Who could possibly be in line to get first crack at new heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum?
As far as UFC president Dana White is concerned, it may all boil down to two names - Stipe Miocic or Andrei Arlovski.
The names of both fighters were booted up front after there were talks that Junior Dos Santos would likely test the mettle of the newly crowned champ. But since Dos Santos is out due to injury, the possible contenders would be the next ones in line. And as mentioned, Miocic and Arlovski are the next in line.
But the question now is who among the two has the inside track. Is it Arlovksi or Miocic?
Previous reports hinted that Arlovksi had already been informed that he would be getting first crack at Werdum, but White shot down those talks and explained that no decision has been made with regards to who Werdum would face next.
Both Arlovski and Miocic have been racking in wins in their last five fights though Miocic lost one along the way.
That loss of Miocic was against Dos Santos last December, a match he claims he should have won. Dos Santos won via unanimous decision though Miocic feels that he made a good account for himself.
Further to that claim, the 32-year-old former wrestler and baseball player believes he has fought a lot more credible fighters compared to the ones Arlovski has faced.
"I fought one former champion and two title contenders. I think I have a good resume to earn a title shot, and I'm going to plead my case for it. That's what I want" says Miocic in an interview.
Miocic’s last win came at the expense of Mark Hunt in which he won via TKO. During that fight, Miocic was relentless and seems to be in pretty good shape. But will all that be enough to gain the nod as Werdum’s next challenger?
Arlovski on the other hand has been spotless in his last five fights. His last was a first-round conquest of Travis Browne at UFC 187 last May. So with Arlovski winning his last five fights overrule the fact that Miocic has fought high-caliber opponents?
“Listen man, Andrei Arlovski is a tough guy, but he hasn't fought the caliber of opponents I've been fighting," Miocic said. "My last five fights have all come against top-10-ranked opponents, with three of them being ranked in the top five.”
From the looks of it, this will be a tough one to call. Both fighters have a point though the final word could depend on White.
With Miocic and Arlovski at the top of the list, such could also indicate that any talks of a rematch between Werdum and Cain Velasquez may be shelved for now. Werdum defeated Velasquez at UFC 188 via third round submission.
For now, it will be a toss-up between Arlovkski and Miocic. Both deserve that chance at the title but unfortunately only one can be chosen. Who do you think is more deserving?
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