Top 5 Opponents For Roger Gracie

It only just occurred, but Roger Gracie just notched his fourth straight MMA victory since debuting in the sport in 2011. Gracie shattered my expectations and dominated Trevor Prangley, needing only one takedown and one submission attempt to put away his veteran opponent. With his name increasing in value both in Strikeforce and in the global MMA landscape, here are five opponents I’d like to see Roger Gracie face.

5. Ronaldo Souza

I know this match-up doesn’t seem too terribly likely, which is why it’s starting out at the bottom. This would have to be at some sort of catchweight, and Gracie would have to win several more fights before earning the right to challenge a fighter like Ronaldo Souza. But wouldn’t this be an amazing fight on the ground? Both men are submission masters, and I think they’d tear through each other on the mat so fast that the ring might catch on fire. It’s the most unlikely fight of this list, but it’s honestly one of the ones I’d like to see the most.

4. Ovince St. Preux

Both men are somewhat unfairly lumped into the category of being one-dimensional fighters. A fight with each other would likely help alter those perceptions. OSP is an awesome wrestler, Gracie is a submission specialist. Could OSP fend off the submissions? Could Gracie deal with an imposing physical specimen that knows how to keep opponents down and not give up dominant positions? It would certainly be interesting to find out.

3. Mike Kyle

This would be a test of both men’s toughness, through and through. Gracie likely wouldn’t be able to do enough damage to crumble Kyle’s impressive chin, while Kyle would have to fend off constant submission attempts in order to work his striking, which is also pretty impressive. This isn’t the highest-profile fight Gracie could have, but it’s one of those fights that proves a lot even if a lot isn’t on the line. Kyle is a tough challenge for anyone, and Gracie would benefit from having a fight like that under his belt.

2. Muhammed Lawal

To be a top competitor you have to beat top competition, and Muhammed Lawal fits that bill perfectly. Lawal is a former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion, and has dominated many opponents in the past. Lawal would be one of Gracie’s toughest tests, since like Ovince St. Preux, “King Mo” is an excellent wrestler. Lawal is also pretty well-rounded in all major areas of the MMA game, so a victory over “King Mo” would almost instantly propel Roger Gracie to the top of the division.

And the #1 fighter I’d like to see Roger Gracie face is…

1. Gegard Mousasi

I’d like to see this fight for two major reasons: I’m a big Gegard Mousasi fan, and this fight definitely has the most appeal on paper. It wasn’t too long ago that many thought that Mousasi was the future of the division, and even though he lost to Muhammed Lawal, Mousasi is still ridiculously well-rounded and has both knockout power and submission skills. No matter where it goes, this would be an awesome fight that fully tests the skills of both Mousasi and Gracie. It easily gets the #1 spot.

And what about you, fans and friends? What opponents would you like Gracie to face as he moves forward with his Strikeforce carer?