Every fighter that steps into a cage faces pressure. However, some fighters have more weight on their shoulders than others. This could be because they’re trying to remain unbeaten, to keep their winning streak alive, or to avoid being released by the promotion they fight for. With June almost over, here’s a look at fighters under extra pressure in the month of July.
Edson Barboza
Edson Barboza is one scary fighter. He made his debut in the UFC with a perfect 6-0 record, and didn’t stop there. He won his first four fights fighting for the UFC, his fourth win earning him “Knockout of the Year”. The hype train was derailed however, after former WEC lightweight champion Jamie Varner stopped him in the first round with strikes at UFC 146. Barboza got back to his winning ways in his next bout, with a stoppage win over Lucas Martins, ending the fight in the first round. Now, he’s set to face Rafaello Oliveira, who replaces an injured John Makdessi. Oliveira has 6 UFC fights to his name, but has an unimpressive 2-4 record under the promotion. Barboza (11-1 MMA) is the clear favorite, but should he lose to the heavy underdog Oliveira, he will drop through the UFC lightweight rankings dramatically, and it will hurt his case for a elite opponent. Edson Barboza has a lot of pressure to win.
Next Fight: UFC 162 (July 6)
Chris Leben
Since 2005, Leben has been entertaining UFC fans. He introduced himself to UFC fans on the inaugural season of “The Ultimate Fighter”, and 12 wins and 8 losses later, he is still here. The fans love him, evident from the five post-fight bonus awards he’s collected. Unfortunately, the heavy handed and iron jawed Leben may be fighting for his job in his next fight. From 2010-2011, “The Crippler” went 4-1. Not bad. But after a loss to Mark Munoz in November of 2011, it was down hill from there. He failed his post-fight drug test, and was suspended for one year. When he returned, things just got worse. He was upset by Derek Brunson in a lackluster affair that went to a decision. He’s now expected to face Andrew Craig in his next fight. Craig is also coming off a loss. Should Leben lose his third straight, he might be handed his walking papers by the UFC.
Next Fight: UFC 162 (July 6)
Frankie Edgar
It’s surprising to see Frankie Edgar on this list if you’ve been following his UFC career. Just two years ago, Edgar was the UFC lightweight champion and considered one of the pound for pound best fighters in the world, after winning the belt and successfully defending it twice. In 2012, he lost his belt to current champ Benson Henderson in a very close fight. He would lose again to Henderson in another close fight in their rematch, prompting Edgar’s change in weight class to featherweight. Edgar received an immediate title shot against Jose Aldo in his new weight, but yet again, would lose in a close fight. No more title shots for Edgar, as he’ll now face Charles Oliveira who is coming off a loss. Edgar needs to win this fight against the dangerous submission specialist Oliveira. A fourth loss would be devastating for his career, considering Oliveira is a heavy underdog. A loss would seriously hurt Edgar’s chances of becoming a world champion again any time soon, and to hold a belt again is something he truly desires.
Next Fight: UFC 162 (July 6)
The Loser of Mac Danzig vs Melvin Guillard
It’s safe to say both these fighters are fighting to avoid being released by the UFC. Both men have three or more post-fight bonus awards and are fun to watch, but the UFC has shown through previous fighters they’ve released that you can’t just be exciting – you need to win. Danzig was the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 6, and Guillard was at one point riding a five fight winning streak. They both know what it’s like to win the big fights. Lately though, winning is something that has eluded these two men. Danzig is coming off a loss and is only 5-6 in the promotion. Since that five fight winning streak, Guillard has only gone 1-4, and his suffering from back-t0-back losses. Whoever loses this fight will most likely be cut from the UFC.
Next Fight: UFC on FOX 8 (July 27)
Siyar Bahadurzada
Bahadurzada hits even harder than his name is to pronounce. He made that clear when he knocked out former top welterweight Paulo Thiago just 42 seconds into the first round of their fight back in April 2012. This generated a lot of hype for the man known as “The Great”. However, in his very next fight he was unable to stop the grappling offense of talented fighter Dong Hyun Kim, and was taken down and controlled for three rounds, losing a unanimous decision. In his next fight, Bahadurzada is will have to try and defeat Robbie Lawler. Fans who know of Lawler know that is no easy task. If Siyar should lose, he’ll be on a two fight losing streak and only 1-2 in his promotion. The pressure is on then for the 21-5 welterweight.
Next Fight: UFC on Fox 8 (July 27)
Anderson Silva
I almost feel crazy writing this one. Anderson Silva is the greatest middleweight of all time, and is currently ranked number one by the UFC for pound-for-pound best fighter. Many media sources feel he is not just currently the best fighter in the world, he is the best fighter to ever exist, period. After all, he has the most consecutive wins in the UFC, is tied with Joe Lauzon for most post-fight bonus awards (12), and has the longest UFC title reign. He has the best UFC record ever (a perfect 16-0). But, Silva is 38. Simply, he’s old/older for an athlete, and no matter how good you are, eventually Father Time catches up to all athletes, and they inevitably go on a decline. Am I saying the greatest MMA fighter ever is going to lose his very next just because he’s getting old? No. In fact, he’ll probably do what he always does (win impressively). However, his next opponent might be his toughest challenge yet. Chris Weidman is an undefeated fighter, with a 5-0 record in the UFC. He’s a good striker, and a great wrestler. And if Silva has shown any weakness, it’s his take down defence. On top of this, he has voiced his confidence in himself to the media and to fans, and confidence is definitely needed when facing a fighter with a resume like the one Silva possesses. A loss for Silva would be terrible for him. It would ruin his perfect UFC record, he’d no longer be considered the best middleweight, and it would destroy the ability to sell a super fight between either light heavyweight champion Jon Jones or welterweight champ Georges St. Pierre. Silva needs to win to preserve his legacy and make sure he retires undefeated in the UFC and with his belt. Obviously, no matter how good Silva is, there is a lot of pressure for him to win, maybe more now than ever.
Silva will defend his title against Chris Weidman at UFC 162 (July 6)
Other fighters worth mentioning: Mark Munoz, Tim Boetsch, Dave Herman, Andrew Craig (UFC 162).
Ed Herman, Yves Edwards, Spencer Fisher, Brendan Schaub (UFC on FOX 8)
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