Grappling Wars: 3 Possible Opponents for Dustin "McLovin" Hazelett

Dustin Hazelett is quickly making a name for himself in the UFC's welterweight division with his highlight-reel submission finishes like his amazing armbar on Josh Burkman at the TUF 7 Finale, which is #2 in this armbar highlight video:


And just this past Saturday at UFC 91, Dustin again won submission of the night honors with a devastating reverse armbar on latest victim Tamdan McCrory.

So who could be next for Hazelett in the UFC's competitive welterweight division? I have three guys in mind:

Karo Parisyan

Karo has been suffering from panic attacks which have plagued his ability to get in the cage and fight competitively. However, the UFC must have faith in Karo's ability to return to his old form because they just signed him to a new eight fight deal.

A Parisyan/Hazelett fight could be an amazing BJJ vs. Judo war. Neither guy's striking is anything special, but I'd have my eyes glued to the screen waiting for Dustin to slap on a nasty submission or for Karo to toss him through the air.

Dong Hyun Kim

Interestingly enough, Kim is another judo guy, though taller and stronger than Karo. When Kim is on his game, he is absolutely brutal. At UFC 84, I actually felt sorry for his opponent Jason Tan who could not mount any sort of offense on Kim. Kim didn't do as well against Matt Brown at UFC 88 as he slowed a bit in the second round, but I still consider him a key up-and-comer in the welterweight division.

Hazelett vs. Kim could be a great second fight at an Ultimate Fight Night, and would make for a dazzling display of grappling. In fact, it would probably be even more exciting than a Hazelett/Parisyan fight.

Jake Shields

Jake Shields would be a great addition to the UFC's stable of 170-pounders, assuming he can get out of his EliteXC contract, and is willing to face top competition in the UFC.

Like Hazelett, Shields is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist that likes to finish fights. Shields also has a pretty average striking game, so there's no doubt a fight with Hazelett would go to the ground fairly quickly. The result would likely be a lightning-fast display of submission attempts and counters.

Hazelett would also be a perfect test to see where Shields really stands in the 170-pound division. Shields isn't ready for guys like Georges St. Pierre and Thiago Alves, but Hazelett is a perfect opponent. Both guys are on the cusp of the top-10 rankings, and a victory would put either guy close to the top of the division.