If there is a theme in the next few months of MMA, it's that the rematch is king. In August and September, there are five rematches on the books for the UFC and WEC, and one possible Strikeforce rematch that would happen in Japan in DREAM.
Rematches aren't always a good thing. When the fighter who won has continued to progress in his career, it doesn't make much sense for him to step backwards to face someone he has already beaten. However, when an injury, illness, or questionable officiating or judging are involved in the first match, a rematch is absolutely necessary.
Thiago Alves vs. Jon Fitch (UFC 117): Fitch took their first bout with a TKO at Ultimate Fight Night 5 in 2006. Since that loss, Alves has been on a tear, beating Josh Koscheck, Matt Hughes, Karo Parisyan and Chris Lytle, among others. Fitch has been on a similar tear. Both fighters have lost title shots to GSP. This rematch is needed to see who will get a welterweight title shot after Josh Koscheck.�
Dominick Cruz vs. Joseph Benavidez (WEC 50): Unlike Fitch/Alves, this rematch is taking place just over a year since the pair last fought. Cruz won the unanimous decision the first time, earning a title shot. He then won the title. Benavidez rebounded with wins over Rani Yahya and former champ Miguel Torres. Because of that, he earned another shot at Cruz; this time, the bantamweight title is on the line.
Shinya Aoki vs. Gilbert Melendez (DREAM): This rematch may only be scheduled in Aoki's head. He announced it after defending his DREAM lightweight belt at DREAM.15, but the fight hasn't been confirmed by Melendez's camp or Strikeforce. Should it happen, this rematch would benefit no one but Aoki, considering that Melendez drubbed him in their bout in April. Aoki should have to win a bout under Strikeforce rules before getting another shot at Melendez.
Frankie Edgar vs. B.J. Penn (UFC 118): Edgar shocked the world by defeating Penn in a narrow unanimous decision, but he did win. Penn, as the longtime UFC lightweight champion, was given an immediate rematch, but a title shot could have easily been given to Gray Maynard, who beat Edgar earlier in their careers.
Mac Danzig vs. Matt Wiman (UFN 22): At UFC 115, Mac Danzig lost in a technical submission when he wasn't choked out. To give these two an immediate rematch was a no-brainer.�
Frank Mir vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (UFC 119): In a bout that decided the UFC heavyweight contender, Mir TKOed Nog in the second round. After the fight, Nog let out the secret that he had a staph infection before the fight. Both fighters have suffered ups and downs since they last fought. A rematch now will determine which of these fighters still belongs in the elite of the UFC heavyweight division.
Eliza Dushku
Adriana Lima
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