After an exciting UFC on FOX 18: “Johnson vs Bader” event, MMAmania.com ponders what is next for the main card winners who picked up victories last Saturday night (Jan., 30, 2016) on FOX inside the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returned to Newark, New Jersey for a wild night of fights last Saturday (Jan., 30, 2016), as UFC on FOX 18: “Johnson vs. Bader” provided some shocking results at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
While Anthony Johnson’s first round knockout over Ryan Bader wasn’t all that stunning, the fact “Rumble” got the job done in just 86 seconds was certainly a surreal moment (highlights here). The victory earned Johnson a $50,000 bonus check for “Performance of the Night,” and ended Bader’s five fight win streak.
The co-main event featured one of the most shocking results in recent memory, as Josh Barnett succumbed to a submission from Ben Rothwell. For the second straight fight, “Big Ben” utilized his self-proclaimed “gogo choke” to get the job done.
Check out the highlights here.
With that quick recap of last night’s marquee bouts, it’s now time to play matchmaker with our “Next Matches To Make.”
Winner: Anthony Johnson
Who Should He Fight Next: The UFC Light Heavyweight Champion
“Rumble” has proven he is among the three best Light Heavyweights in the world multiple times over the last two years, and his 5-1 record since re-joining UFC’s roster is all the proof that’s needed.
In that time span, Johnson has knocked out some of the best the 205-pound division has to offer, from Rogerio Nogueira to Jimi Manuwa, Ryan Bader, and even former title challenger Alexander Gustafsson.
Johnson’s lone defeat came against current 205-pound kingpin Daniel Cormier, in a fight he took on short notice after Jon Jones was stripped of his title and removed from his scheduled bout against “Rumble.”
Simply put, Johnson deserves another crack at UFC gold, and a full training camp to train for one of the best fighters in the world, whether it is Jon Jones or Cormier once again.
Winner: Ben Rothwell
Who Should He Fight Next: Travis Browne or Cain Velasquez
The Heavyweight division is a circus right now, with several top contenders claiming their right to fight for UFC gold next.
With Cain Velasquez headed to surgery again, Stipe Miocic will likely get the next crack at UFC Champion Fabricio Werdum.
So where does that leave the streaking Rothwell after his fourth straight finish?
“Big Ben” didn’t seem to have any qualms with taking another fight prior to fighting for the title, but the only viable opponents would be Travis Browne or Velasquez when he returns from rehab.
The issue is that a victory over Browne doesn’t do much for Rothwell after defeating Overeem and Rothwell in two of his last three fights, and a Velasquez bout means the former Champion lost his coveted immediate rematch.
Considering things change so quickly in the Heavyweight division, “Big Ben’s” next opponent will have to be made on a wait and see approach.
With that being said, Rothwell should be fighting for UFC gold with one more victory, regardless of whom it is against.
Winner: Jimmie Rivera
Who Should He Fight Next: John Lineker or Cody Garbrandt
This is the toughest pick of the litter considering just how stacked the Bantamweight division is.
Jimmie Rivera is yet another top notch prospect in the 135-pound division, joining the likes of Aljamain Sterling, Thomas Almeida, Cody Garbrandt, John Lineker, John Dodson, and more.
Rivera was impressive in his victory over No. 14 ranked Iuri Alcantara, but he still needs some seasoning before fighting the cream of the crop just yet.
UFC brass obviously sees something in the 26-year old, otherwise he would have never been granted a FOX main card slot so early on his Octagon career.
Expect “El Terror” to be involved in another exciting slugfest, when UFC brass matches him up against the winner of the UFC Fight Night 83 bout pitting John Lineker against Cody Garbrandt.
Winner: Bryan Barberena
Who Should He Fight Next: Zak Cummings
Bryan Barberena officially derailed the Sage Northcutt hype train at UFC on FOX 18, but don’t expect him to suddenly get the major marketing push from UFC brass.
While “Bam Bam’s” victory was certainly impressive, he is not a dazzling fighter by any means, and has his own holes to shore up before he can even consider fighting the elite at Lightweight or Welterweight.
The victory over Northcutt is undoubtedly the biggest of his career on a major platform, but I suspect Barberena to be placed back on the “Prelims” for his next fight.
If Barberena continues to fight in the Welterweight division, I’d like to see him fight a more well-rounded grappler, so perhaps Zak Cummings is next on the docket.
For complete UFC on FOX 18: “Johnson vs. Bader” results and coverage of all the night’s action click here.