The main card from UFC 181 is now come and gone. The ending of the night saw a great performance by one champ to retain his belt while in the other match saw a newly crowned welterweight title. Anthony Pettis and Robbie Lawler ruled the night. Pettis was able to finish Gilbert Melendez while Lawler won a rare split decision in the title match against Johny Hendricks. The main card also showed victories by Travis Browne, Todd Duffee and Tony Ferguson. It was a card the more than lived up to the hype but here are some things can be expected from Saturday’s winners of the main card.
Once again Anthony Pettis(18-2) silenced any doubters and pulled off a second round submission of Gilbert Melendez (22-4). Many want to see the champ matched up with Jose Aldo but what about in his own division? He has three guys that seem prime but time will tell how their upcoming fights pan out. The only fighter currently without a match is Khabib Nurmagomedov. He has done more than enough to earn it but the UFC may want to him to take another fight coming off his injury. 2015 should be an exciting year for the 155 weight class and by this time next year hopefully Anthony has defended the belt at least once.
For a fighter to win a split decision against the champion he must have really showed more than than that was expected. Robbie Lawler (25-10) was able to do that in what more than likely could lead to the first trilogy that has been seen in the UFC for some time. Johny Hendricks (16-2) should be available soon depending on medical clearance so this could be set for the spring. Also by the time this all plays out there will likely be another contender or two waiting.
A win by Travis Browne (17-2-1) over Brendan Schaub(10-5) is a good thing for the UFC heavyweight division. Already being close enough to almost smell the title winning this match outs him even closer. The upcoming match between Junior Dos Santos and Stipe Miocic will be key this upcoming weekend. More than likely the two winners from these matches will create a contenders match. If Werdum - Vasquez does not happen this is also enough time to slide him Browne in against him similar to what happen with Mark Hunt. Everone wants to see Cain but at least things outside of the top of the division have a little more clarity with this victory. Todd Duffee (9-2) is rising heavyweight looking to get into the mix. After this victory over Anthony Hamilton (13-4) he could get a top 15 guy next. Possible the winner of the Gabriel Gonzaga and Matt Mitrione fight or if Little Nog could also be a possibility.
One name that needs some consideration in the lightweight division is that of Tony Ferguson(17-3). Similar to Miles, this all tools fighter is a young talent that could be the future of 155. After his victory over Abel Trujillo(12-6) guys like Jim Miller, Barboza and Tibau would make sense unless they fill the time is to give him a top 15 guy. Everyone would love to see him face Michael Johnson on his return would be an exciting match up for both fighters. Once you get out of the top 5 of the lightweight as mentioned earlier, the sky's the limit.