Welterweight kingpin has several eyes upon his title belt

Pat Healy won the MFC welterweight title in style, in survivor mode for much of the fight before turning the tables and using his well-tuned veteran skills to sew up the victory.
 
"Bam Bam" has since defended the title once coming away with a decision victory in the rematch, and soon it would seem likely that a second defence of his belt is in order. Since he basically has to bulk up to compete as a welterweight, Healy has intentions of making a run in the lightweight ranks in the near future but it is unlikely he'll make the move to 155 with Antonio McKee as the current MFC lightweight champ.
 
With that in mind, Healy should be putting his title on the line before 2009 is up, possibly as early as MFC 22 in September, and if not, then certainly by the time MFC 23 rolls around in early December.
 
There are some interesting candidates out there for that title shot - some who have appeared in the MFC before and others who could make their way into the picture.
 
* John Alessio - Unquestionably one of the most popular figures in the MFC, "The Natural" (25-13) is on his way back up after a brief run of hard luck. Looked in fine form at MFC 21 with his demolition of Andrew Buckland and has faced a who's who of welterweights throughout his career.
 
* Jake Ellenberger - Originally had shown interest in clashing with Alessio but might be more suited to a direct matchup for the title. Ellenberger (21-4) has won six of his last seven including a decision win over Healy in 2008.
 
* Nick Thompson - Made a bold statement at MFC 20 with a grind-out win over Paul Daley followed by an in-ring challenge to Healy following his title defence. "The Goat" (38-11-1) would be a handful for the smaller Healy to handle.
 
* Forrest Petz - A solid candidate with a good pedigree of fights to his credit. The "Meat Cleaver" (15-7) holds wins over the likes of Luigi Fioravanti, Dan Hardy, and Crazy Horse Bennett and is equally dangerous with submissions and striking.
 
* War Machine - The fighter formerly known as Jon Koppenhaver (8-2) is certainly an intriguing personality but he also happens to be an exciting striker and will talk up a big bout to the hilt.
 
* Paul Daley - "Semtex" (21-8-2) is an explosive competitor who ranks at the top of the division for his tremendous striking talents. The biggest reason to give him the shot - he's incredibly dangerous. The biggest reason not to give it to him - frequently fails to make the weight limit.