The third UFC live event in as many weeks is in the books, but we have just six days until the promotion returns to Brazil for a fight that is becoming more and more intriguing by the day.
But before we look forward to next Saturday, let’s look even further in the future and determine what could/should be next for the winners (and one loser) from UFC on FX 5: Browne vs. Bigfoot
Antonio Silva vs. Josh Barnett
This one, of course, is reliant upon the idea that the relationship between Showtime and Zuffa won’t explode into a million bitter little pieces. That’s not a guarantee at this point. Barnett will find himself in the same position Daniel Cormier is currently in, which means he’ll need an opponent for his final contracted Strikeforce fight.
That opponent will likely come from the UFC, and what better option than Silva at this point? Barnett is coming off a loss, but he’ll still need a decent opponent to satiate the overlords at Showtime. Silva fits that bill, especially after destroying Travis Browne at UFC on FX 5.
It’s a fight that makes too much sense not to do. Plus, you’d get the added benefit of Barnett cutting some pro-wrestling style promos about the size of Silva’s noggin. That’s almost always a good time.
Travis Browne vs. Stipe Miocic
Two formerly unbeaten heavyweight prospects lose within a week of each other. What do you do? If you’re Joe Silva, you match them up against each other and give them a chance at redemption.
Browne and Miocic are physical freaks, so a battle between the pair sounds intriguing as hell. However, Browne will likely be on the shelf after injuring his knee at UFC on FX 5, which means the odds of this one actually happening aren’t that great. I can’t win them all.
Jake Ellenberger vs. Winner of Silva/Fitch
It wasn’t all that impressive, but at least Ellenberger scored the win at UFC on FX 5 over a very game Jay Hieron. The win was deserved, but it wasn’t enough to help Ellenberger put his stamp on the division. For his next trick, I’d like to see him face someone who is just outside of contention status.
The winner of next Saturday’s bout between Jon Fitch and Erick Silva makes all the sense in the world.
John Dodson vs. Demetrious Johnson
We already know this one is happening, and I can’t wait. Flyweight fights have, by and large, been the most entertaining recent addition to UFC shows that I can think of. If you disagree, you either have a fetish for large men—much like WWE impresario Vince McMahon—or you know nothing about actual mixed martial arts and would be much happier watching a Toughman competition.
Dodson and champion Johnson are probably the two smallest and fastest flyweights in the world, which makes this an incredibly interesting bout. They’re all technique and speed, and I don’t give a flip if they don’t finish fights (even though they do, but that fact is conveniently ignored by the flyweight trolls). I’m really looking forward to this one, you guys.
Justin Edwards vs. Mike Pierce
Edwards and Mike Pierce both scored dramatic wins at UFC on FX 5, so what do you do? Why, you have them fight each other, of course.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com