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Top 5 Possibilities For Stipe Miocic’s Next UFC Fight

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By @RickLaFitte

Top 5 Possibilities For Stipe Miocic's Next UFC Fight

Stipe Miocic punches Junior dos Santos during UFC on FOX 13 in Phoenix
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Despite a tough unanimous decision loss at UFC on FOX 13, heavyweight contender Stipe Miocic actually saw his stock rise in Phoenix after a gruelling, five-round war against former champion, Junior dos Santos. The No. 4-ranked Miocic showcased his technically sound boxing skills, wrestling ability and sturdy chin in producing a valiant effort in a bloody battle. Here are the top five options for Miocic’s next UFC appearance.

5. Stipe Miocic vs. Ben Rothwell

Stipe Miocic makes Octagon walk at TUF Brazil 3 Finale to face Fabio Maldonado
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5. Stipe Miocic vs. Ben Rothwell

Stipe Miocic makes Octagon walk at TUF Brazil 3 Finale to face Fabio Maldonado
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Rothwell catapulted into top-10 territory with his knockout win over Alistair Overeem at Fight Night 50. “Big Ben” has faced many of the division’s best during his career and he is a proven finisher with heavy hands and good submissions. His size and toughness would make for an intriguing clash against Miocic. The two men have combined for 40 finishes in 46 career victories. This potential matchup would likely be decided inside the distance.

4. Stipe Miocic vs. Alistair Overeem

Stipe Miocic pounds Gabriel Gonzaga during UFC on FOX 10 heavyweight clash
David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

4. Stipe Miocic vs. Alistair Overeem

Stipe Miocic pounds Gabriel Gonzaga during UFC on FOX 10 heavyweight clash
David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Overeem likely salvaged his UFC career with a strong bounce-back destruction of Stefan Struve this past weekend in Arizona. He’s a true enigma in that he can compete with anyone on his best night, but he has also been prone to knockout losses. “The Reem” is a tremendously powerful competitor who possesses dangerous striking skills and brutal ground-and-pound. Miocic’s boxing prowess would definitely pose a threat for Overeem’s questionable chin.

3. Stipe Miocic vs. Andrei Arlovski

Stipe Miocic lands knee on Roy Nelson at UFC 161
Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

3. Stipe Miocic vs. Andrei Arlovski

Stipe Miocic lands knee on Roy Nelson at UFC 161
Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Arlovski has gone 2-0 in his second UFC tenure and he is coming off a first-round knockout of Antonio Silva at Fight Night 51. The former UFC titlist is recovering from a shoulder injury and a clash against Miocic would make for an excellent return bout for “The Pit Bull” in 2015. Both competitors are amongst the most skilled boxers in the division which would make for a compelling slugfest. Arlovski is currently holding down the No. 7-ranking.

2. Stipe Miocic vs. Josh Barnett

Stipe Miocic knocks out Fabio Maldonado in UFC heavyweight action
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2. Stipe Miocic vs. Josh Barnett

Stipe Miocic knocks out Fabio Maldonado in UFC heavyweight action
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Barnett hasn’t fought since being stopped by Travis Browne at UFC 168. Despite taking the year off, the former UFC champ still occupies the No. 6-ranking. A fight against Miocic might be the type of challenge that could finally lure the “Warmaster” back to the Octagon. It would make for a compelling clash. Barnett's catch-wrestling and submission skills would represent a dangerous test for Miocic.

1. Stipe Miocic vs. Mark Hunt

Stipe Miocic battles Junior dos Santos during thrilling heavyweight battle at UFC on FOX 13
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1. Stipe Miocic vs. Mark Hunt

Stipe Miocic battles Junior dos Santos during thrilling heavyweight battle at UFC on FOX 13
Getty Images

Miocic’s chin held up against the hard-hitting dos Santos, so having him face Hunt in his next fight isn’t a stretch. The “Super Samoan” was stopped by Fabrico Werdum in their interim title bout at UFC 180. The athleticism of Miocic would make for an intriguing stylistic matchup against the popular one-punch knockout artist. Despite suffering setbacks in their last bouts, Miocic and Hunt remain two of the best fighters in the division.

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