UFC 207 Review

Neil Magny VS Johny Hendricks

First of all, let me start with covering the weigh in situation. This was the third consecutive fight that Hendricks has missed the welterweight limit. While what Hendricks has been doing is disrespectful, it is clear to see that Johny Hendricks has legitimate issues making welterweight and it is time for him to make the move to middleweight. This may be a good for "Bigg Rigg" though as it may help his knockout power even more.

Johny Hendricks managed to hold Neil Magny down for portions of the fight but Neil Magny managed to use his range along with submission attempts to scratch out a unanimous decision. While Hendricks was able to take Magny down it was clear that the judges favored Magny's submission attempts (which I did as well).

Next For Hendricks

Hendricks need to make the move to 185 as it is clear he can no longer make welterweight. With a move up to middleweight Hendricks would need an opponent and I would love to see him fight Uriah Hall. It would definitely be exciting to see such a great strikers match-up showcasing two very different styles.

Next for Magny

With another win Neil Magny has won 4 of his last 5 and is certainly in a good position for 2017. I personally would like to see Magny match-up with fellow UFC 207 winner Dong Hyun Kim. While neither man is ready for a title shot, this could be an interesting fight for fans that would set up one as a potential title contender by the end of 2017.

TJ Dillashaw VS John Lineker

TJ Dillashaw is returning to form at UFC 207 after a loss to Dominick Cruz and a win against Raphael Assuncao at UFC 200. Using his movement and footwork, second only to Dominick Cruz, TJ Dillashaw dominated over John Lineker. The most impressive part of the fight for Lineker unfortunately was how well his face managed to hold up against Dillashaw's vicious attacks.

Next for Dillashaw

Given his post fight interview it is clear to see what TJ Dillashaw wants next and I believe the UFC should and will give it to him. Although a match-up with Urijah Faber would have been far more dramatic for the TJ vs Team Alpha Male story line, a fight with Garbrandt will finally give UFC fans what we have all waited for. 

Next for Lineker

While his fight against TJ Dillashaw wasn't very impressive in my eyes the UFC decided to keep him at third in the bantamweight rankings. With the beef between Garbrandt and Lineker, it is obvious that the Brazilian will be in a rush to get this title match and the best way to do that is through Dominick Cruz. While he will face many of the same issues he did with Dillashaw, Lineker would hopefully use the experience to prepare more thoroughly for the former bantamweight king.

Dominick Cruz VS Cody Garbrandt

WOW. That is all many fight fans including myself had to say during and following Cody Garbrandt's domination of Dominick Cruz. Never in his career has Dominick Cruz looked out classed but just that happened on the night of UFC 207. While I have been watching Garbrandt since before his UFC run, and thought he could cause an issue for Dominick Cruz, I did not expect a win and definitely not a dominant performance. With countless knock downs, it is a wonder why "No Love" did not attempt to end the fight, but it ended all the same, with a new champion. Shortly after the final bell, these men that had so much animosity leading up to the fight, stopped and exchanged a hug and a smile which in my opinion was one of the greatest moments in UFC history. It is great to see both men have such great respect for each other despite not even wanting to touch gloves a half hour earlier.

Next for Garbrandt

Cody Garbrandt has brought the UFC bantamweight belt back to Team Alpha Male. The key word their being "back". Formerly held by former teammate TJ Dillashaw a battle is certainly in the near future. The drama has been building up for a moment like this and hopefully the UFC will not leave fans waiting to long.

Next for Cruz

With this being his first loss in almost a decade it is likely that Cruz will want to get back into the cage quickly. Cruz will also likely want to set himself up for another shot at his title and who better than number 3 ranked challenger John Lineker. This match-up favors Cruz given Lineker's lack of success against similar fighter TJ Dillashaw, but nonetheless could be an exciting fight for UFC fans.

Amanda Nunes VS Ronda Rousey

The hype was certainly there for the return of miss "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey unfortunately she was not. While I am sure that Ronda Rousey put in plenty of work ahead of UFC 207 the game has passed her by.

Next for Nunes

While the women's bantamweight division has things to offer "The Lioness" I feel it is time that she follows in the footsteps of Conor McGregor and becomes a 2 divison champion. With a soon to be crowned women's featherweight champion, I believe "The Lioness should have first dibs on whoever that woman is should she so choose. Otherwise it is likely that Valentina Shevchenko will get a shot to redeem her only UFC loss.

Next for Rousey

Short term, more acting appearances. Unfortunately the game that she created has passed Ronda by it would seem, so why not make some money with the image she has created. Long term Ronda Rousey still has one accolade to accomplish in the UFC and that is the first woman inducted into the UFC hall of fame.