OPINION: How Matt Brown Can Earn a Title Shot?
OPINION: How Matt Brown Can Earn a Title Shot?
Matt “The Immortal” Brown won his seventh straight fight on Saturday night with a win over #14 ranked Erick Silva.
Brown (19-11) was dropped twice with vicious body shots by Silva (16-5) and the fight was nearly stopped in the first round, however, the hometown favorite would come back and defeat Silva via TKO (strikes) in the third round.
There have been debates with fans on forums asking, “Does Matt Brown REALLY deserve a title shot”? A lot of fighters earn a title shot after three or four consecutive victories. Brown has won SEVEN STRAIGHT FIGHTS…and in very exciting fashion (six of the seven via TKO).
So, why isn’t “The Immortal” being called by Dana White to fight for the welterweight title? Perhaps it is because Brown has yet to defeat a “top five” ranked fighter in the UFC. Here is the breakdown of Brown’s last seven opponent’s outcomes after their fights with the Immortal:
Chris Cope – released by the UFC, 3-1 in other promotions since release.
Stephen Thompson – three straight UFC victories. Not a top 15 ranked fighter according to the UFC rankings.
Luis Ramos – released by the UFC, 1-0-1 in other promotions since release.
Mike Swick – Retired.
Jordan Mein – won next UFC match. Not a top 15 ranked fighter according to the UFC rankings.
Mike Pyle – won next UFC match. Currently ranked #12 in UFC welterweight rankings.
Erick Silva – was ranked #14 in the UFC welterweight rankings.
If Matt Brown wants to be considered a top contender, he should face a fighter ranked above him next. Plain and simple to a point. Who is available above him? Only one opponent, #6 ranked Hector Lombard.
#5 ranked Jake Ellenberger and #1 contender Robbie Lawler are set to square off, #4 ranked Carlos Condit is still out with a knee injury, and #3 ranked Tyron Woodley and #2 ranked Rory MacDonald have a fight in the works.
Unless an injury occurs, it looks like Brown will have to wait in line, even a win over Hector Lombard (if that fight is signed), might not be enough to move him next in line for a title shot. Brown’s best chance is to move up to a top three ranking with a number one contender shot down the line.
