At UFC Fight Night 62, Demian Maia will test undefeated and up-and-coming welterweight Ryan LaFlare.
In his first four UFC appearances, LaFlare has picked up decision victories to move into the Top 15 rankings. He’s still looking for his first win over a ranked opponent, though, and could elevate himself into the Top 10 by beating Maia this weekend.
This matchup also provides Maia with an important opportunity. Without a win over a currently ranked 170-pounder since October 2012, Maia would return to relevancy as a welterweight contender by beating LaFlare on Saturday.
Given their high-ranking positions in the 170-pound class, Maia and LaFlare both have secure spots on the UFC roster. However, many other UFC Fight Night 62 competitors do not. Here are the fighters sitting on the hot seat heading into the upcoming event.
Josh Koscheck
With a fourth consecutive loss during February, Josh Koscheck is making a quick return to complete his UFC contract against Erick Silva.
Many believed Koscheck would retire following his recent submission loss to Jake Ellenberger, but he’s going to give it at least one more go. Should Koscheck suffer a fifth defeat in a row against Silva and complete his UFC contract, one would have to believe that would bring an unfortunate end to what has been a very solid career overall.
Even with an upset win over Silva, Koscheck is 37 years old and doesn’t have anything left to prove in MMA since a UFC title appears to be out of the question. Win or lose, Koscheck should announce his retirement on Saturday.
Shayna Baszler
When she was announced as a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter 18, Shayna Baszler figured to become a contender in the women’s bantamweight division.
However, The Queen of Spades disappointed on the UFC reality show, during which she was submitted by eventual winner Julianna Pena. Then, Baszler lost to Bethe Correia in her official UFC debut, putting her UFC job in jeopardy.
Because she’s a big name in a shallow division, Baszler might get some extra slack, but she shouldn’t push her luck. With a loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC Fight Night 62, Baszler being released and returning to Invicta FC would be a real possibility.
Leonardo Mafra and Cain Carrizosa
Making their UFC debuts one month apart in July and August 2014, Leonardo Mafra and Cain Carrizosa are both looking for their first wins inside the Octagon.
Released after a 2012 loss to Thiago Perpetuo, Mafra is actually in his second stint with the promotion. So, an 0-2 run with a loss to Carrizosa this weekend could mean the end of his UFC career. At 25 years old, he’d have time to earn his way back, but Mafra would have to show some serious improvement.
Carrizosa entered the UFC as an undefeated prospect, but he was submitted by Chris Wade in his first trip to the Octagon. Losing to an opponent like Mafra, who still hasn’t proven himself at the UFC level, would show Carrizosa might not be ready for the big show.
Jorge de Oliveira and Christos Giagos
Both are promising prospects, but Jorge de Oliveira and Christos Giagos could be battling for their UFC roster spots on Saturday.
After finishing his first seven MMA opponents, De Oliveira made his UFC debut against Dhiego Lima in November and lost. Giagos, meanwhile, earned his way into the UFC with wins over notables like Dakota Cochrane and Sevak Magakian before losing to Gilbert Burns in his first trip to the Octagon.
Some exceptions are made, but an 0-2 UFC start is always a good way to get cut by the organization. De Oliveira and Giagos should both enter this matchup with a must-win mentality.
Bentley Syler and Fredy Serrano
Months have past since TUF: Latin America came to an end, but contestants Bentley Syler and Fredy Serrano will make their official UFC debuts this weekend.
Both individuals entered the UFC reality show with undefeated records. However, both were eliminated from the tournament in their first bouts.
Syler and Serrano are now being given another chance to earn their way onto the UFC roster, but the loser will likely have to go back to competing on small shows.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com