Thanksgiving marks the start towards the final push towards Christmas and the New Year. In my family Thanksgiving doubles as the deadline to get my Christmas list in to my grandmother. So with that in mind, here’s five things I hope to see in the MMA universe this coming year.
1. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Brock Lesnar – OK, so this one may already be wrapped up in a nice little bow for me, but I think this could be an absolutely epic heavyweight matchup. Can Nogueira, known for his ability to withstand sustained punishment, outlast the 275 pound monster and lock on one of his famed submissions? How far has Brock Lesnar progressed on the ground? It’s the wily vet up against the explosive, powerful newcomer in a fight with layers of stories.
2. The UFC on network TV – I agree with Dana White that the UFC shouldn’t enter into a network TV contract if it doesn’t fit their needs. The company is quite healthy enough with the Spike/PPV model. Still, as a fan, having the sport’s biggest company on the biggest national stage will be a monumental event. A network deal, in my opinion, would cement the sport’s ascension into the mainstream.
3. Female MMA in the UFC – With the news that Dana White changed his mind and would considering putting on female fights in the Zuffa-controlled WEC, it’s only increased my hunger to see women fighting on the big show. Gina Carano and others have the opportunity to become huge stars if given the opportunity. And unlike most sports, a woman’s fight has every bit the potential to be as exciting as their male counterparts.
4. Anderson Silva in meaningful fights – I know he has to defend his title. I know he wants to fight every two or three months. And I know Yushin Okami injured himself training for a potential bout with Silva. That said, I don’t want to see him fighting the James Irvins and Patrick Cotes of the world in 2008. Have him fight Mike Bisping, bring in Matt Lindland, or move him up to 205 for good. Just make sure he’s being put into high-profile, big money fights in 2009.
5. A healthy Japanese MMA scene – Dream and World Victory Road have both put on increasingly entertaining shows in 2008, but recently we’ve only heard doom and gloom stories about the status of Japanese’s twin MMA heads. WVR needs the financial backing of Japanese conglomerate Don Quijote, who may or may not pull out of their deal. Dream, an extension of K-1’s former Hero’s show, has been plagued by poor television ratings. With the graveyward of American MMA promotions growing every month, it’s important that fighters outside of the UFC have a place to make money even if it’s across the waters.