It's time to play matchmaker.
UFC 175: "Weidman vs. Machida" took place last night (Sat., July 5, 2014) from inside Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, gifting fans with two memorable title fights on the pay-per-view (PPV) main card.
Chris Weidman defeated Lyoto Machida in a fight of the year candidate, winning the war by unanimous decision. The "All American" looked as if he was destined to finish Machida in the opening sequences, until the "Dragon" turned the tide in the championship rounds and troubled the champion (watch the highlights here).
Ultimately, Weidman won the scrap on points, showing a lot of courage in his second title defense.
In the co-main event, Ronda Rousey creamed Alexis Davis in 16 seconds, beating the Canadian via knockout.
"Rowdy" came out swinging, and after landing a brutal right hand followed by a knee, she tossed Davis onto the mat and drilled her with punches. "Ally-Gator" was out of it, and it took her a while to realize the fight was over as she tried to take down referee Yves Lavigne.
With that being said, we try and fix up the main card winners with the best possible opponents, including Uriah Hall and Rusell Doane, with the exclusion of both Stefan Struve and Matt Mitrione.
Without further ado, here we go:
Winner: Russell Doane
Who He Should Fight Next: Cody Gibson
Why They Should Fight: These two youngsters almost have the same exact number of fights on their record, and it makes sense for them to duke it out since they've won inside the Octagon just a week apart from each other over their respective opponents.
Observers should have been impressed with Doane's ground game, as his guard techniques were superb, further indicating he could hack it on the ground -- especially after his victory against Leandro Issa back in January.
Still, the Hawaiian should sharpen his skills in the stand-up department if he wants to be successful moving forward, and that's where Cody Gibson -- who scored a big knockout last week -- could pose problems.
Just don't put it on PPV, please.
Winner: Uriah Hall
Who He Should Fight Next: Sean Strickland
Why They Should Fight: Whether or not this is a popular opinion, Hall shouldn't have been able to continue.
That said, he will be remembered for winning his battle with a broken toe, and that's pretty impressive. MMA bros across the world will talk about how much of a warrior he is, without having any regard for the doctor who should have stopped the fight.
Hey, if Joe Rogan said he should have been able to continue, that's what matters...right?
Anyhow, let's match Hall up against Sean Strickland for his next fight. "Tarzan" may not be the household name you'd expect, but he's currently 15-0 and held the King of The Cage (KOTC) middleweight championship.
Also, Strickland got a big win over Luke Barnatt in May at UFC Fight Night 41. You could say these middleweights are in the same boat right now, which means the winner could see himself being ranked or fighting top 10 opponents afterwards.
Winner: Ronda Rousey
Who She Should Fight Next: Cat Zingano
Why They Should Fight: As much as I'd like to say a bear or a tyrannosaurus rex, Rousey has to fight a human being in her next fight.
And good luck to that person.
Believing Rousey isn't as good as she is, basically means you're a hater, since she destroyed arguably one of the best strikers in the women's bantamweight division last night.
Cat Zingano will soon be making her Octagon return after a horrid year in her personal life, and she was declared next in line a while back. For her to come off a long layoff to be pitted against Rousey is going to be a difficult task to overcome, but she deserves it.
Plus, there's nobody left for Rousey to face at this moment; unless Holly Holm signs a contract, and then we've got a "super fight" on our hands.
But that isn't likely to happen, seeing how UFC has a match up against Zingano all but confirmed for "Rowdy" whenever she heals from her injuries.
But there's also Cristiane Justino, if the promotion wants to change their minds and just sign her already.
Winner: Chris Weidman
Who He Should Fight Next: Vitor Belfort
Why They Should Fight: First of all, I don't think Weidman should fight Belfort at all. The "Phenom" hasn't been clean for a handful of his UFC contests, and it's tough to summon him against the "All American" after the embarrassment involving him in the original main event, along with the sideshow that was Chael Sonnen vs. Wanderlei Silva.
Still, am I a fool for believing UFC will book Belfort in a title fight against the champion, regardless?
The organization has gone to great lengths to defend Belfort any chance it gets, and after his three consecutive head kick knockouts, it's extremely difficult to pass up the opportunity.
If Belfort undergoes numerous random pre-fight drug tests, and proves to be clean, then it's fair game -- as long as the fight isn't in Brazil. That said, it begs to ask the question if Belfort deserves it, since his shady run remains incredibly controversial.
Then again, UFC may not have many options, seeing how Ronaldo Souza (who is a good option for the next shot) is already booked against Gegard Mousasi at UFC 176. Also, Luke Rockhold looms close by, although he's probably going to have to fight someone else before his potential championship bout.
There you have it. Any other options you can think of?
For extensive UFC 175 coverage, including video highlights, post-fight recaps and more, click here.