MMA UFC

Top 5 Fights To Make In The Wake Of UFC Fight Night 58

Fresh Videos

By @RickLaFitte

[

5 Fights To Make After UFC Fight Night 58

Lyoto Machida reacts after stopping C.B Dollaway at UFC Fight Night 58
Jason Silva-USA TODAY Sports

The UFC wrapped up an extremely busy year with its final event of 2014 in Brazil. Fight Night 58 in Barueri featured a spectacular knockout victory by Lyoto Machida in the main event and also saw strong rebound efforts from former bantamweight champion Renan Barao and entertaining welterweight Erick Silva. Here are the top five fights to make in the wake of UFC Fight Night 58.

5. Mitch Gagnon vs. Joe Soto

Mitch Gagnon punches Renan Barao in UFC bantamweight action
Jason Silva-USA TODAY Sports

5. Mitch Gagnon vs. Joe Soto

Mitch Gagnon punches Renan Barao in UFC bantamweight action
Jason Silva-USA TODAY Sports

Gagnon actually saw his stock rise after having some good moments during his co-main event clash against Renan Barao. In the end, he was saddled with a third-round submission loss in what was the toughest test of his career. Gagnon should view the setback as a good learning experience and Soto would make a solid bounce-back opportunity. Soto has been on the sidelines since his failed title challenge against T.J. Dillashaw at UFC 177.

4. Rashid Magomedov vs. Dustin Poirier

Rashid Magomedov battles Elias Silverio in lightweight action at UFC Fight Night 58
Getty Images

4. Rashid Magomedov vs. Dustin Poirier

Rashid Magomedov battles Elias Silverio in lightweight action at UFC Fight Night 58
Getty Images

Magomedov is now 3-0 in his UFC tenure after putting on a striking clinic against Elias Silverio. He closed the show in style by earning the stoppage with just three seconds left in the fight and has now reeled off 11 straight wins. Magomedov is now ready for a name opponent and Poirier fits that criteria. The former top-10 featherweight is moving up to the 155-pound division. This potential clash would make for an exciting stand-up battle.

3. Erick Silva vs. Stephen Thompson/Brandon Thatch winner

Erick Silva submits Mike Rhodes at UFC Fight Night 58
Getty Images

3. Erick Silva vs. Stephen Thompson/Brandon Thatch winner

Erick Silva submits Mike Rhodes at UFC Fight Night 58
Getty Images

Silva got back on track after a brutal loss to Matt Brown, by choking Mike Rhodes unconscious in just 75 seconds. “Indio” secured his sixth Fight Night bonus and remains one of the division’s most entertaining fighters. The explosive 30-year old has produced first-round finishes in all five of his Octagon wins. Silva facing the winner of the February 14 clash between Thompson and Thatch would have explosive potential.

2. Renan Barao vs. Raphael Assuncao

Renan Barao lands left hook on Mitch Gagnon during UFC Fight Night 58 co-main event
Jason Silva-USA TODAY Sports

2. Renan Barao vs. Raphael Assuncao

Renan Barao lands left hook on Mitch Gagnon during UFC Fight Night 58 co-main event
Jason Silva-USA TODAY Sports

Barao made weight and fought well in his win over Gagnon. Definitely two positives after the weight-cut debacle that saw him removed from UFC 177. The former champ ends the year with some momentum and should be ready for a major test in his next bout. Barao squaring off against fellow Brazilian Assuncao could be a possible title eliminator. Assuncao has reeled off seven straight wins, including a victory over the current champion Dillashaw.

1. Lyoto Machida vs. Luke Rockhold

Lyoto Machida makes Octagon walk at UFC Fight Night 58 to face C.B. Dollaway
Jason Silva-USA TODAY Sports

1. Lyoto Machida vs. Luke Rockhold

Lyoto Machida makes Octagon walk at UFC Fight Night 58 to face C.B. Dollaway
Jason Silva-USA TODAY Sports

Machida showed he’s still a legitimate 185-pound title threat in his 62-second dismantling of Dollaway. A matchup against Rockhold would be one of the better bouts that can be made in the division. Rockhold had a tremendous year in recording three straight finishes. He’s coming off a submission win over Michael Bisping and is ready to face someone of Machida’s impressive credentials. Both athletic contenders possess dangerous kickboxing skills.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on