Neither Rampage nor Forrest are ready to go until April (at least) due to injuries, so the delay is more like 2-3 months, not seven, a fact well worth mentioning given all the people complaining. In exchange for a small delay of 2-3 months, the UFC gains the following:
- A huge buildup between two great personalities that will sell a lot of PPV buys.
- Two very interesting personalities that should make TUF far more interesting next season, and will possibly reverse the bad ratings trend.
- A chance to determine some real contenders at LHW in the process.
- A possible megastar replacement for Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture.
The chance to determine real contenders at LHW is most important. Right now, there’s Rampage and then there’s everyone else. Nobody cares about Keith Jardine, Wanderlei is brand new (and might lose), Chuck is coming off two losses, and might even be coming off three, and Tito Ortiz is basically inactive. If they book the division well, they can separate a few guys from the pack by the time Rampage fights Forrest, and by that time you’ll have a very marketable champion and a few well-established contenders.
Given Liddell’s decline and Couture’s resignation, the UFC needs some new draws. I expect Tito to try to make another run next year, but Rampage and Forrest are the two best options there. After an awesome season and a great fight, the division should be in much better shape. A lot hinges on the outcome of Liddell/Silva.