UFC's Heavyweight Division is Getting Old

[Deuce7]

So after Cain Velasquez was forced out of his match up with Fabricio Werdum I got to looking at who could be challenging for the title in the near future (after Mark Hunt of course) and I started to realize that the division is getting very old.

 

Here are UFC's Current "Rankings" as well as their ages.........

 

Cain Velasquez - 32

Fabricio Werdum - 37

Junior Dos Santos - 30

Travis Brown - 32

Mark Hunt - 40

Stipe Miocic - 32

Josh Barnett - 36

Andrei Arlovski - 35

Bigfoot Silva - 35

Roy Nelson - 38

Ben Rothwell - 33

Alistair Overeem - 34

Gabriel Gonzaga - 35

Frank Mir - 35

Stefan Struve - 26

Minotauro Nogueira - 38

 

Honestly the lack of newer and younger names concerns me a little, mostly because I believe less then half of the men above will be fighting three years from now.

[UniConor]

I feel like the heavyweight division is the weakest in the UFC, in terms of depth and because of that lack of depth. The quality is pretty poor too...

 

Stefan Struve has a lot of potential and I like him a lot.

 

Other than that... I hope the UFC can find a star or two

[Deuce7]

They are trying to push Miocic as a legitimate star, but unfortunately he has about as much charisma as a can of peas.

 

Struve has potential, but his health is a big concern.

[bjornmma1]

They should sign Smealinho Rama. The guy is still very young and has shown to have a lot of potential. He could be an elite heavyweight with the correct training.

[Deuce7]

My predictions...........

 

Werdum - He has to win this fight against Hunt otherwise it may be his only and last shot at the title before he calls it quits.

 

Hunt - Lets face it, he can't keep taking the punches he takes and keep coming forward for much longer.

 

Barnett - He just doesn't seem to care much anymore. I give it two more big paydays and he's done.

 

Arlovski - He still has the talent to get a shot at the title again, but he still has that glass jaw label.

 

Bigfoot - Not sure how much longer he can or is willing to cut weight down to 265lbs.

 

Nelson - He'll be done by the end of 2015. He still butts heads with Dana and has completely stopped trying to move down to 205.

 

Overeem - Clearly can't hang with the best of the best, can't even hang with Rothwell, so Overeem never sniffs a title.

 

Gonzaga - He will continue to be a gate keeper, but will face one of the men above and lose convincingly.

 

Mir - Why has he not retired already??

 

Nogueira - See above

[UniConor]

My predictions...........

 

Werdum - He has to win this fight against Hunt otherwise it may be his only and last shot at the title before he calls it quits.

 

Hunt - Lets face it, he can't keep taking the punches he takes and keep coming forward for much longer.

 

Barnett - He just doesn't seem to care much anymore. I give it two more big paydays and he's done.

 

Arlovski - He still has the talent to get a shot at the title again, but he still has that glass jaw label.

 

Bigfoot - Not sure how much longer he can or is willing to cut weight down to 265lbs.

 

Nelson - He'll be done by the end of 2015. He still butts heads with Dana and has completely stopped trying to move down to 205.

 

Overeem - Clearly can't hang with the best of the best, can't even hang with Rothwell, so Overeem never sniffs a title.

 

Gonzaga - He will continue to be a gate keeper, but will face one of the men above and lose convincingly.

 

Mir - Why has he not retired already??

 

Nogueira - See above

Thats some pretty accurate predictions, I completely agree.

[GBK16]

The only guy under 30 is Struve, and sadly, his long term future in the sport is still in doubt due to his health.

[Deuce7]

The only guy under 30 is Struve, and sadly, his long term future in the sport is still in doubt due to his health.

 

That is why this division's long term future is very underwhelming.

[UniConor]

I wonder what will happen, if the UFC will suddenly save it by signing prospects or if it just becomes a very lackluster division.

[rodrigokrojas]

Here are a few unsigned HW prospects

I've only listed fighters who have never been signed by the UFC, Pride, Strikeforce, or Bellator, with preference to fighters under 36. Factors I've taken into account when profiling fighters are: Age, camp, record, level of opposition, dedication (fight consistency and athleticism), and skill-set.

