Kelly-Yes, but more so for Brandon Vera than Jardine. After proclaiming he would win UFC title in two divisions, Vera has dropped two straight, although the Fabricio Werdum fight was most definitely a questionable stoppage. He needs a win to stay in the octagon and in the good graces of Dana White. Remember that his old manager, Mark Dion, got himself on White’s shit list before Vera fired him (Dion is also the manager of the man who made the worst career decision in MMA-KJ Noons). Vera’s on thin ice and a win over the man who beat Forrest and Chuck could get him back in the game, while another loss may send him packing. Jardine also needs a win, but his situation is forgivable. Losing to Wanderlei Silva is nothing to scoff at, so Jardine isn’t in the must win category just yet.

Mark- No. I think Vera could still make a switch back to heavyweight if the LHW thing doesn’t work out for him. I don’t think there is any question of Vera’s future with the UFC. Vera took a step in the right direction with the win over Andy but this will be his first fight at this level where he’s comfortable. The first one at a new weight is always a wash. So, not only would he have another shot at making it at light heavyweight, with the heavyweight scene looking like it does, I think he would have another shot up there. And, even if he continues to look less than impressive, his future should be safe with the UFC. Vera is Filipino and the UFC booming in the Philippines and aims to have a show there. Vera would be a big part of that and you won’t see him cut from the UFC until that happens. I still think Vera has a bright future but because he may be able to help the UFC in its quest for global dominance, he still can serve a role with the UFC even if he loses a few more. Jardine, meanwhile, needs to win to stay relevant. The way he was KO against Silva has him clamoring for respect and if he really wants to become a player again at light heavyweight, a win over Vera is a must.

Should Chris Lytle still be on a UFC main card?

Kelly-Yes, but his time is nearing an end. The Indianapolis firefighter is an exciting fighter, but he’s been brutalized in two of his last three fights and has 16 losses overall. Sixteen losses! That’s more than Ken Shamrock who hasn’t won a fight in four years! Lytle is on the main card not because of his prowess as a fighter, but because he’s fun to watch. He comes out swinging and doesn’t stop until someone drops, but lately it’s been more him than his opponent. Lytle has fought some of the best fighters in the world-Hughes, Serra, Koscheck, and Alves to name a few. For that reason his record may be forgivable, but I think he’s doomed to be a gatekeeper for the welterweight division. He’ll be that guy that the UFC uses as a trial by fire to see if newcomers have what it takes to be in the octagon.