standing in the way of the super fight and then legacy of GSP is one inspired Jake Shields. Jake has been counted out and opened up the lines as a 5-1 underdog. Hard to imagine with a 26-4 record, a 15 fight win streak, and wins over Henderson, Kampman, Jason Miller, Robbie Lawler, Paul Daley, and Yushin Okami.
LIGHTWEIGHT - FRANKIE EDGAR
Record - 13-1-1
Last loss - April 2008 to Gray Maynard via decision
Most notable moment - UFC 125 Draw to Gray Maynard. Going into the fight as an underdog for his third straight bout, and second as champion, Edgar was able to survive the most brutal 1st round I have seen in a long time. He battled back form what could of been scored a 10-8 or 10-7 round to what I believe should of been a victory, but as judging goes, came out to a draw.
Reason to love - Most every lightweight is considerably fast, but the footwork of Edgar is something to marvel at. He has the ability to outscore opponents round after round by way of strikes, or takedowns depending on how he's feeling.
Biggest challenge - Gray Maynard and about 12 other lightweights. What has quickly become the deepest division in the UFC following the merger, the lightweight division will have no problem throwing challengers left and right at Frankie as long as he holds the belt. First on the menu however is a much anticipated 3rd chapter on the Edgar-Maynard saga.
FEATHERWEIGHT - JOSE ALDO
Record - 18-1
Last loss - November 2005 to Luciano Azevedo
Most notable moment - WEC 48 vs Urijah Faber. Jose was going into the fight to defend his newly earned title for the first time against a former P4P king in the California Kid. What was expected to be a brawl turned into a one sided, masterful executed, leg kick inspired fight. Jose gained mass recognition from his dismantling of the formers champs leg.
Reason to love - The lighter the weight class, the more impressive it is to rack up KO's and TKO's, and submissions on your resume. Holding 14 of his 18 wins via stoppage, and 7 of his last 8 via KO or TKO, Aldo is electrifying to watch right now. stay tuned.
Biggest challenge - Mark Hominick will challenge for the title on April 30th, and make no mistake about it, this fight will come to a finish before the first round. Mark has claimed to be a striker on a whole other level than anyone Jose has ever faced, and I am quick to take his word for it. If you need any proof, take a look at his last bout with roop and imagine that kind of percision and power at any weight class.
BANTAMWEIGHT - DOMINICK CRUZ
Record - 17-1
Last loss - WEC 26 March 2007 to Urijah Faber.
Most notable moment - WEC 47 against Brian Bowels. Cruz was able to stop a Bowels who had just obtained the title himself from the always dangerous and legendary Miguel Torres.
Reason to love - Cruz has a stand up game that is fun to watch because it is very unique. with unconventional head movement, and strikes comings from every which way at any given time, Cruz stays busy start to finish, guaranteed.
Biggest challenge - Mighty Mouse, Torres, Faber. The UFC hasn't announced who the will give him next, but any of these matchups will make for a very large draw. More then likely Mouse will get the shot and Faber and Torres will end up in a number one contenders match later on down the line i believe.
That's it, get ready for this weekend for the first installment of the Strikeforce heavyweight tournament featuring Fedor vs Silva.
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