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Can Pat Healy make a run to the UFC Lightweight Championship after that highly impressive win over Jim Miller at UFC 159?
RICH HANSEN, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
No. He beat Jim Miller, who got eviscerated my middle of the road Nate Diaz, who himself got slaughtered by the current champion. Not to mention Jim Miller getting handled easily by the current champion back in August 2011. I understand that MMAMath doesn't usually work, but sometimes it does.
C.J. TUTTLE, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
I wasn't that impressed to be honest. Yes, he did overcome some adversity to get the victory but the guy is 30-16. While he has won seven in a row, I would like to see that winning streak continue in the UFC before we start throwing around the "title shot" phrase. Plus, before anything else happens I'd like to see him rectify the loss he suffered to a much more impressive Josh Thomson. I think we all too often see someone win and immediately throw there names in the hat for a shot, when in reality they still have a ways to go.
FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
I think so, it's just going to take a while. He's going to need a few more wins before he can earn a shot. The division's still a little crowded, but I think he can do it. I'd say two more big wins should do it.
BRAD WALKER, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
Short Answer: No. Long Answer: Probably not. Jim Miller is just like Dustin Poirier in that he shows a ton of promise and then falls right back down the ladder. Healy beating Miller was undoubtedly an upset but is he ever going to make a title run in the UFC? Probably not.
TONY BECERRA, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
I think he can be a legitimate contender with a few more solid performances like Saturday nights. Pat said in the post fight conference no one in the 155 division can "out-grind him," so for starters how about rematch with Josh Thomson and then we'll go from there.
ERIC HOBAUGH, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
I think that Pat Healy can make a run at the title, but ultimately he will not win the title. He is a great fighter in many elements of MMA, but he is not an elite fighter in any area. He looked good against Miller, but then again Miller is not one of the best lightweights in the UFC.
ANWAR PEREZ, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
Pat Healy is a good fighter that showed some fortitude in beating Jim Miller after Miller dominated Healy in the first. Healy has a ways to go before getting a title shot but a couple wins against top contenders or even one, impressive win against a former champion could do the trick to get Healy that title shot.
DAN MOORE, MMATORCH UK COLUMNIST
Only Pat Healy and his team gave Pat Healy a chance of winning this fight. Even those of you who actually predicted a Healy win probably did so without any confidence. Let's not forget, he was very close to losing in that first round. For that reason alone, I'll refrain from predicting a title run for him.
This win was impressive though and his run at lightweight has been excellent thus far, if not a little under the radar. Even if the UFC don't usually match winners vs. losers, they should make an exception for Melendez vs. Healy. If he gets past the former Strikeforce champion, we'll know he's the real deal and a serious contender for Benson Henderson.
[Ben Henderson art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
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