Please feel free to post your own prospects, and promote discussion of the heavyweights outside major organizations in this thread to make it a continuing resource for posters and promoters alike.


1. Marcin Tybura

Height: 6'3" Weight: 242 Age: 28 Reach: N/A Rec: 11-0

Tybura was a rather unlikely prospect to rise to being arguably the best heavyweight prospect not fighting in a major organization. Originally heralded as an undefeated fighter with a notable split decision win over Szymon Bajor, Tybura made waves with his strength and ground fighting supremacy courtesy of a Brazilian Ju-Jitsu brown belt. As a developing striker Tybura relies on his strong takedowns and extreme physicality on the ground. Tybura has a physique very reminiscent of The Last Emperor, and while he isn't winning any body building competitions, he has excellent core strength and has shown moments of explosiveness that could become much more defining of his style the more he improves. Tybura is still a raw fighter, however his recent resume of wins speak volumes to his potential.

2. Denis Smoldarev

Height: 6'5" Weight: 260 Age: 24 Reach: N/A Rec: 9-0

Nicknamed Brock Lesnar by his peers due to his similar characteristics, Smoldarev is the second largest heavyweight on the list. The comparisons to Lesnar end with appearance however, as Smoldarev hails from a striking background. Smoldarev's striking is powerful and crisp, a feature that is readily apparent in his kicks and knees, but it's his pure physicality that allows him to bully his way into favorable positions whether it be on the ground or on the feet, often causing opponents to relent early in the fight. Smoldarev could be the fighter heralded as the top heavyweight prospect in the near future, however he will need to work on his defensive wrestling and ability to overcome more durable fighters who will take him into later rounds.

3. Smealinho Rama

Height: 6'0" Weight: 240 Age: 22 Reach: 74" Rec: 9-1

One of the most explosive and well rounded heavyweights on this list, and also one of the youngest, Rama is an ever evolving fighter that has all the tools to make an impact on the division. Tearing through every notable Canadian heavyweight on the scene, Rama made a name for himself in Alberta's MFC promotion. Rama is versed in every aspect of the game, has excellent hips and movement, and is a natural learner. His skillset in general is still in its youth, much as he is, and can sometimes see him overwhelmed in facets of the MMA game where others are highly disciplined. However Rama's well roundedness allows him to take the fight where he is comfortable and execute complex gameplans. His cardio seems much improved lately as he outlasted Steve Mocco's takedowns and came back strong and energetic deep into the 3rd round. Rama is a masterpiece in progress, a fighter with all the tools to become a top 10 heavyweight.

4. Konstantin Erokhin

Height: 5'11" Weight: 232 Age: 32 Reach: N/A Rec: 8-1

Russian fighter Konstantin Erokhin is fireworks packed within a 230 pound frame. A brutal striker with great finishing instinct, Erokhin could see the lights of a big show this year. Erokhin's small stature however may lead him to pursue a future at light heavyweight, a weight class where his power would separate him from the pack even more so than at heavyweight.

5. Shamil Abdurahimov

Height: 6'3" Weight: 237 Age: 33 Reach: N/A Rec: 15-2

Abdurahimov has all the skills to become the best heavyweight prospect on the planet, however his conditioning is a red flag that has plagued him throughout his career. A strong wrestler from Dagestan with a Sanda striking background, Abdurahimov is a handful for any fighter. When Abdurahimov has the energy to fight to his full ability, he is a constantly moving force of nature, blasting opponents with looping yet surprisingly accurate punches and throwing them down to the mat with ease.

