MMA UFC

Top 5 Fights To Make After UFC 179

Fresh Videos

By @RickLaFitte

Top 5 Fights To Make In The Wake Of UFC 179

Jose Aldo battles Chad Mendes in featherweight title rematch at UFC 179
Getty Images

Jose Aldo and Chad Mendes produced an instant classic in their featherweight title rematch at UFC 179. The bout singlehandedly saved the pay-per-view offering from Brazil. Both 145-pound competitors were in prime form and it led to a thrilling battle that saw the champion Aldo retain his belt. Phil Davis and Fabio Maldonado also recorded much-needed wins on the main card in Rio de Janeiro. Here are the Top 5 Fights to make in the wake of UFC 179.

5. Fabio Maldonado vs. Rafael Cavalcante

Fabio Maldonado lands punch on Hans Stringer during UFC 179 light heavyweight bout
Getty Images

5. Fabio Maldonado vs. Rafael Cavalcante

Fabio Maldonado lands punch on Hans Stringer during UFC 179 light heavyweight bout
Getty Images

Maldonado brought the Brazilian crowd to life with a second-round TKO win over Hans Stringer. The popular brawler has now won his last four 205-pound clashes. It was a strong rebound for the top-15 contender after his failed heavyweight experiment against Stipe Miocic. Given his struggles on the ground, Maldonado should face a fellow striker next. A matchup against the hard-hitting Cavalcante would likely produce a slugfest.

4. Glover Teixeira vs. Mauricio Rua/Jimi Manuwa loser

Glover Teixeira punches Phil Davis during UFC 179 clash
Getty Images

4. Glover Teixeira vs.. Mauricio Rua/Jimi Manuwa loser

Glover Teixeira punches Phil Davis during UFC 179 clash
Getty Images

Teixeira was smothered by the wrestling skills of Phil Davis in losing a unanimous decision. It’s the first time in his career that he’s dropped back-to-back fights. After a lackluster showing, the former title challenger needs an opponent who can help produce a fan-friendly encounter. The loser of next month’s potentially explosive Rua-Manuwa clash at Fight Night 56 would seem an ideal option.

3. Phil Davis vs. Ryan Bader

Phil Davis gets the better of Glover Teixeira during UFC 179 co-main event battle
Getty Images

3. Phil Davis vs. Ryan Bader

Phil Davis gets the better of Glover Teixeira during UFC 179 co-main event battle
Getty Images

Davis got back into the light heavyweight title picture with his dominant win over Teixeira but his post-fight callout of Anderson Silva came across as just awkward. That’s not a fight that’s likely to happen. Davis is a top-five contender and a matchup against another decorated wrestler in Ryan Bader would present a solid test for both men. Bader has worked his way back into contention thanks to a three-fight win streak.

2. Chad Mendes vs. Cub Swanson/Frankie Edgar loser

Chad Mendes lands hard right hand on Jose Aldo during UFC 179 main event in Brazil
Getty Images

2. Chad Mendes vs. Cub Swanson/Frankie Edgar loser

Chad Mendes lands hard right hand on Jose Aldo during UFC 179 main event in Brazil
Getty Images

It’s not often a fighter raises his stock in a loss, but Mendes did just that at UFC 179. He gave a valiant effort against Aldo but came up short against the talented Brazilian in their title rematch. While he badly wants the trash-talking Conor McGregor, that’s a fight that'll likely have to wait. Mendes returning against the loser of next month’s pivotal matchup between Swanson and Edgar at Fight Night 57 would make for an excellent fight.

1. Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor

Jose Aldo punishes Chad Mendes during 145-pound title affair at UFC 179
Getty Images

1. Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor

Jose Aldo punishes Chad Mendes during 145-pound title affair at UFC 179
Getty Images

Aldo continued to show why he’s so highly regarded in the pound-for-pound rankings with his exciting victory over Mendes. He hasn’t tasted defeat since 2005 and the timing seems right for what would be a massive title showdown in 2015 against McGregor. The cocky Irish star was front and center during Fight Week festivities in Brazil and it seems a foregone conclusion that he’s next for the talented champ if he can get by Dennis Siver in January.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on