UFC 143 cut list, who needs a win?
Fabricio Werdum (14-5-1, 2-2 UFC) Who he’s facing: Roy Nelson Why he’s in danger: Okay, so danger probably isn’t the…
Fabricio Werdum (14-5-1, 2-2 UFC)
Who he’s facing: Roy Nelson
Why he’s in danger: Okay, so danger probably isn’t the right word here, but this is a bit of a fork in the road for Werdum. You’ll recall that he got dropped from the UFC after getting dropped by Junior dos Santos and then getting into a bit of a contract dispute with his employers. The UFC decided he wasn’t worth the cash back then, but a brief revival in Strikeforce has helped up his stock. Or at least, it would have if he’d made the leap after beating Fedor Emelianenko. Instead, he’s coming in off an ugly decision loss to Alistair Overeem.
Matt Riddle (5-3, 5-3 UFC)
Who he’s facing: Henry Martinez
Why he’s in danger: Riddle has done a lot of growing up in the Octagon over the past few years, and you have to appreciate the rarity of a guy who’s had his entire pro career take place on the big stage. Still, dude has lost two in a row, which is never a good sign. It’s not like he’s been fighting total chumps lately, but neither has he distinguished himself with a win over an opponent who really matters. He’s done just enough to hang around on the Fight Night/pay-per-view prelim level, so he probably can’t afford a three-fight losing streak just now.
Matt Brown (12-11, 5-5 UFC)
Who he’s facing: Chris Cope
Why he’s in danger: At this rate, Brown is shaping up to be the Cut List’s most frequently featured fighter, and not because it’s so fun to write about him. Despite going 1-4 in his last five fights, he’s somehow still hanging on to a roster spot in the same organization that cut Gerald Harris for losing just one fight in four attempts.
Chris Cope (5-2, 1-1 UFC)
Who he’s facing: Matt Brown
Why he’s in danger: The former TUF competitor got off to a good start with a decision win over castmate Chuck O’Neil (who was subsequently released), but got wrecked by UFC newcomer Che Mills in his next bout.