The main point of UFC on FX 2 was to give some exposure to the UFC's newest weight division (flyweight) and determine the first two fighters that would compete for that title, and it managed to fail in that regard. The screw ups regarding the scoring of the Demetrious Johnson/Ian McCall resulting in the fight getting scored as a draw but not having the sudden death fourth round are just unacceptable to me, and put the new division in a bad situation. The title fight is now delayed and fans that casually watch will be confused as to what's going on (fans who read the latest news online are also confused albeit for different reasons).
One could argue that the main point was to bring either Martin Kampmann or Thiago Alves back into relevance in the welterweight division. The fight may have accomplished that for both although more for Kampmann since he pulled off the "come from behind" submission. So where should the UFC go from here?
Martin Kampmann vs Jake Shields
This is the match that I called for after UFC 144, and I still think it makes the most sense. Kampmann's controversial split decision loss to Shields moved him backwards in the division. Now is the time to give him the chance to avenge that loss and move himself back up to where he could have been. Rory MacDonald could be a potential opponent for either if he gets past Che Mills, but then there's the question of what to do with the other one. I still think Condit/Ellenberger II needs to be made, but if it's not, the UFC could do Ellenberger/Kampmann and Shields/MacDonald.
Thiago Alves vs Mike Pierce
Alves' record in his past seven fights is a poor 2-5, and neither of those wins came against impressive competition. He was a big name and was winning against Kampmann and should be given a good mid-range opponent to gauge how far he has fallen. Pierce lost a close (controversial) split decision to Koscheck in his last time out and deserves the opportunity to move up with a win in his next fight. This matchup accomplishes both goals.
Joseph Benavidez vs Demetrious Johnson/Ian McCall rematch winner
Nothing really to say on this one. I'd like to see the featherweight tournament completed.
Yasuhiro Urushitani vs UFC on FOX 3 Flyweight Match Loser
Urushitani's stock went way down getting defeated so easily by Benavidez. Prior to Friday's judging shenanigans, the UFC flyweight schedule seemed clear: the title fight would have been set, and the winners of the two flyweight matches on UFC on FOX 3 would then fight for the #1 contender spot. The losers of the first four fltyweight matches would then get matched up, and the winners of those two fights would then fight to become the next #1 contender. Depending on when Johnson/McCall 2 happens, that timeline may be voided. The other option for Urushitani would be as a gatekeeper. Bring in an outsider, and force them to beat Urushitani to allow them to stick around.
Constantinos Philippou vs Yushin Okami
On a three fight win streak, Philippou is deserving of an opportunity to move up the ladder. Okami failed in his last gatekeeping fight, so it's only fair that he has to fill that role again. Typically, I don't want matches between fighters that had different results in their last fights (other than a fighter who lost a championship match), but Okami is at the right spot on the ladder for it to make sense this time.
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