UFC 172 provided Jon Jones with the opportunity to push himself forward as a man that the Ultimate Fighting Championship could push as the promotion’s next big star. For 25 minutes he dominated a fighter that had been on a serious run for nearly ten years. Now, the door is open for possibly the biggest fight in 2014. Jones’ next defense and other matchups are suggestions for the winners at UFC 172.
Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson II
In September of 2013 at UFC 165, Jones and Gustafsson put on a fight that many people believe was the best of the year. Some felt that Gustafsson was robbed in the end, and should have walked away with the title. Fortunately for the UFC, both individuals have continued their winning ways, allowing for UFC matchmakers to arrange a second go-round for the lightweight champion and his toughest challenger to date.
It’s obvious that Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson 2 is a pay-per-view main event. This fight could be used to anchor the yearly show that the UFC stacks in the month of September.
Anthony Johnson vs. Fabio Maldonado
Anthony Johnson surprised many of his doubters when he pulled out a win against the highly-touted light heavyweight Phil Davis. With that win he proved that he belonged back in the UFC and now looks to make a run towards the 205-pound title. The next fight he should be placed into should be against Fabio Maldonado.
While Maldonado would be considered a step down the ladder at first glance, he offers the opportunity to test something that has always been a question for Johnson. The durable Maldonado possesses the ability to come on strong late in fights, which keeps fans interested in his bouts down to the final minute. He has crisp boxing, and the ability to put together combinations – especially body shots – that can hamper Johnson in a fight. Johnson’s ability to strike and wrestle for 15 minutes would be tested against the Brazilian, who is currently on a three-fight winning streak.
Johnson vs. Maldonado could work as a co-main event for a fight card in Brazil sometime during the third quarter of the year.
While Rockhold holds a Strikeforce win over Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, he’s still behind the Brazilian due to his defeat at the hands of Vitor Belfort. He must now wait out the upcoming fight between Chris Weidman and Lyoto Machida, and possibly have “Jacare” be granted the next shot after that. So if the California native decides to stay active, Yoel Romero would be an interesting candidate for him to face.
Romero has looked stellar in the UFC while continuing his undefeated run, landing big shots and hitting various wrestling takedowns in every fight. His bruising fights provide a stark contrast to the flashy style the Rockhold uses. This is the type of fight that would test how both of these athletes cope with the other’s style, in preparation for the battles at the top of the middleweight ladder.
Luke Rockhold vs. Yoel Romero would work as a main event of a Fight Night card on either Fight Pass or Fox Sports 1.
At 24-4, it’s amazing how fast Jim Miller has been forgotten as one of the best lightweights in the sport. His only defeats have come to two former champions and two former title challengers. His win over Yancy Medeiros gave Miller his second straight victory, and should help him return to the top 15 of the division. Donald Cerrone should be the man to welcome him back to title contendership, and test whether he’s ready to put together another run.
“Cowboy” often mentions that he wants to stay as active as possible throughout the year. Miller has also been an active fighter, and this would be a fight to keep the New Jersey native’s name mentioned alongside the top-tier fighters at 155 pounds.
Cerrone vs. Miller could serve as the co-main event for a Fox event during the third quarter of this year.
After UFC 172 the minds behind the fights within the Ultimate Fighting Championship now have a number of directions they can go in. However, these fight suggestions represent the best choices for bouts to push the winners forward and add meaning to their respective careers.
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UFC 172: Jones vs. Teixeira took place on April 26, 2014 at Baltimore Arena in Baltimore, Maryland.
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