Obviously some fighters age better than others. Some guys can compete at the highest level and be successful into their late 30s and beyond. 2020 is eight years away. Who are some current main-event fighters now in or approaching their prime who give you the impression that they'll be in the picture for many more years to come? For example, Cain Velasquez is now 29. He'll be 37 in 2020. I think that if he wants to stick around that long, a 37 year old Cain Velasquez could still ask serious questions of some top guys in the heavyweight division. Discuss. :think (Jon Jones excluded) :hat
So much talent in Mixed Martial Arts.. Can't name everyone at once, but here I go: -Diaz Brothers- They already have the experience and drive, but will their bodies last another 8 years? I can see them having success 8 years from now, but losing fights because their chins are so far gone (like what has become of Matt Hughes). -Frankie Edgar- Same thing with the Diaz brothers.. Edgar is a real-life Rocky, but his chin won't always be this strong. -Jose Aldo will be just as dominate IMO.. Same for Dominick Cruz. -Shinya Aoki will be around 8 years from now.. Hopefully he comes to the states sooner rather than later. -Miesha Tate will be on top for a while, but her and Rousey could have as many fights as Robinson and Lamotta. -I foresee Brendan Schaub having a solid career, he has the drive and hunger to keep improving. -Machida is another who will be near the top, 8 years from now. -Diego Brandao and John Dodson could easily be future champs, and I'd bet money that one of them does win a title in the next 8 years. -Even though he will be around 40 like Machida, Matt Mitrione is another who will be near the top. I know I'm leaving out JDS, but he could be retired and undefeated 8 years from now.. Yes, that good.
when machidas reflexes and speed start to dim hes toast. hes already losing to people he shouldnt be. in fact right now id say hes one long layoff from being out of the hunt for good.
GSP --> In 2020 He'll be 38. He is a smart and safety first fighter that has not taken too much damage. If his wrestling holds up, I can still see him being a contender. I doubt he will be champ, but I can see him as the number 2 or 3 guy in the division. Cain Velsaquez --> As long as his body holds up, he will still be relevant.
Shogun, Jones.. These guys are no pushovers. Machida threw away that fight with Rampage, and seemed to have learned a valuable lesson in the process. Roy Jones can retain much of that quickness well into his 40s, I don't see why Machida can't. Many Mixed Martial Artist and boxers make up with experience for what they lack in youth.. So we have to just wait and see! I can see GSP coming outta retirement and testing himself once again.. The biggest question is if the bodies of these Mixed Martial Artist can hold up. Injuries are the biggest setbacks and downfalls to these athletes. Defending takedowns are what led to GSP and Shogun (his latest operation) getting surgery, and King Mo injured his knee slamming his opponent. Edit- King Mo re-injured his knee training for his last fight, and just had his second knee operation http://www.mmamania.com/2012/1/18/2716673/king-mo-lawal-steroids-knee-surgery-strikeforce-ufc-mma-news