Werdum. Striker.

There is no denying that "Big Country" Roy Nelson is a tough guy and a feared striker.  That is why so many people were surprised when the so-called BJJ specialist Fabricio Werdum bludgeoned Nelson with an arsenal of attacks at UFC 143.

Believe it or not, Werdum's performance may have been the most diverse display of striking in the history of the UFC heavyweight division.  Most prominent were the vicious, unceasing Muay Thai knee strikes that split Nelon's face open in the 1st and dropped him like a brick at the start of the 2nd.  But that's not all. Werdum landed an impressive mix of stiff jabs and crosses, snapped sharp kicks off of Nelson's thighs and gut, landed a heavy head kick, and even threw a whipping wheel kick that nearly connected.  Most people had my reaction to Werdum's performance: whoa.

I wasn't as surprised as announcers Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg.  Rogan repeatedly pointed out how much Werdum's striking unexpectedly improved for this fight.  However, an analysis of Werdum's career shows that striking has never been a stranger to his game.  Yes, he lost to Overeem in an ugly and poorly-strategized match.  However, Werdum handily won the stand-up in that battle, landing 55 standing strikes to Overeem's 33!  In the match before that, we all know that "Vai Cavalo" shattered the legend of Fedor with a triangle choke, involving no striking.  But, in the preceding match, he also outstruck and defeated formidable foe Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva, 73 to 61.

Even more importantly, Werdum's striking defense is unparalleled in the division.  He rarely finishes a fight bearing anything more than scratches (with the exception of his KO at the hands of Dos Santos).  He is evasive and elusive and slips in and out with his attacks.  It is that element -- his defense -- which makes him a real threat for the title.

It is my good fortune to be able to train at Werdum Combat Team in Venice, California on a weekly basis.  And, although I train only BJJ and work with Fabricio rarely, I do get to see him teach Muy Thai classes and demonstrate his kickboxing technique.  Werdum is no slouch.  He can bang with anyone in the division.

With Mir and Velazquez set to square off at UFC 148, it seems the logical match-up for Werdum is a healthy Shane Carwin... if that is possible.  If not, then few other fighters would represent the next logical step toward the title.  Perhaps Cheick Kongo.  But, frankly, Cheick will never be a contender.  Would the loser of Dos Santos/Overeem make sense?  Perhaps.

But, considering the history of the sport, it is very possible that one of the top four fighters -- Dos Santos, Overeem, Mir, or Velazquez -- will get injured, requiring a replacement.  Waiting in the wings is Fabricio "Vai Cavalo" Werdum.  Striker.

Demian Maia -- A New Dawn

Demian Maia is one of the most understated fighters in any division of the UFC.  Currently he is ranked by Sherdog as the #6 middleweight in the world.  One might contend that he deserves a spot as high as #4 when considering Nate Marquardt's ouster from the UFC due to elevated testosterone and Yushin Okami's recent bludgeoning at the hands of Anderson Silva.  Either way, Maia has racked up a 16-3 professional record, and torn his way through the ranks with almost unparalleled Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  And, until recently, his striking has been almost non-existent.  Not anymore.

Maia went to decision with Mark Munoz, the #4 middleweight in the world, in June of 2011.  Although the decision was unanimous in Munoz's favor, Maia clearly won the first round, wobbling Munoz with a left hook, and arguably out-boxed The Filipino Wrecking Machine during the entirety of the match.  This, of course, was wildly unexpected.  Munoz was a feared and brutal striker.  Maia, just the opposite.

Even more impressive was Maia's submission of Chael Sonnen at UFC 95 in 2009.  Midway through the 1st round, Maia tossed Sonnen with a picture-perfect lateral drop, locked-in a mounted triangle and forced the tap.  Considering Sonnen's wrestling pedigree, an NCAA All-American and Olympic alternate, Maia's dominant technique was exceptionally impressive.  No one else in the UFC has ever rag-dolled Sonnen like that.

But, perhaps, what is most appealing about Maia is his demeanor.  Surrounded by talkers (Sonnen, Bisping) and juicers (Sonnen, Marquardt), Maia keeps quiet, works hard, and succeeds.  He lets pure technique and work ethic speak on his behalf.  Maia is the epitome of what is right with MMA.

Demian Maia is going to make quick work of Chris Weidman tonight in the UFC on Fox 2.  And when he does, it will be Yushin Okami in his crosshairs.