6. Yosef Ali Mohammad

Height: 6'7" Weight: 250 Age: 26 Reach: N/A Rec: 4-1

Lengthy Swedish striker Yosef Ali Mohammad is an interesting wild card that could end up being one of the best heavyweights to ever come out of Europe. Ali Mohammad is monstrously athletic for his frame and moves like a much lighter fighter. Like most European heavyweights, Ali Mohammad suffers from a lacking wrestling game, and is still obviously new to the techniques and nuances that will allow him to overcome Russian and American adversaries with strong takedowns. His ability to fly around the ring, striking at odd angles and generally doing the things lightweights are capable of makes him dangerous to anyone who can't slow down his attacks. Ali Mohammad also has a good submission game, enabling him some offense when grounded and affording him more options to finish fighters who become overwhelmed by his strikes.

7. Ion Cutelaba

Height: 6'1" Weight: 249 Age: 20 Reach: N/A Rec: 7-1

A true model of natural talent, Cutelaba has neither the advantage of a strong camp nor the experience and age to back him in fights, Cutelaba's natural ability and explosiveness alone is enough to propel him over the majority of his competition. A strong striker that has drawn comparisons to The Last Emperor, Cutelaba's skillset matches up extremely well with opponents in the eastern European heavyweight scene. Cutelaba's weaknesses lie primarily in his takedown defense and ground game, however in his recent fights he has shown a developing ability to recover from bad positions

8. Cody East

Height: 6'3" Weight: 241 Age: 25 Reach: N/A Rec: 9-1

The less athletic but more skilled of the two East brothers, Cody has shown to be a solid, well rounded fighter with developing cardio. Cody's boxing is the trade he peddles in MMA, and his 63% TKO ratio shows it. Training out of New Mexico, Cody has chances to train at high level camps such as Jackson/Winklejohn. Cody's entrance into a big promotion will largely depend on future victories, as his strength of competition has been an issue in determining his true ability.

9. Karol Bedorf

Height: 6'2" Weight: 257 Age: 31 Reach: 78.5" Rec: 11-2

KSW's talent at heavyweight, Bedorf makes the profiles list more so due to his consistency than any other factor. Bedorf nullifies opponents strengths and works on their weaknesses well, as displayed in his recent fights against David Olivia and Karl Knothe, stifling Olivia's wrestling attack and wearing down Knothe over 3 rounds. Aside from Francis Carmont in 2007, Bedorf has had problems when facing mid level competition, dropping bouts to journeymen Alexey Oleinik and Rogent Lloret. Bedorf's run at heavyweight this past year has been much more successful, adding names like Oli Thompson, Pawel Nastula, and Rolles Gracie to his resume.

10. Magomed Malikov

Height: 6'0" Weight: 235 Age: 31 Reach: N/A Rec: 7-3

Malikov has had ups and downs in his career, as a sort of perennial prospect Malikov has remained relevant and on the radar for years as he's racked up amazing wins and disappointing losses. Malikov is a stocky striker with excellent accuracy and speed fortified by solid wrestling ability. Malikov does have weaknesses in his game that have been his undoing in his two losses, the first being his submission defense, and the second his conditioning. If Malikov improves his submission defense and gets his cardio up to the point where he can go 3 full rounds while maintaining pressure and power, he will undoubtedly be a force in the division.

[Guest]

In MMA there is always prospects, you just have to look for them, UFC obviously doesn't.

[skull]

Guess the heavyweight division wasnt as weak back in 07' like everyone thought. Basically its still the same guys LOL

[Gonzasco]

Here are a few unsigned HW prospects

I've only listed fighters who have never been signed by the UFC, Pride, Strikeforce, or Bellator, with preference to fighters under 36. Factors I've taken into account when profiling fighters are: Age, camp, record, level of opposition, dedication (fight consistency and athleticism), and skill-set.

 

Please feel free to post your own prospects, and promote discussion of the heavyweights outside major organizations in this thread to make it a continuing resource for posters and promoters alike.

 

 

1. Marcin Tybura

 

Height: 6'3" Weight: 242 Age: 28 Reach: N/A Rec: 11-0

 

Tybura was a rather unlikely prospect to rise to being arguably the best heavyweight prospect not fighting in a major organization. Originally heralded as an undefeated fighter with a notable split decision win over Szymon Bajor, Tybura made waves with his strength and ground fighting supremacy courtesy of a Brazilian Ju-Jitsu brown belt. As a developing striker Tybura relies on his strong takedowns and extreme physicality on the ground. Tybura has a physique very reminiscent of The Last Emperor, and while he isn't winning any body building competitions, he has excellent core strength and has shown moments of explosiveness that could become much more defining of his style the more he improves. Tybura is still a raw fighter, however his recent resume of wins speak volumes to his potential.

