Looking Ahead from UFC 135
Jon "Bones" Jones - It's obvious that after the dominant performance over Rampage that he will face the number one contender for the title. "Suga" Rashad Evans defeated Tito Ortiz at UFC 133 after a long layoff due to an injury. This could be a very dynamic match-up if Rashad uses his speed advantage and doesn't let Jones use his reach to his advantage. That fight will take place in 2012.
Next Up: "Suga" Rashad Evans in another title defense
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson - After displaying improved head movement and takedown defense, Rampage is still a top five Light Heavyweight in my opinion. He has stated numerous times since his loss this passed Saturday that he wants to fight on the UFC Japan card. I could see Rampage squaring off against Forrest Griffin who his also coming off a loss. Rampage said he would like to fight Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, however Shogun is scheduled to fight the newly acquired Dan Henderson at UFC 139 in San Jose. Theres is a chance however that he could fight Shogun if he loses his fight against Hendo and is ready to go when the UFC journeys to Japan.
Next Up: Mauricio "Shogun" Rua or Forrest Griffin at UFC Japan
Matt Hughes - Hopefully Matt has finally seen the light and will retire after his most recent knockout loss to Josh Koscheck. Hughes has done everything there is to do in the UFC Welterweight division and has proved to be one of the greatest of all time. He's already in the hall of fame, and although everyone wants to end their career on a high note, much like Chris Lytle did. I just don't see any future fights for Matt that would intrigue the fans.
Next Up: Hopefully retirement, thank you for all that you've done Matt Hughes.
Josh Koscheck - What's next for Koscheck all depends on what weight he desires to fight at. He has recently stated that he would like to move up to Middleweight and fight guys like Wanderlei Silva and Chris Leben. In my opinion, I think it would be very interested to see Koscheck at Middleweight. He has proven several times that he is still an evolving fighter and has made a lot of improvements in his overall game. I also believe that a rematch with Chris Leben is a very marketable fight. Koscheck also has a better shot at the Middleweight title considering his teammate, Jon Fitch, is still a top 3 contender at Welterweight and they have stated that they will not fight each other.
Next Up: Jake Ellenberger or Diego Sanchez (170) Chris Leben (185)
Mark Hunt - After a very lackluster fight with Ben Rothwell, Mark Hunt earned the victory with his improved takedown defense and elite striking. I would love to see Hunt fight the winner of Pat Barry vs. Stefan Struve that is coming up on this Saturday. I think a fight between Barry and Hunt would be an absolute slugfest.
Next Up: The Winner of Pat Barry vs. Stefan Struve
Ben Rothwell - His performance Saturday was as disappointing as it gets. I fully expected him to take Mark Hunt down and control him. That was not what happened and Rothwell showed enormous cardio issues. I could see him fighting the loser of Joey Beltran vs. Stipe Miocic at UFC 136.
Next Up: The loser of Joey Beltran vs. Stipe Miocic at UFC 136
Travis Browne - Browne displayed some cardio issues as well, it is not known whether or not the high elevation of Denver was a factor. However Browne did display some very powerful striking on Broughton who wasn't really phased by them. I could definitely see him fighting the winner of Matt Mitrione vs. Cheick Kongo, or Roy Nelson if he gets by Mirko "Cro Cop".
Next Up: The winner of Matt Mitrione vs. Cheick Kongo or Roy Nelson
Nate Diaz - Diaz showed where he really belongs after his return to Lightweight, and subsequent destruction of Takanori Gomi. After sustaining a very minimal amount of damage he should be ready to go at the beginning of 2012. I could see him fighting Vagner Rocha after their recent wins at UFC Fight Night: Shields vs. Ellenberger.
Takanori Gomi - Initially I thought that Gomi would get cut after losing two in a row and having a record of one and three in the UFC. However it is a very marketable idea to have Gomi fight on the upcoming UFC Japan card. He could possibly fight one of the losers of this Saturday's card on Versus. There are two Lightweight fights, but only time will tell what will happen.
Next Up: Possibly a fight in Japan
Tony Ferguson - After a very dominant performance of Aaron Riley, he has proven that he has a bright future in the Lightweight division. I would love to see him fight Evan Dunham given that they are both elite strikers and Dunham just recently defeated Shamar Bailey. He could possibly fight Cole Miller as well after his recent victory over T.J. O'Brien.
Next Up: T.J. O'Brien or Evan Dunham
Tim Boetsch - I wouldn't mind seeing Boetsch fight Alan Belcher after his destruction of Jason MacDonald at the last UFC Fight Night. Tim Boetsch put up a good fight against Nick Ring. I'm very interested to see what he has to offer to the Middleweight division.
Thanks for reading, I would love to hear my readers' input on the above subjects. You can reach me on Twitter @CrumX7.
