Velasquez victory raises questions and praise

Depending on your point of view Cain Velasquez's victory over Cheick Kongo was either proof positive of a future champion or a recrimination of an inexperienced fighter. The truth is probably somewhere in between.

Detractors will point out that Velasquez, an All-American wrestler, beat a fighter who has consistently shown that he is unable to deal with proficient wrestlers. Proponents will see Velasquez's speedy recovery from an early combination as proof of a strong chin and will to succeed. The debate will continue for some time with both side presenting legitimate points but the real issue at work here is the debate over how the UFC develops prospects.

Jordan Breen takes a decidely anti-UFC tact,

 The most bizarre truth about prospects developing within the UFC is that early mediocrity is a blessing in disguise. If you impress fans and the brass from jump street, you're going to get fast-tracked, and likely to your detriment. If you can manage to win as sterilely as possible, you'll actually get to face a greater number of opponents, different stylistic tests and you'll evolve into a better fighter because of it.The most bizarre truth about prospects developing within the UFC is that early mediocrity is a blessing in disguise. If you impress fans and the brass from jump street, you're going to get fast-tracked, and likely to your detriment. If you can manage to win as sterilely as possible, you'll actually get to face a greater number of opponents, different stylistic tests and you'll evolve into a better fighter because of it.

This approach ignores several points. First the UFC is far more patient with their prospects outside of the heavyweight division. Anthony Johnson and Roger Huerta have been feed a healthy amount of low-level competition. 

The second issue is that the UFC is in constant need to sell PPV cards as a whole. Thus it is in their economic interest to elevate the stature of fighters. The problem with this is that it creates a disconnect between current capability and hype. This fact is compounded by the perceived weakness of the UFC heavyweight division, which can easily be partitioned between the contenders, the prospects, the gatekeepers and the scrubs. 

Brock Lesnar, Frank Mir, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Randy Couture make up the contenders while Cain Velasquez, Junior dos Santos and Shane Carwin represent the prospects. The gate keepers are Heath Herring, Kongo and Gabriel Gonzaga with the scrubs being Justin McCully, Al Turk and Eddie Sanchez. 

Due to this obvious classification, as well as the exodus of big name heavyweights to rival promotions, the UFC is stuck hyping the abilities of prospects in an attempt to paint the UFC heavyweight division as the best in the business. Whereas the truth is,  all three of the prospects still need time to develop their skills.

For those looking for a break down MMAforReal does an excellent job of recapping the recent fights for all three of the UFC's top heavyweight prospects. 

The UFC has a difficult choice ahead of it. Both Cain Velasquez and Shane Carwin have beaten fighters who are right outside the top four title contenders. Does the UFC put Carwin and Velasquez against the losers of the top-four or do the stick with the same level of competition? They could also fight each other. 

Hopefully the UFC demonstrates patience and slows down the hype while the prospects develop their skills. That way we can watch the development of athletically gifted fighters without clamouring to see them fight contenders.