UFC on Fox 14 was a night of upsets and questionable officiating. But while those are the two main stories coming out of Sweden, there was still a lot of exciting action. These suggestions are potential next fights for the men who were unable to get their hands raised:
Alexander Gustafsson vs. Glover Teixeira
In the main event, Alexander Gustafsson suffered a crushing defeat in front of 30,000 of his countrymen. Although he has been forced out of the contender’s picture for the moment, the UFC can still rebuild him in a way that will make a rematch with Jon Jones viable. The UFC should keep him away from men such as Daniel Cormier, who can completely ruin that plan. Instead Glover Teixeira would provide the type of matchup that gives him a highly-ranked opponent that matches his style.
Teixeira uses a striking-based attack that plays into Gustafsson’s movement, combinations, and counter striking. He hasn’t displayed knockout power against big names at 205, but still poses a dangerous threat. Gustafsson could use this fight to earn a big win that will keep his name near the top of the division list.
Alexander Gustafsson vs. Glover Teixeira would be a good fight to place on a UFC card based in either Brazil or Europe.
Phil Davis is a questionable player in the light heavyweight division. Questions continue to circulate regarding whether or not he will reach his full potential. In some senses, it seems as if he is regressing. He needs to string together some wins before he finds himself on the UFC chopping block. Mauricio Rua would be a good starting point for the former Penn State Nittany Lion.
“Shogun” looks to continue fighting, even though he has recently fallen on hard times. Matching him against Davis will show which competitor deserves to hold a position on the UFC’s roster.
Phil Davis vs. Mauricio Rua would best be suited as a fight based in Brazil during a UFC Fight Night event on Fight Pass.
Dan Henderson vs. the loser of Thales Leites vs. Tim Boetsch
Dan Henderson has made it clear that he is not retiring from the sport of MMA. Even though he has suffered defeats in recent bouts, Henderson is dead set on walking away on his own terms. If he were to face either Thales Leites or Tim Boetsch, that could allow him to wrap up his career with a victory.
Leites and Boetsch are due to square off at UFC 183 in Las Vegas. Neither man is considered a contender in the middleweight division, but a big win can change that. Matching the winner of that bout against Henderson would allow him to gain a major name for his resume.
Dan Henderson vs. either Thales Leites or Tim Boetsch should be used as a main card bout for a UFC Fight Night event on Fox Sports 1.
Chris Beal vs. Tim Elliot
Chris Beal was an up and coming bantamweight that had the attention of many experts within the sport. However, that growth may have been stunted by matching him against the very experienced Neil Seery in his flyweight debut. Beal suffered the first defeat of his career, but that should not stop his development within the 125-pound division. Matching him against Tim Elliott would be a move in the right direction.
Tim Elliott is truly a gatekeeper at 125 pounds. He has been unable to rise beyond the fringes of the top ten himself, but he is experienced enough to stop those that are not ready for that level of competition. He would be a test of whether Beal is a true flyweight prospect at this point in his career.
Chris Beal vs. Tim Elliott can be used as a preliminary bout for any upcoming UFC event.
In UFC on Fox 14, the Ultimate Fighting Championship was able to deliver a packed show on foreign soil. And while Alexander Gustafsson and the rest of the Swedish fighters on the card were unable to walk out of Tele2 Arena victorious, this was still an important moment for the continued expansion of mixed martial arts. These fights will keep the losers relevant while giving them the opportunity to turn around their 2015.
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UFC on Fox 14: Gustafsson vs. Johnson took place on January 24, 2015 at the Tele2 Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.
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