'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#4. Alex Polizzi
Alex Polizzi has earned a lot of respect from fans, which could earn him a fight with Anthony Johnson. The No.9-ranked light heavyweight most recently stepped in to fight Yoel Romero on short-notice. It didn’t go according to plan as Romero was dominant and finished him with one-second left in the fight.
Despite the loss, ‘Eazy’s status in the division shouldn’t be affected too much. After all, he took a massive risk by replacing Melvin Manhoef on less than two-weeks’ notice. Prior to his loss, Polizzi won three straight fights during which he defeated Gustavo Trujillo, Grant Neal, and Jose Augusto. His win over Augusto was the most impressive as he recovered from a flying-knee and submitted him with a rear-naked choke in round three.
‘Eazy’ could be a logical opponent for 'Rumble' when he returns, as both would be coming off lengthy layoffs. Polizzi sustained a broken jaw in the loss to Romero, so the promotion could take their time in scheduling the fight.
#3. Phil Davis
Depending on the status of the Bellator light heavyweight championship, the promotion could go in another direction with Johnson. The light heavyweight Grand Prix is expected to conclude later this year when Vadim Nemkov and Corey Anderson compete again. In the meantime, perhaps the promotion could book a title eliminator between ‘Rumble’ and No.1-ranked light heavyweight Phil Davis.
Davis is a former Bellator light heavyweight champion and has remained a top contender since losing the title. Based on the current situation at 205 lbs, perhaps he would be interested in pursuing a rematch with ‘Rumble.’ They previously fought at UFC 172 back in 2014, which saw Johnson earn a dominant unanimous decision victory. Each judge scored the bout 30-27, which was obvious as ‘Mr. Wonderful’ was unable to utilize his wrestling like in other fights.
A rematch would be beneficial for both fighters. For Davis, he would have an opportunity to avenge a loss from 2014. Meanwhile, ‘Rumble’ would be able to prove that he is still among the top 205-pounders in the world.
