3 things we learned from UFC 202

by Chris Asbrock

The UFC fell into one of the most successful events this year. Heading into the weeks leading up to UFC 202, the buzz just didn’t seem to be there for the massive rematch between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz. That changed when these two got into some shenanigans at the pre-fight press conference, three days before the fight. The altercation certainly added some intrigue and hype for this rematch. You would have to think there was a spike in pay-per-view buys as a result of these two.

The card far exceeded expectations, seeing four out of the five main card fights ending via a knockout. The main event between Diaz and McGregor was one of the greatest fights you will ever see and is definitely a fight of the year candidate. With that being said, there are some storylines coming out of UFC 202, so let’s take a look at three of those.

1. Anthony Johnson is one of the scariest men in the octagon

This phrase has been muttered a lot since Glover Teixeira’s head hit the canvas in just 13 seconds. Johnson landed a massive uppercut and sent Teixeira to the mat. It was a guarantee that the fight was not going to the judges. Someone was going to get finished. Most didn’t expect it to take 13 seconds for that prediction to come to fruition. Saturday night confirmed that Johnson is the scariest men in the octagon within the first round.

Johnson is extremely aggressive once the fight starts and will look to wreck anyone in his path. His recent path of destruction has put Dana White and the UFC in a very interesting spot. After his statement victory over Teixeira, Johnson called out the champion, Daniel Cormier. A rematch against Cormier would do big business, especially if they could work that fight in for UFC 205 at Madison Square Garden in November. White has also brought up the possibility of Jon Jones facing Johnson for the chance to take on Cormier.

2. Conor McGregor once again holds all of the cards against the UFC

Conor McGregor had to win the rematch against Nate Diaz. McGregor had to execute his game plan to defeat Diaz. McGregor went early and often to the body and legs, taking away the power from Diaz. The big question is now what is next for both fighters. McGregor is still the champ at 145 lbs and will need to defend that belt. Having him not defend the belt has done a lot of harm as it has held up the division. A rematch versus Jose Aldo would a lot of business and should be the direction the UFC should head.

By the look of things, it would appear that McGregor will be fighting next at 155 lbs, thus holding up the 145 lb division more. McGregor is certainly a big money draw and he could once again hold the UFC hostage with his demands. He is certainly a money maker for the UFC and will demand to be compensated as such. You could certainly expect to see McGregor fight before the end of the year, either at MSG or on the December 30 card in Las Vegas.

3. Dominick Cruz and Cody Garbrandt must lock horns

Dominick Cruz is the most dominant bantamweight in the world. Cruz has suffered only one loss in his career, to Urijah Faber back at WEC 26 in 2007. Since that loss, he has destroyed everyone in his path, like an absolute savage. Up next should be Faber’s teammate at Team Alpha Male, Cody Garbrandt. Garbrandt has made a name for himself so far in 2016, knocking out his three opponents in the first round.

The 25 year-old Garbrandt would be a solid matchup for elder Cruz, as these two have never faced each other. Cruz has rolled through the division and would look to add Garbrandt to his list of victims. Another option for Cruz would be a fight between Flyweight champion, Demetrious Johnson coming up in weight to face Cruz. That would be a massive fight but should be put on the back burner until after a Cruz/Garbrandt battle.