Tybura is good. Minakov who beat Kongo. Volkov is another solid Bellator guy. Russia always gets over looked and Erokhin is a beast.

[edgehead]

Here are a few unsigned HW prospects

I've only listed fighters who have never been signed by the UFC, Pride, Strikeforce, or Bellator, with preference to fighters under 36. Factors I've taken into account when profiling fighters are: Age, camp, record, level of opposition, dedication (fight consistency and athleticism), and skill-set.

Please feel free to post your own prospects, and promote discussion of the heavyweights outside major organizations in this thread to make it a continuing resource for posters and promoters alike.1. Marcin Tybura Height: 6'3" Weight: 242 Age: 28 Reach: N/A Rec: 11-0

Tybura was a rather unlikely prospect to rise to being arguably the best heavyweight prospect not fighting in a major organization. Originally heralded as an undefeated fighter with a notable split decision win over Szymon Bajor, Tybura made waves with his strength and ground fighting supremacy courtesy of a Brazilian Ju-Jitsu brown belt. As a developing striker Tybura relies on his strong takedowns and extreme physicality on the ground. Tybura has a physique very reminiscent of The Last Emperor, and while he isn't winning any body building competitions, he has excellent core strength and has shown moments of explosiveness that could become much more defining of his style the more he improves. Tybura is still a raw fighter, however his recent resume of wins speak volumes to his potential.2. Denis SmoldarevHeight: 6'5" Weight: 260 Age: 24 Reach: N/A Rec: 9-0

Nicknamed Brock Lesnar by his peers due to his similar characteristics, Smoldarev is the second largest heavyweight on the list. The comparisons to Lesnar end with appearance however, as Smoldarev hails from a striking background. Smoldarev's striking is powerful and crisp, a feature that is readily apparent in his kicks and knees, but it's his pure physicality that allows him to bully his way into favorable positions whether it be on the ground or on the feet, often causing opponents to relent early in the fight. Smoldarev could be the fighter heralded as the top heavyweight prospect in the near future, however he will need to work on his defensive wrestling and ability to overcome more durable fighters who will take him into later rounds.3. Smealinho Rama Height: 6'0" Weight: 240 Age: 22 Reach: 74" Rec: 9-1

One of the most explosive and well rounded heavyweights on this list, and also one of the youngest, Rama is an ever evolving fighter that has all the tools to make an impact on the division. Tearing through every notable Canadian heavyweight on the scene, Rama made a name for himself in Alberta's MFC promotion. Rama is versed in every aspect of the game, has excellent hips and movement, and is a natural learner. His skillset in general is still in its youth, much as he is, and can sometimes see him overwhelmed in facets of the MMA game where others are highly disciplined. However Rama's well roundedness allows him to take the fight where he is comfortable and execute complex gameplans. His cardio seems much improved lately as he outlasted Steve Mocco's takedowns and came back strong and energetic deep into the 3rd round. Rama is a masterpiece in progress, a fighter with all the tools to become a top 10 heavyweight.4. Konstantin ErokhinHeight: 5'11" Weight: 232 Age: 32 Reach: N/A Rec: 8-1

Russian fighter Konstantin Erokhin is fireworks packed within a 230 pound frame. A brutal striker with great finishing instinct, Erokhin could see the lights of a big show this year. Erokhin's small stature however may lead him to pursue a future at light heavyweight, a weight class where his power would separate him from the pack even more so than at heavyweight.5. Shamil AbdurahimovHeight: 6'3" Weight: 237 Age: 33 Reach: N/A Rec: 15-2

