2013 has already seen some exchanging of titles that were unexpected – and some that were not. The vanguard champions of some years ago are gone with only a few still standing. Taking a look at the current roster of champions, there are clear threats at each division. Below you will find our predictions for who at each weight class has the best chance of dethroning the current champion:
Heavyweight: Current Champion – Cain Velasquez
I think Cain Velaszquez has fully redeemed himself from his first loss to Junior Dos Santos, and it is time (for now) to look past the Brazillian KO-machine as a legitimite threat to Cain’s title. Many people probably think Daniel Cormier has the best chance of defeating Cain, but I like Fabricio Werdum. I don’t think Cormier matches up too well against the champ, and is not superior to him either the striking or wrestling game. Werdum is like a spider monkey off his back, and is the type of guy who can pull of an “out of nowhere submission”; he’s also got surprising power in his hands.
Light Heavyweight: Current Champion – Jon Jones
I’ll be honest – I don’t really like anyone to beat Jones at 205lbs. That said, I do like Gustafsson in the re-match. I don’t think Jones took the Swede too lightly in the first match-up, I don’t think Jones knew how to handle a guy with the same reach as him. While I see Jones training up for this in the next match, I still see Gustafsson giving him problems and potentially eeking out a win. For those of you thinking it, no I really don’t think Glover Teixeira will be beat Jones.
Middleweight: Current Champion – Chris Weidman
I’ll probably catch heat for saying this, but I know most people will likely agree… I do see Anderson Silva re-capturing the belt at 185lbs. That said, if Weidman does get past Silva again I really think the middleweight division will be the one to watch. With so many great contenders in the division (e.g. Vitor Belfort Ronaldo Souza, Lyoto Machida, Luke Rockhold, etc…), I really don’t know where this one is headed.
Welterweight: Current Champion – Georges St. Pierre
While I am not dismissing Johny Hendricks, as I do think he stands a chance against the current champion, I am feeling pretty certain that he will lose. After his next fight I feel confident that retirement will finally conquer the long-standing welterweight champion; however, if he were to stay, the only fighter that I think could maybe beat GSP would be Rory MacDonald. That said, given that the two have already sworn not to fight each other, I don’t see it happening. I see GSP vacating the title, and MacDonald fighting Condit for the title (with MacDonald winning).
Lightweight: Current Champion – Anthony Pettis
Much like Velaszquez to Dos Santos, Pettis seems to have former champion Ben Henderson’s number. Not sure I see Bendo with the strap back just yet. I’m more interested in seeing Gilbert Melendez face Pettis, as I see this being an all out scrap-fest. Do I think Melendez would win? Maybe. Pettis has been seen to have some challenges against fighters with a style similar to Melendez. So, while not a guarantee I could see the former Strikeforce champ taking the UFC gold.
Featherweight: Current Champion – Jose Aldo
Here is my long shot pick for future champion, but I like Cub Swanson. Swanson has looked like a completely different fighter in his last few match-ups, showing a flare and diversity in his game that I think could pose a lot of problems for Aldo. I think Mendes will lose again, and I really don’t think Lamas or Edgar have what it takes to take out Aldo.
Bantamweight: Current Champion – Dominick Cruz
I think this is the easiest one of all divisions. I am pretty sure Renan Barao will solidify the title when given the chance – he just looks too good. Cruz has to be suffering from the worst case of ring rust seen, and I don’t think he will be able to handle the aggressive Brazilian.
Flyweight: Current Champion – Demetrious Johnson
Joseph Benavidez has to be the favourite here. I think this re-match will be as epic as the first bout between these two warriors. Benavidez has made some clear adjustments to his game, and looks like a fighter who wants to wear a UFC crown. I don’t think this is a gimme fight for either fighter, but currently at flyweight, Benavidez poses the most issues for Johnson.
Women’s Bantamweight: Current Champion – Ronda Rousey
While we may not see it for awhile, I like Cat Zingano more than Meisha Tate to beat Rousey. Tate has not really impressed me too much more recently and Zingano fights like she wants blood and has a heart to match. I definitely don’t think Rousey will have the title too long, as her game has to be figured out soon enough (it’s not like anyone who gets in the cage with her shouldn’t be aware of what she’s going to do); however, I really see Cat taking it to Rousey when they do match-up.
Predictions like love affairs are made with the heart… and also like love affairs can also be wrong (sometimes very wrong). That said, this is the way that I see things falling out in the next while. One thing for sure, we’ve got some great match-ups coming up soon and the UFC drama will continue.
Thanks for reading. You can follow me on Twitter: @lastwordmark, and follow the site @lastwordonsport.
Interested in writing for LastWordOnSports? If so, check out our “Join Our Team” page to find out how.
Photo Credit: Science Duck via Photopin
