Time to match ‘em up.
UFC Fight Night 47: "Bader vs. St. Preux" took place this past Sat. night (Aug. 16, 2014) from Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine, and in the main event, Ryan Bader used his wrestling skills to beat Ovince St. Preux over the course of five rounds (highlights here).
It certainly wasn't thrilling to watch, yet "Darth" continued his winning streak by going back to his bread and butter, exposing OSP's lack of ground game. It was Bader's third victory in a row, as he continues to resurge in the light heavyweight division.
In the co-main event, Ross Pearson sent Gray Maynard packing with his third consecutive TKO loss, finishing "The Bully" in the second round. Maynard looked good in the opening frame, but Pearson caught him with a solid punch, and continued the onslaught to put him away (highlights here).
Tim Boetsch completed another memorable comeback after being dominated for nearly 10 minutes, as he knocked out Brad Tavares to get back on the right track. "The Barbarian" was on the receiving end of a few brutal blows that opened him up before wowing his hometown fans with the spirited victory.
Also victorious on the main card was Alan Jouban, Shawn Jordan, and Thiago Tavares.
Without further ado, let's play matchmaker:
Winner: Thiago Tavares
Who He Should Fight Next: Winner of Nik Lentz vs. Charles Oliveira at UFC Fight Night 50
Like Jon Anik mentioned on the broadcast, the Brazilian made his UFC debut when Chuck Liddell was still UFC light heavyweight champion.
That same year, Vladimir Putin was voted Time Magazine's "Person of the Year," Fedor Emilianenko was still undefeated and Ronda Rousey had yet to win an Olympic medal.
Safe to say that was awhile ago.
After dismantling Robbie Peralta, it's time for Tavares to find himself in a bigger tilt. It remains to be seen if Tavares stays in the featherweight division, citing weight cut difficulties, but if he does, the winner of Nik Lentz vs. Charles Oliveira could do the trick.
Tavares fought Lentz to a draw at UFC Fight Night 20 over four years ago after multiple nut shots cost him the fight, so they could settle their unfinished business at 145 pounds (despite the fantasy fight being "The Carny's" second rematch in a row). Oliveira would also be a good tussle for Tavares in a battle of Brazilians.
If that fails, there's always the winner of Dennis Siver vs. Robert Whiteford at UFC Fight Night 53 in October.
Winner: Shawn Jordan
Who He Should Fight Next: Jared Rosholt
It was suggested a while ago that Jared Rosholt should have faced Derrick Lewis after "The Black Beast" toppled Guto Inocente at The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 19 Finale, which would be a rematch of their Legacy FC 13 heavyweight title fight (where Lewis knocked out Rosholt).
With "The Black Beast" confirmed to take on Matt Mitrione next, it seems as if Rosholt, who is on a seven-fight winning streak, would be the best viable option for "The Savage," who recorded his fourth stoppage victory in UFC after finishing Jack May.
Punching power would be on display, and the grappling exchanges would be rather interesting, despite Rosholt having the advantage there.
Winner: Alan Jouban
Who He Should Fight Next: Winner of Alex Garcia vs. Neil Magny at UFC Fight Night 49
After finishing the durable Seth Baczynski, hopes are high for former Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA) product. Instead of matching him up against someone like Thiago Alves (who couldn't finish Baczynski in his last fight) or the winner of Brian Ebersole vs. John Howard, let's not rush second base with the male model.
A fight against the winner of Alex Garcia vs. Neil Magny would be enough, since "Brahma" may have stuff to work on after being clipped by Baczynski and almost finished. Truth be told, there are a bunch of welterweights you can insert him against.
These plans seem fine for now.
Winner: Tim Boetsch
Who He Should Fight Next: Nate Marquardt
After the surprising comeback, there's no need to hurry "The Barbarian" against one of the middleweight division's best fighters. For someone who was inches away from suffering his fourth defeat in five outings, it would be better to set him up against someone who's typically in a similar situation.
After suffering three defeats at welterweight, Nate Marquardt returned to the 185-pound weight class and notched an impressive victory over James Te Huna earlier this summer at UFC Fight Night 43.
This potential duel would be a great battle to see who can continue their winning ways inside the Octagon after almost being let go.
Winner: Ross Pearson
Who He Should Fight Next: Michael Johnson
The Englishman wants a big fight next, and that's exactly what he should get.
Pearson recorded the biggest win of his career on Saturday night, even if Maynard's chin isn't what it used to be. The Sunderland native has only lost twice out of his past seven contests, and his latest win was the perfect way to bounce back from his horrific decision loss against Diego Sanchez at UFC Fight Night 42.
Michael Johnson was forced out of his fight against Josh Thomson earlier this summer, which means the promotion thinks he's good enough to compete against some of the division's best fighters. A scrap between these two strikers would be a joy to watch, with the winner continuing to inch closer to the top of the heap.
Winner: Ryan Bader
Who He Should Fight Next: Anthony Johnson
As much as Anthony Johnson would fit the billing, it seems as if the promotion wants to book "Rumble" against Alexander Gustafsson. If "The Mauler" refuses to take another fight, he would be out of action for close to a year if he waits for the winner of Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier.
We've seen longer layoffs, and if that does happen, then Bader vs. Johnson could be next. I'm not too thrilled about the match up, but what's left for "Darth" after that?
Rashad Evans is out until 2015, and as much as I'd like to see Jimi Manuwa against the Nevadan, "Poster Boy" is coming off a loss. There's always Phil Davis if he beats Glover Teixeira, but there aren't many options for Bader at this present time.
We'll pencil this one in for the time being, even though everything is more or less up in the air.
That just about does it.
For more on UFC Fight Night 47: "Bader vs. St. Preux," including video highlights, post-fight recaps, and more, click here.