UFC Fight Night 66 was built around its main event, and Frankie Edgar vs. Urijah Faber delivered. The two lighter weight all-stars gave the fans an action-packed bout that saw Edgar get one step closer to another crack at the 145-pound title. In what turned out to be a solid card, these suggestions will keep the winners active after their victories in Manila:
Frankie Edgar vs. the winner of Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor
When his career is over, Frankie Edgar will be considered one of the best lightweight fighters of all time. He’s remained a pound-for-pound best for years, and even if he does not win the featherweight title, he deserves that respect. Aldo and McGregor are due to face off at UFC 189 in what will be one of the most anticipated fights of the year, and Edgar should be matched against the winner if this fight ends in a decisive fashion.
However, Aldo can demand an immediate rematch if he loses the belt, and after being at the top for so long, he should be granted said shot. Furthermore, if Aldo wins he will have cleaned out much of the division and may move up to 155, which would create a vacancy that Edgar could fill, perhaps in a matchup with Chad Mendes.
Edgar vs. either Conor McGregor or Jose Aldo is best suited as a UFC PPV main event.
Gegard Mousasi vs. Michael Bisping
Gegard Mousasi understands that there are individuals in front of him when it comes to earning a shot at the UFC middleweight crown. However, he is not as far away as some individuals perceive. With two more solid wins, he can find himself on the short list of potential contenders in 2016. Michael Bisping is a strong starting point for such a run.
Bisping vs. Mousasi would be an interesting fight that pits two fighters with crisp, technical striking against one another. Plus, the UFC can use these two men to continue to build the promotion’s platform in Europe.
Mousasi vs. Bisping is best used as a UFC Fight Night main event for a show based in Europe and airing on Fight Pass.
Neil Magny vs. the winner of Rick Story vs. Erick Silva
Neil Magny is determined to gain the respect that he deserves. With his sound bashing of Hyun Gyu Lim, he should expect to hear his name more. His current win streak is now at seven straight fights and is very similar to the run that Matt Brown went on. Magny should expect some tough matchups in the future, and Rick Story or Erick Silva would gladly fill that role.
Silva and Story are due to face off at The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 4 Finale in June. The winner of that bout will be included in the top fifteen of the division. As Magny moves up that ladder, this is the exact type of fight that should be used to determine if he should be in the top ten in the near future.
Magny vs. either Silva or Story would work as a main card opener for a UFC on Fox event.
UFC gave fans the MMA version of the “Thrilla in Manila” as Edgar and Faber went at it for 25 minutes. Now that the show is over, there are a few names that remain relevant in their respective divisions. These fights are great opportunities to keep them active against strong competition while building fan interest.
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UFC Fight Night 66: Edgar vs. Faber takes place on May 16, 2015 at SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, Philippines.
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