Who Can Beat Brian Bowles?
New WEC Bantamweight Champion Now Looks Invincible
On Sunday night, Brian Bowles looked superb. It seemed that Miguel Torres (who many people believed was in the top ten pound for pound fighters in the world) couldn't hurt Bowles, and that once the fight started, Bowles was destined to win. The question is now, who will be able to hand Bowles his first defeat?
The Number One Contender Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz looked very good against Jospeh Benavidez at WEC 42. Benavidez hadn't been defeated before, and Cruz made him look wild and one dimensional. However, will the style of Cruz hold up well against Bowles?
Cruz has excellent striking, but he lacks any real one punch KO power. He would have to dance around Bowles for 25 minutes to earn a victory, and with the skill set of Bowles (who is good everywhere), this seems very unlikely.
The wrestling of Cruz is also decent, but he would most likely try to use his reach advantage and strike from the outside. Besides, Bowles' wrestling is better, and with his build he would probably take Cruz down with ease.
The most likely outcome of this fight will be that Bowles would earn a ground and pound victory in the second or third round. While Cruz might be able to stay away initially, Bowles will close the gap eventually and dominate from then on.
The Rematch with Miguel Torres
Supposing Torres wins his next fight and Bowles defeats Cruz, a rematch between the two is very likely. While Torres is outstanding everywhere, one gets the feeling that Bowles is that one fighter that will always have Torres' number, much in the same fashion as Mike Brown and Urijah Faber.
His style gels perfectly with Torres, and the finish to their fight at WEC 42 was so clinical that it is hard to see the fight going any other way. This would draw megabucks though, and the WEC will be keen to promote this.
The Outsider Takeya Mizugaki
Mizugaki is someone else who could potentially end up with a title shot in the near future. He is as tough as nails, and would probably last the distance with Bowles. It will be interesting to see Bowles taken into the championship rounds, although the skills and natural athleticism of Bowles will probably carry him through.
Moving Up In Weight
Supposing he cleans up at 135lbs, there are many options for Bowles at 145lbs. Mike Brown would be a fantastic opponent for Bowles and in this we would see what Bowles is really made of. Right now, Brown would have to be considered a favourite, but facing off against someone with equally good wrestling and an equally good chin would be good for Bowles.
Urijah Faber is also in this weight category and would pose a significant threat to Bowles. He is lightning fast and is an all rounder. This is another excellent fight waiting to happen.
Can Anyone Beat Bowles Right Now?
At 135lbs, probably not. Anyone who can beat Miguel Torres soundly is an outstanding fighter, and one gets the sense Bowles wants greatness an awful lot. A move up in weight might not be too far off though for Bowles as he looks massive for a bantamweight. If he does indeed move up, there are some excellent fights, but as of now, he should not look past Dominick Cruz. If he gets through him, he can start dreaming.
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