Abdurahimov has all the skills to become the best heavyweight prospect on the planet, however his conditioning is a red flag that has plagued him throughout his career. A strong wrestler from Dagestan with a Sanda striking background, Abdurahimov is a handful for any fighter. When Abdurahimov has the energy to fight to his full ability, he is a constantly moving force of nature, blasting opponents with looping yet surprisingly accurate punches and throwing them down to the mat with ease.6. Yosef Ali MohammadHeight: 6'7" Weight: 250 Age: 26 Reach: N/A Rec: 4-1

Lengthy Swedish striker Yosef Ali Mohammad is an interesting wild card that could end up being one of the best heavyweights to ever come out of Europe. Ali Mohammad is monstrously athletic for his frame and moves like a much lighter fighter. Like most European heavyweights, Ali Mohammad suffers from a lacking wrestling game, and is still obviously new to the techniques and nuances that will allow him to overcome Russian and American adversaries with strong takedowns. His ability to fly around the ring, striking at odd angles and generally doing the things lightweights are capable of makes him dangerous to anyone who can't slow down his attacks. Ali Mohammad also has a good submission game, enabling him some offense when grounded and affording him more options to finish fighters who become overwhelmed by his strikes.7. Ion CutelabaHeight: 6'1" Weight: 249 Age: 20 Reach: N/A Rec: 7-1

A true model of natural talent, Cutelaba has neither the advantage of a strong camp nor the experience and age to back him in fights, Cutelaba's natural ability and explosiveness alone is enough to propel him over the majority of his competition. A strong striker that has drawn comparisons to The Last Emperor, Cutelaba's skillset matches up extremely well with opponents in the eastern European heavyweight scene. Cutelaba's weaknesses lie primarily in his takedown defense and ground game, however in his recent fights he has shown a developing ability to recover from bad positions8. Cody EastHeight: 6'3" Weight: 241 Age: 25 Reach: N/A Rec: 9-1

The less athletic but more skilled of the two East brothers, Cody has shown to be a solid, well rounded fighter with developing cardio. Cody's boxing is the trade he peddles in MMA, and his 63% TKO ratio shows it. Training out of New Mexico, Cody has chances to train at high level camps such as Jackson/Winklejohn. Cody's entrance into a big promotion will largely depend on future victories, as his strength of competition has been an issue in determining his true ability.9. Karol BedorfHeight: 6'2" Weight: 257 Age: 31 Reach: 78.5" Rec: 11-2

KSW's talent at heavyweight, Bedorf makes the profiles list more so due to his consistency than any other factor. Bedorf nullifies opponents strengths and works on their weaknesses well, as displayed in his recent fights against David Olivia and Karl Knothe, stifling Olivia's wrestling attack and wearing down Knothe over 3 rounds. Aside from Francis Carmont in 2007, Bedorf has had problems when facing mid level competition, dropping bouts to journeymen Alexey Oleinik and Rogent Lloret. Bedorf's run at heavyweight this past year has been much more successful, adding names like Oli Thompson, Pawel Nastula, and Rolles Gracie to his resume.10. Magomed MalikovHeight: 6'0" Weight: 235 Age: 31 Reach: N/A Rec: 7-3

Malikov has had ups and downs in his career, as a sort of perennial prospect Malikov has remained relevant and on the radar for years as he's racked up amazing wins and disappointing losses. Malikov is a stocky striker with excellent accuracy and speed fortified by solid wrestling ability. Malikov does have weaknesses in his game that have been his undoing in his two losses, the first being his submission defense, and the second his conditioning. If Malikov improves his submission defense and gets his cardio up to the point where he can go 3 full rounds while maintaining pressure and power, he will undoubtedly be a force in the division.

I love how you just copy and pasted a sherdog thread lmao trying to come off as smart huh ?

[GBK16]

I love how you just copy and pasted a sherdog thread lmao trying to come off as smart huh ?

To be fair to him, he never claimed it was his own words, just said he was listing some guys

[Deuce7]

I love how you just copy and pasted a sherdog thread lmao trying to come off as smart huh ?

 

He's a new guy, so I'm not going to discredit him for that.

