If he were to move up, or at least take a fight or two up there before retiring, which would be the "surest" showcase fights for him?
Henderson obviously comes to mind, as Anderson already beat him up and choked him out without taking any damage himself or being in the slightest bit of trouble.
Personally I think Rampage would be the pick. He really has nothing for Anderson; predictable standup, no footwork, fairly low workrate, traditionally susceptible to muay thai, rarely goes for takedowns, no submissions, no gnp on fully conscious opponents. Anderson would embarass and finish him, and it would be seen as a huge win for Anderson and cementing of his p4p status even though it's his fight to lose.
Rich Franklin.
Franklin would not be a showcase fight for him at this time. I.e. it's not a fight that would wow people and have them saying "my god he can destroy lightheavies just like middleweights!"
Forest Griffin . . .
orcus - Franklin would not be a showcase fight for him at this time. I.e. it's not a fight that would wow people and have them saying "my god he can destroy lightheavies just like middleweights!"
I was just joking.
To be honest, I would have picked Rampage as well.
Although, he has a lot of power; He has become a flat footed boxer and Anderson would pick him apart.
Rampage
Shogun or Rashad, either will do :)
Stephan Bonnar
Phil Davis
Screw Showcase Andy vs Shogun would be great. Hendo and Bones would be great fights as well
Rashad is not nearly as horrible a matchup as many seem to think. He is 5'10" at best and despite his wrestling base he is often not a takedown machine -- watch his fights with Bisping and Hoger. He was also outstruck handily by Forrest for two rounds.
Rampage and Rashad especially the former. I agree with TS' assessment of how Rampage-Silva goes down.
heroder - lol @ SHogun and rashad
Both horrible match ups for Silva
Both have TDs and u might think Shogun doesnt but he can take almost anyone down
Silva is a terrible matchup for Shogun. Inferior Muay Thai and a rare speed disadvantage. Shogun's footwork and movement has gone downhill since the third knee surgery btw.
Handy imo
I would have to say Machida out of the current top 5 at LHW would be the easiest for Anderson. Rashad and Jones would take him down, Rampage would be very dangerous for him to engage with and Shogun has a very well rounded game.
Hocky Balboa - Rich Franklin.
Yeah why not for old times sake......
molsonmuscle360 - I would have to say Machida out of the current top 5 at LHW would be the easiest for Anderson. Rashad and Jones would take him down, Rampage would be very dangerous for him to engage with and Shogun has a very well rounded game.
Machida would be the hardest matchup aside from Bones being that he's also a technical striker and has underrated power.
Rampage is extremely predictable and one dimensional not to mention he has a significant reach disadvantage. He's traditionally had problems with Muay Thai fighters and he's obviously susceptible to leg kicks. Silva is fantastic at both.
Tito!
Nice dig on Hendo
Jon Jones