Weighing In: UFC 95 aftermath

In an effort to bring more content to WKR, we are teaming up with Kelvin Hunt  of MMAForReal.com for a new feature called 'Weighing In'.

1.) UFC 95 was a host of early stoppages, especially Josh Koscheck vs. Paulo Thaigo

Kelvin Hunt: I didn't have a problem with any of the stoppages, and definitely not with Koscheck Thiago stoppage. Koscheck was clearly looking off to space when the referee intervened. There was no sense in him taking more shots to the head at that point. Especially with his mindset of fighting so often lately. He'll probably get a medical suspension anyways, but now it will not be as long as it would have been had he taken more punishment. If he's so mad, maybe he should stay disciplined and not throw wild looping punches leaving himself exposed.

Zak Woods: I think there is a critical fact that most critics are missing. I suspect that Paulo Thiago didn't follow the strikes to for a reason, most likely due to the referee verbally telling him to stop. There isn't a camera angle showing the referee's reaction to the uppercut-left hook combo. Due to the referee being out of position it easy to see why there was a delay, but if he had been closer I believe there wouldn't of been nearly as much of an out cry against the stoppage. 

2.) Demian Maia deserves a title shot against the winner of Anderson Silva - Thales Leites

ZW: Demian Maia has definately risen to the short list of possible title contenders. While I personally think he should be given a title shot -- how sweet would it be to see Maia's Jiu Jistu vs. Silva's -- but there is a certain Brit who may make a title shot an impossibility. Remember Dana White said that if Michael Bisping defeats Dan Henderson then he will be give a shot at the middleweight belt. I hope that Maia receives the title shot first though. 

KH: I just wrote a post about this earlier this morning. Long story short, he needs another win before getting a title shot in my opinion.

3.) Diego Sanchez will have a lightweight title shot by the end of the year

KH: It depends on who they match him up with next. However, with a win over another quality opponent I think he could receive a title shot on the year end show or something. I wouldn't be opposed to it. If Florian beats Penn, I definitely think he'll get the first crack at it, simply because he and Florian have history and it would be easy to build. Plus, it would be a very intriguing match up.   

ZW: Diego Sanchez will secure a title shot by the end of the year. That doesn't mean he will fight for the lightweight title in 2009. No fighter has been able to distinguish themselves from the pack as the number one contender after Kenny Florian. That means that Sanchez is one or two victories away from facing off for the lightweight belt.