Fight Fixin’ is a fantasy matchmaking article that comes out after every major event and features possible matchups for main card winners and/or losers from the previous event.
TJ Dillashaw
In the main event of UFC on FOX 16, TJ Dillashaw had his most impressive performance in the Octagon to date, as he destroyed Renan Barao on the feet, taking him out in the fourth round via knockout. Dillashaw proved by beating Barao he’s the best active fighter in the division, and there’s only one fight that makes sense for him next.
Of course, I’m referring to a matchup between Dillashaw and former champ Dominick Cruz. Dillashaw is an amazing fighter, but before he took over the division Cruz was the man, and if it weren’t for injuries he’d be the champ right now. So if he’s healthy, let’s see these two meet in what I think would be an amazing fight. But if Cruz isn’t healthy, Raphael Assuncao makes sense.
Fight to make: TJ Dillashaw vs. Dominick Cruz
Miesha Tate
In the co-main event of UFC on FOX 16, Miesha Tate hurt Jessica Eye on the feet and controlled her on the mat for the most impressive win of her UFC career. Tate’s wrestling was on point like always, but it was her impressive striking that was most surprising about her performance, one that earns her a title shot.
I’m expecting Ronda Rousey to beat Bethe Correia at UFC 190, and everyone else is too, so once that happens, the UFC is going to do Rousey vs. Tate 3. It’s not an ideal situation, but in a division with few other contenders, Tate is the best among them, so get ready to see these two ladies throw down for a third time later this year or early next year.
Fight to make: Miesha Tate vs. Ronda Rousey 3
Edson Barboza
In the “Fight of the Night,” Edson Barboza had a close, back-and-forth standup battle against Paul Felder, ultimately earning a close unanimous decision at the end of the fight. Both men had their chances on the feet, but ultimately Barboza’s speed was the difference, as he hit Felder more than he got hit back and won the decision.
For his next fight, I want to see Barboza fight Tony Ferguson, with the winner being pushed into title talks. This would be an incredible matchup between two amazing, well-rounded lightweights, and while it would eliminate one of them as a contender, in a division as stacked as lightweight, I’m ok with that happening. If you want to be the best you have to beat the best, so I think this is an appropriate matchup, as both guys get closer to getting a crack at the belt.
Fight to make: Edson Barboza vs. Tony Ferguson
Joe Lauzon
In the opening main card bout, Joe Lauzon was able to beat up Takanori Gomi badly and earn a first-round TKO victory. Lauzon had to endure a few early exchanges by Gomi on the feet, but after he got the fight to the mat it wasn’t much of a contest, with Lauzon punching Gomi so hard he finished him on the mat.
For his next fight, let’s see Lauzon take on Dustin Poirier in what I suspect would be a terrific fight for the fans. Both men are extremely well rounded and always in exciting fights, so matching them up at this point in time makes a lot of sense, with Poirier as the young buck and Lauzon as the gatekeeper trying to stop his ascension up the lightweight ladder. Let’s see it.
Fight to make: Joe Lauzon vs. Dustin Poirier
Tom Lawlor
In the biggest upset on a card full of them, Tom Lawlor knocked out Gian Villante in devastating fashion in the second round for his first win in nearly two and a half years. Lawlor had not fought since April 2013, when he tapped out Michael Kuiper, and moved up to 205 lbs to take on Villante, a training partner of UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman, but despite everything going against him, he was able to knock Villante out and win a “Performance of the Night” bonus.
I’m not sold on Lawlor at 205 lbs, but beating Villante is a big win and should earn him a step up in competition. How about a fight against Fabio Maldonado next? Maldonado is coming off of a loss to Rampage Jackson, but he’s a solid veteran and makes sense as Lawlor’s next opponent as he looks to climb the ladder. It would be a slugfest and I’d like to see it happen.
Fight to make: Tom Lawlor vs. Fabio Maldonado
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UFC on FOX 16: Dillashaw vs. Barao 2 took place on July 25, 2015 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
Click the stars to rate how good you think UFC on Fox 16 was.
