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Let me start by saying I do not think this is actually going to happen, but it is a possibility.  My original post detailed who I believed would get the next title shot and was more a follow up on my original piece since the Kampann fight has become more than blogger excitement.  However, while writing that piece I found it interesting that a fight very few people would want to see based on current ability could be sold to the masses.

How the UFC could and would rationalize a Matt Hughes vs. George St. Pierre fight:

                -The first one is easy.  Hughes is a guaranteed Hall of Famer and still a draw.  He does not have the mainstream appeal Chuck has(d), but is well known and respected for his career.  People already paid to see a grudge match that was years old between two fighters who are no longer elite.  People will always associate Hughes with greatness and can picture him with a belt.  Even though he should not be at this point in his career, it is a common visual to see Hughes wearing a belt or in title contention. 

                -Second: Hughes has lost 2 of his last 3 and 3 of his last 5, but his only losses are to the current champ and the current challenger.  His last fight is also a win against the last man to beat St. Pierre.  St. Pierre has gotten his revenge against Serra, with relative ease, but it is an easy sell to the casual fan that Hughes is one of two men to beat the champ and he just beat the other.  The seasoned fan probably will not be excited about the competitiveness of the fight, but the casual fan can be convinced this is an earned opportunity.

                -Third: Hughes might not be fighting much longer.  Some see this as a detractor, but the UFC might simply grant him a gift.  Before the Serra fight it was rumored that no matter the outcome Hughes would retire after the fight.  He has not, but the end may be coming shortly as Hughes does not want to be a gatekeeper.  Hughes has been in the UFC since 2001 and has fought 18 times for the organization.  Dana White is not known as a kind hearted man and has many disputes with UFC fighters, but he is also known for unflinching loyalty with some.  This could be a gift for Hughes; go out with the title or fighting for it.  It is not as if the UFC would be hurt with an open welterweight title if Hughes somehow won and retired, they clearly have many competent athletes to take the thrown. 

                Granted Hughes might not want to leave the UFC getting dragged across the mat, but I do see him as a fighter (what do I know) who would rather go out losing to the best than coasting against average opponents.

Do I think Hughes will get a shot at St. Pierre (if St. Pierre beats Alves)?  No.  However, the UFC could rationalize the fight by playing off who Hughes has beaten, his career, and the need for a filler fight before the welterweight division sorts itself.  Do you think the UFC could sell this fight or rationalize it to the knowledgeable fan?