Skip navigation
Listen now:
NBC Sports: Amani & Eytan

What's next for UFC 131's winners?

Here's who I think UFC matchmakers should book next.


Does Florian deserve a shot at Jose Aldo after just one win at featherweight?

UFC 131 is in the books and everyone wants to know what's next for all the big winners (at least I do).

Here's who I think UFC matchmakers Joe Silva and Sean Shelby should book next:

Junior dos Santos vs. Cain Velasquez: This one is fairly obvious considering JDS is the No. 1 contender and all, but it's worth mentioning. Also worth mentioning that the oddsmakers have JDS listed as a slight favorite over the champ.

Kenny Florian vs. Hatsu Hioki: I know Dana White said Florian was "more than likely" next for 145-pound champion Jose Aldo, but I think he should win one more fight before earning that shot. Top-ranked Hioki is a free agent who was very visible in Vancouver during UFC 131 week and has made it clear that he wants to sign with the UFC. This fight makes too much sense.

Mark Munoz vs. Brian Stann: Both fighters have won three in a row and both are on the cusp of breaking through in the middleweight division. The winner of this fight could very well position himself as the No. 1 contender at 185. Another option? The winner of UFC 132's Chris Leben vs. Wanderlei Silva bout.

Dave Herman vs. Frank Mir: Herman may not be as well known as Mir, but the heavyweight division needs some new blood and "Pee Wee" is the perfect candidate.

Donald Cerrone vs. Sam Stout: "Cowboy" would probably be content fighting his rivals Mac Danzig and/or Cole Miller, but he asked for Stout after his win over Vagner Rocha, and I think that would make for a great lightweight scrap.


Chris Weidman vs. Ed Herman:
Weidman is young and filled with potential. No need to rush the 26-year-old. Herman, who posted a quick win over Tim Credeur at the TUF 13 Finale, would make for a nice opponent.

Dustin Poirier vs. Pablo Garza: Two featherweights prospects go toe-to-toe. I'd like to see how Poirier deals with Garza's height and reach.

Joey Beltran vs. Stefan Struve: This would make for a fun heavyweight fight, and I wouldn't expect a lot of takedowns in this one.

© 2013 NBC Sports.com  Reprints

advertisement
More news
Image: UFC 148: Anderson Silva v Chael Sonnen - Press Conference
Getty Images Contributor
Maynard wins, but 'fight sucked'

UFC President Dana White (above) embarrassed after Gray Maynard beat Clay Guida by split decision to win a lightweight bout and the main event of the UFC card in Atlantic City.

Georges St-Pierre (L) from Montreal, Can
AFP/Getty Images
Our latest MMA rankings

Can anyone top the big three of Silva, Jones, and GSP as the best pound-for-pounder fighter?

Barao beats Faber for 19th straight win

CALGARY, Alberta (AP) - Renan Barao won a unanimous decision against Urijah Faber at UFC 149 Saturday night for his 19th straight victory.

Video
  Cerrone at UFC 131
June 13, 2011: Who's next for the scrappy lightweight?