Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returned to Chicago, Illinois last Saturday night (July 25, 2015) as UFC on FOX 16 delivered an enthralling evening of mixed martial arts (MMA) action at the United Center.
In the main event, UFC Bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw massacred former kingpin Renan Barao, stopping "The Baron" with a ferocious barrage early in the fourth round of their title rematch (highlights here). The win was Dillashaw's fourth in a row, and could potentially set him up for a major title fight against former champion -- and fellow footwork virtuoso -- Dominick Cruz.
The co-main event established Miesha Tate as the new No. 1 Women's Bantamweight contender as "Cupcake" dominated Jessica Eye for two and a half rounds, showing off her much improved striking in the process. The victory was Tate's fourth straight, and could set her up with a trilogy fight against Ronda Rousey -- barring a shocking upset by Bethe Correia at UFC 190 next weekend.
Check out the highlights here.
With that quick recap of last night's marquee bouts, it's now time to play matchmaker with our "Next Matches To Make."
Winner: TJ Dillashaw
Who Should He Fight Next: Dominick Cruz, Raphael Assuncao, or Frankie Edgar
TJ Dillashaw is a budding superstar for UFC brass, but in order for the Bantamweight kingpin to become a pay-per-view (PPV) draw, the Team Alpha Male veteran needs fresh, tough, and name competition.
With the Bantamweight top 10 (see them here) consisting of mostly tried and true veterans and few surging prospects, UFC brass will need to choose Dillashaw's next opponent wisely.
Raphael Assuncao certainly deserves the next title shot as the last man to defeat Dillashaw and currently riding a seven fight win streak, but his injury woes and lack of name value make him a difficult choice to be the champion's next foe.
Dominick Cruz would certainly fulfill all three aforementioned categories, but is "The Dominator" fit to jump right into a title fight after only fighting once in the last three years due to injury?
If it isn't Cruz or Assuncao, two wildcards could enter the mix: Frankie Edgar and Urijah Faber.
Both Edgar and Faber have major name value, but considering "The California Kid" is Dillashaw's mentor, a fight between the two men could end up being little more than a sparring match, which would ultimately hurt the 135-pound kingpin in the long run.
With Edgar, the timing and fit seems just right. The former Lightweight champion is unquestionably one of the best fighters in the world at either 155 or 145 pounds, but with the Featherweight division logjammed by the Conor McGregor vs Jose Aldo title fight, "The Answer" may have to wait a long time before getting another crack at the belt.
If the New Jersey native opted to cut an additional 10 pounds to make the Bantamweight limit, UFC brass would be delighted to give Edgar a crack at Dillashaw next.
With Dillashaw having all the tools to become a transcendent champion, his next few fights could really dictate his career arc.
Choose wisely.
Winner: Miesha Tate
Who Should She Fight Next: Ronda Rousey or Bethe Correia
This one is too easy, as Curt Menefee confirmed last night on the FOX broadcast the co-main event between Miesha Tate and Jessica Eye would be a No. 1 contender's fight.
Even with an impressive win over Eye, I doubt many are clamoring to watch Tate get mauled by Ronda Rousey again.
Of course, that could be avoided if Bethe Correia somehow defeats "Rowdy" next weekend at UFC 190.
Then again, if the Brazilian wins on PPV, I'd be stunned if UFC brass didn't book the immediate rematch.
If that is the case, I'd expect to see Tate battle Cat Zingano again for the No. 1 contendership, but "Cupcake" already earned that distinction last night, and I suspect she will wait on the sidelines until her number is called.
Whether you like it or not, get ready for another round of Rousey vs Tate.
Winner: Edson Barboza
Who Should He Fight Next: Eddie Alvarez or Tony Ferguson
Edson Barboza has carved out quite the career inside the Octagon, but his attempts to crack the Lightweight top five have failed thus far.
While the Brazilian has shown flashes of brilliance during his time in UFC, his losses to Jamie Varner, Donald Cerrone, and Michael Johnson make it difficult to nominate him as a future title challenger.
In a "Fight of the Night" performance at UFC on FOX 16, Barboza picked up a much needed decision victory over Paul Felder, proving he still has plenty left in the gas tank at 29 years old.
Barboza's next challenge may be his biggest to date, and potentially his last opportunity to prove he is a top five Lightweight.
While there are a ton of options for UFC matchmakers, I'd like to see Barboza slug it out with Eddie Alvarez or Tony Ferguson next.
Winner: Joe Lauzon
Who Should He Fight Next: Nate Diaz or Dustin Poirier
How can you not love Joe Lauzon?
The all-time leader in post-fight bonus awards earned his 11th stoppage victory inside the Octagon at UFC on FOX 16 by battering former Pride FC champion Takanori Gomi in just under three minutes.
Did I mention Lauzon himself called a stop to the fight as a befuddled Herb Dean was ready to allow "J-Lau" to uncork another five to 10 bombs on "The Fireball Kid's" face?
Badass.
I would love to see Lauzon battle with fellow The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 5 alum Nate Diaz, but the chances of that seem slim.
My next choice? A Lightweight bangfest against Dustin Poirier that almost guarantees a "Fight of the Night."
For complete UFC on FOX 16 results and coverage of all the night's action click here.