Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) ended its seven-year deal with FOX last Saturday night (Dec. 15, 2018) with a bang, as the UFC on FOX 31: “Lee vs. Iaquinta 2” mixed martial arts (MMA) event took place inside Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
In the main event of the evening, Al Iaquinta and Kevin Lee went at it for five rounds in a standup war that saw “Ragin’ Al” get his second win over “The Motown Phenom” four years after their original fight. In the co-main event, Edson Barboza bruised and abused Dan Hooker with a vicious attack consisting of devastating leg kicks and accurate punching which ultimately forced “Hangman” to crumble in the third and final round (see it again here).
Winner: Al Iaquinta
Who He Should Fight Next: Justin Gaethje
Al once again proved he’s a legit threat in the 155-pound division after outclassing Kevin Lee for five full rounds, despite not getting the PR love from the promotion on a consistent basis. But it looks like Dana White may be coming around, as he could be seen cageside cheering Al on in the final seconds of the fight (see it).
Up next for Al should be a fight against Justin Gaethje. The two men were set to fight earlier this year before “Ragin’” was forced out. Since both men went on to win their next respective bouts, it’s time to see them run it. And it would be a bangers delight, as both men are as violent and aggressive as they come. And Justin seems to be all for it.
Winner: Edson Barboza
Who He Should Fight Next: Nate Diaz
Edson picked up a huge win over Dan Hooker, putting him back in the win column after suffering brutal back-to-back defeats. Edson is in an interesting spot being ranked No. 5, as facing the top four guys ahead of him is out of the question since he’s already lost to three of them. Call me crazy, but I’d like to see him face off against Nate Diaz.
The Stockton slugger was set to face off against Dustin Poirer, but “The Diamond” will now move on to bigger and better things after their fight was scrapped. The only thing I see happening is UFC getting resistance from Nate. Edson — as talented and dangerous is he is — doesn't carry the “big name” that would entice Diaz. In other words, he’d likely take the “high risk, low reward” approach to the negotiating table. One can dream, though.
Winner: Rob Font
Who He Should Face Next: Wilson Reis
Both Font and and Wilson are coming off big wins, as Rob jabbed his way to a victory over Sergio Pettis, while Reis took out Ben Nguyen earlier this month. Rob and Wilson are those two fighters who just can’t seem to string enough consecutive wins together to put them over the hump.
Still, a matchup between the two men would be an interesting scrap and the victor will score his second straight win over a ranked foe to put him on track for bigger and better things. Reis will likely be among the men move up to 125 pounds should this happen.
Winner: Charles Oliveira
Who he Should Fight Next: Francisco Trinaldo
Oliveira has now won three straight fights including his quick submission over Jim Miller last Saturday. “Do Bronx” has looked good since making the move up, so a fight agaisnt his fellow countrymen could be in order. Trinaldo got back into the win column by knocking out Evan Dunham a few months ago and should be gearing up for a return around the same time as Charles due to the quick work. Plus, Francisco has something Charles wants, a top 15 ranking at 155-pounds.
For complete UFC on FOX 31 results, including play-by-play, click here.