[Zeke's Chaingun]

Originally Posted by OT Sinner

Really strong post, Zeke, good analysis overall and I like the fights you selected at the end. I am also someone who doesn't like the idea of immediately pairing Franklin and Silva up as many are suggesting. Silva can be a huge star for UFC if they build him up properly, because the casual fans are in shock over his dismantling of Leben. Besides, right or wrong, Silva is being branded as an "outsider" or "PRIDE guy" by many, though I realize he hasn't even fought there in some time. There's a very real chance he can beat Franklin, so him doing that in like his second UFC fight would make the UFC champions looks weak. UFC would be wise to invest more time in Silva pre-title fight to "make him theirs" so to speak. I've made comments in the past that Marquardt needs to be getting the next title shot, he's a solid veteran who's paid his dues and most people concede he is the current top contender to the belt, so they should give him his shot and not give him the "Lindland treatment". Franklin would probably win and it wouldn't alter the future big picture money-making match of Franklin-Silva, but if Marquardt wins, it wouldn't hurt things badly, as beating Franklin would mean something.

I like all the pairings at the end, Quarry-Fioravanti is a good matchup to help build Luigi, who could be an interesting middle tier guy for UFC, or to get Quarry back on the right track (though age isn't necessarily on his side for being a so-called up-and-comer). Leben-Riggs is good for the reason you listed, Swick-Terrell is a good match for the winner to vault to the upper status of the MW division (talking like top four or five with the most proven guys). Lister-Sonnen is good for vets who are just building a name in UFC and would be a good stylistic pairing.

I also really like the pairing of Tanner-Doerksen, and El Dirte is one of those guys I like but am afraid he may be forgotten in UFC due to a few tough losses. On the plus side, with all these added shows UFC is running, they shouldn't be so trigger-happy to release guys after mild losing streaks.

All in all, fantastic post.

I agree with Silva still being regarded as a "Pride Guy" even though he's fought in many places over the years and finally is making a home in the UFC. He needs at least two fights before Franklin to build him properly.