Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) made a successful visit to the Fort Campbell Army Base in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, with the men and women of the American armed forces being one of the most respectful crowds in the promotion's history.
UFC Fight Night 31 on FOX Sports 1 had a number of great fights on both the "Fight for the Troops 3" main card and on the "Prelims," with all 26 fighters giving it their all in some career-defining performances.
That said, main card competitors Tim Kennedy, Alexis Davis, Yoel Romero, Rustam Khabilov and Michael Chiesa all picked up victories on Wednesday night (Nov. 6, 2013), which means it's time to anticipate their next moves in their respective weight classes.
Winner: Tim Kennedy
Who He Should Fight Next: Michael Bisping
Why They Should Fight: When Michael Bisping comes back from his eye injury, bring on a fight against Tim Kennedy. Known for a durable-enough stand-up game, Bisping would want to trade with Kennedy and we could get a potential slugfest between both middleweights. They are both in similar places, on the edge of a top-five ranking in the division.
Awin for either of them would cement their place.
Kennedy was able to score the "Knockout of The Night" and with the amount of entertaining fights that Bisping has had in the past, all fingers would point to this being an enthralling contest. It simply makes sense to match these two up together.
Winner: Alexis Davis
Who She Should Fight Next: Jessica Eye
Why They Should Fight: Earning the big win she needed with a unanimous decision victory over Liz Carmouche last night, Alexis Davis controlled her opponent for most of the fight and showed that she could not only strike, but grapple as well.
A good fight for her is against recent UFC 166 winner Jessica Eye, who earned a decision win over veteran ex-champ Sarah Kaufman.
This fight would be a good chance for both of these bantamweights to excel and showcase their talents en route to possible title contention. Davis is already a veteran at a young age, looking for her first major title shot, while Eye feels posed for stardom. Let them trade to see who can achieve their respective goals.
Winner: Yoel Romero
Who He Should Fight Next: Lorenz Larkin
Why They Should Fight: Many pundits know "Soldier of God" as one of the best wrestlers in MMA, and he keeps on finishing fights with his fists. Why not match him up with an opponent who could do the same?
Romero has never gone the distance and has six stoppage wins due to strikes. Lorenz Larkin, who won on the "Prelims" against Chris Camozzi, looked lightning fast and powerful, a tough fight for anyone at 185 pounds.
With similar slugging power and the chance for both to capitalize on the mat, this fight would be perfect based on the timing (unless anyone is injured) and the standing of both fighters in the division.
Winner: Rustam Khabilov
Who He Should Fight Next: Winner of Edson Barboza vs. Danny Castillo at UFC on FOX 9
Why They Should Fight: Rustam Khabilov earned the biggest victory of his career against Jorge Masvidal and before cracking into the top 10, a fight against either Edson Barboza or Danny Castillo would each be one last, stiff test against dangerous opposition.
"Tiger" is 17-1 and although that is an impressive feat, he is still in need of a few more wins before he really starts to turn some heads. A win over Barboza or Castillo can help him with that.
Winner: Michael Chiesa
Who He Should Fight Next: K.J. Noons
Why They Should Fight: After K.J. Noons was able to defeat George Sotiropoulos a few weeks back at UFC 166, it saved his career from retirement. If he wants to prove to himself that he still has a future in this sport, he could test his will against an up-and-coming The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 15 winner Michael Chiesa.
Chiesa is 3-1 in the UFC, with seven-straight submission victories, and would also provide the fans with an intriguing clash of styles battle between the two.
What say you?
For complete UFC Fight Night 31 results, including play-by-play of the entire fight card click here. For recaps, videos, highlights, commentary and more from Wednesday night's FOX Sports 1 event check out our "Fight for Troops 3" live story stream here.