Matt Brown's Win Streak Continues

Matt Brown and Erick Silva punished one another in their UFC Fight Night Main Event. Coming close to defeat in the first round due to a liver shot and attempted submission, Brown came back to win the fight. He put a brutal beating on Silva, until the referee stepped in for mercy.

Highlights from the fight are here.

Now riding a seven fight win streak, Brown has proven himself a contender for the welterweight title. Once thought of as a journeyman fighter, he has had a career comeback that has not been seen before in MMA. By the end of 2011 Brown had suffered four losses in his past five fights, usually grounds for termination from the company. After Brown somehow morphed into an elite fighter, finishing all but one of his last seven opponents.

Now at the top of his weight class, there is talk of him fighting for the title. George St. Pierre's semi-retirement made fans question if there were stars at welterweight to fill his shoes. I believe with the inclusion of Brown, the division has become as interesting as it's ever been. An array of contenders who appear evenly matched have stepped up to replace the aging star. Johnny Hendricks won the title by the skin of his teeth against Robbie Lawler. There is no telling how long he can hang onto the championship while Brown along with Lawler, Rory McDonald, Tyron Woodley and Hector Lombard are clamoring for his title.

More than likely the UFC will grant McDonald a number one contender spot if he beats Woodley in their next outing. Having to wait, Brown should receive a top five opponent to prove his worth. Robbie Lawler will face Jack Ellenberger at UFC 173, give him the winner of that. With an eight fight win streak Brown will have to be granted a shot at whoever is champion.