Last night’s UFC on FX 7 event didn’t have a ton of fights that were important in terms of title chases. Obviously the main event was extremely important to the middleweight division, but it really was a one-fight show in terms of divisional relevance. Still though, these guys have to fight someone next so we might as well figure out who that should probably be.
Vitor Belfort -A second bout with Anderson Silva would make bags of money in Brazil, but I don’t think anyone actually believes Belfort would win. He wants Jon Jones, but that ain’t happening. So that leaves the obvious answer – Chael Sonnen. You know, assuming he loses to Jones in April. The fight could be at 185, 195, or 205. And there’s serious heat there, so it’ll sell. It’s the best option for Belfort right now, unless they give him Weidman when he comes back or something.
Michael Bisping – Hector Lombard has been talking a lot about Bisping lately, but he’s booked against Yushin Okami in March and they’ll probably steer him in another direction. Instead, Alan Belcher would be a solid option next, and so would Tim Boetsch. They’re both coming off losses and they’re both fights Bisping has talked about before (he was actually booked to face Boetsch). In other words, there are plenty of options for Bisping.
C.B. Dollaway -Obvious matchmaking alert – Ronny Markes won his UFC on FX 7 fight, and he’s 2-0 at middleweight. Dollaway has won two in a row. Book that.
Daniel Sarafian – He says he’s going to drop to welterweight, which is probably a good move. The winner of the Che Mills vs. Matt Riddle fight at UFC on Fuel 7 might be a good debut fight at 170 for Sarafian.
Gabriel Gonzaga -The answer is simple – give him a title shot against Cain Velasquez. Yes, I’m kidding. He should probably get a bout with either Cheick Kongo, or the winner of the Shawn Jordan vs. Mike Russow fight at UFC on Fox 6.
Ben Rothwell – It seems like Big Ben would be utilized best against a big striker. Travis Browne is looking for a fight after suffering his first career loss. That sounds like a good fit to me.
Khabib Nurmagomedov -The Eagle should get a nice step up in competition next, and facing off with the winner of the Matt Wiman vs. T.J. Grant fight at UFC on Fox 6 suits me just fine.
Thiago Tavares – Tavares just can’t put together a sustained winning streak, something that has long been a problem of Mac Danzig as well. And voila, you have a good next fight for both of them.