[edgehead]

To be fair to him, he never claimed it was his own words, just said he was listing some guys

Seemed to me like he was trying to take credit for someone else's hard work.

 

 

Edit: If you going to pst something like that which is 100% copy and pasted he should have started out by saying " this is a thread I seen that talks about good he prospects written by blah blah blah " to just copy and paste everything and not give the guy credit is a pretty shitty thing to do, he could have bus listed those fighters but he didn't he just copy and pasted a thread off sherdog.

[Deuce7]

Guess the heavyweight division wasnt as weak back in 07' like everyone thought. Basically its still the same guys LOL

 

Not sure who called the Heavyweight division weak in '07.............it's was probably at it's strongest in '07 -'09.

[rodrigokrojas]

never said it was mine.. just quoted the guy

sorry if i offended anyone.

i was on sherdog and saw that thread and a few hours later i read this thread and thought it fit

[edgehead]

never said it was mine.. just quoted the guy

sorry if i offended anyone.

i was on sherdog and saw that thread and a few hours later i read this thread and thought it fit

Ok fair enough, Its just someone put a lot of time and hard work into writing that thread so I thought it should have been said that you weren't the one who wrote it so he got the credit he deserved as its clear a lot of time was put into it. You admit to not being the one who wrote it so ita not a big deal though sorry for responding like a jackass

[Guest]

 

Not sure who called the Heavyweight division weak in '07.............it's was probably at it's strongest in '07 -'09.

 

I used to hear a fair bit of 'UFC HW sucks' between 2007-2010. I am not really sure what it was meant to be compared with... Strikeforce?

[Scooby]

They are trying to push Miocic as a legitimate star, but unfortunately he has about as much charisma as a can of peas.

 

Struve has potential, but his health is a big concern.

Yeah the can of peas is just Sooo much cooler than Miocic outside of the cage and i agree on struve as well...

 

Thanks for the link rodrigo

 

For a second it seemed like derrick lewis had the ko power to be worth a look and then he showed his lack of experience and dedication... His hiddens would show KO power but a closer look would show lack of chin,heart,learning speed and Mma IQ smh

[Erik]

HWs tend to be at their peak later than smaller guys.

[Guest]

I've seen this posted about before, and it really is a bit alarming to be honest. You have other guys like Soa Palelei, Matt Mitrione, and everyone else outside the rankings who are also over 30. Struve is literally the only fighter I can think of in the UFC Heavyweight division that's under 30.

 

The unfortunate thing is however, I really don't rate him. Yes, he's got time to improve and I think his transition/submission game is decent, but he is prime example #1 on how to poorly use your length advantage on the feet. Jessamyn Duke would be #2. I'm not expecting him to be as good as JBJ, but I just haven't seen him improve on that at all over his last few fights, and I subsequently have major doubts on his potential ceiling (also partially due to his health issues). Maybe I need to watch closer, but I just don't see the potential in him to really make waves in the future - but he's got time to prove me very wrong. As it stands however, any of his opponents with a half decent standup are getting inside too easily and/or have some length themselves (see Browne).

 

The fact he's the only one I can think of under 30 with a reasonable hope of upside (my doubts about his ceiling aside) in the division is scary for the future of it.

 

 

EDIT: Found another one, Jared Rosholt is 28! I know nothing about him though.

 

 

I used to hear a fair bit of 'UFC HW sucks' between 2007-2010. I am not really sure what it was meant to be compared with... Strikeforce?

 

Hindsight is a bitch eh. I think people could see the shallowness of it then, but it's clearly become worse. 4-7 years later and it's pretty much the same people fighting with very little fresh blood. The fresh blood that has come in so far have been the likes of Ruan Potts who have really struggled and isn't exactly a spring chicken himself (36!). Other newish guys like Alexey Oleinik and Anthony Hamilton are also like 36-37 (Alexey has 58 pro fights!) and surely don't have a truly long term future either due to father time.

[Scooby]

Poor Jessamyn But i cant seem to get excited for a Heavyweight match as i do for any other division