Top 5 Fights To Make In The Wake Of UFC 195

By Rick LaFitte

Top 5 Fights To Make In The Wake Of UFC 195

Robbie Lawler and Carlos Condit exchange during thrilling UFC 195 welterweight title clash — The UFC kicked off 2016 in fine style as Robbie Lawler and Carlos Condit delivered a thrilling welterweight title clash at UFC 195 in Las Vegas. “Ruthless” retained his 170-pound belt for a second time thanks to a razor-thin, split-decision win. Stipe Miocic made an emphatic statement that he deserves the next heavyweight title shot with a 54-second destruction of Andrei Arlovski. Here are the Top 5 fights to make in the wake of UFC 195.

5. Albert Tumenov vs. Rick Story

Albert Tumenov lands body shot on Lorenz Larkin at UFC 195

5. Albert Tumenov vs. Rick Story

Albert Tumenov lands body shot on Lorenz Larkin at UFC 195 — Tumenov survived a brutal leg kick assault from Lorenz Larkin to earn a hard-fought split-decision triumph. The dangerous Russian striker has reeled off five straight victories and is deserving of a ranked opponent in his next bout. The ultra-tough, no. 11-ranked Rick Story would make for an excellent test. “The Horror” hasn’t competed due to injuries since his impressive win over Gunnar Nelson at Fight Night 53.

4. Michael McDonald vs. Aljamain Sterling

Michael McDonald works to submit Masanori Kanehara during UFC 195 bantamweight tilt

4. Michael McDonald vs. Aljamain Sterling

Michael McDonald works to submit Masanori Kanehara during UFC 195 bantamweight tilt — McDonald shook off two years of Octagon rust to secure a second-round submission victory over Masanori Kanehara. The talented 24-year-old made a slick transition to get out of a sub attempt from his Japanese opponent to lock in a rear-naked choke finish. McDonald earned a Performance of the Night bonus and a matchup against no. 5-ranked Aljamain Sterling would make a solid clash. The free agent recently bested Johnny Eduardo at Fight Night 80.

3. Dustin Poirier vs. Edson Barboza

Dustin Poirier punches Joe Duffy during UFC 195 lightweight contest

3. Dustin Poirier vs. Edson Barboza

Dustin Poirier punches Joe Duffy during UFC 195 lightweight contest — Poirier is certainly making a name for himself since moving up to lightweight. He’s reeled off three straight victories including an entertaining unanimous decision victory over Joe Duffy. The bout, which was originally booked for October in Ireland, proved well worth the wait. The no. 7-ranked Barboza is coming off a submission loss to Tony Ferguson at the TUF 22 Finale but his stock wasn't diminished after the Fight of the Year candidate.

2. Stipe Miocic vs. Fabricio Werdum-Cain Velasquez 2 winner

Stipe Miocic blasts Andrei Arlovski with hard right hand during UFC 195 co-main event

2. Stipe Miocic vs. Fabricio Werdum-Cain Velasquez 2 winner

Stipe Miocic blasts Andrei Arlovski with right hand during UFC 195 co-main event — Miocic vaulted past Alistair Overeem to gain the inside track for the next title shot after his first-round blitzing of the former champion Arlovski. He went on a fiery post-fight rant demanding the winner of the Fabricio Werdum vs. Cain Velasquez UFC 196 rematch. President Dana White was obviously swayed by the explosive performance and indicated that Miocic would be in line to face the winner of the Feb. 6 clash.

1. Robbie Lawler vs. Carlos Condit 2 or Tyron Woodley

Robbie Lawler battles Carlos Condit in UFC 195 main event in Las Vegas

1. Robbie Lawler vs. Carlos Condit 2 or Tyron Woodley

Robbie Lawler battles Carlos Condit in UFC 195 main event in Las Vegas — Lawler had to dig deep in the final round to eke out what was a debatable decision win over “The Natural Born Killer.” The judges favoured Lawler’s power over Condit’s volume in the intense five-round battle. A rematch would seem a natural fit after such a great fight and a contentious verdict but Condit says he's contemplating retirement after the tough loss. If Condit calls it a career, no. 2-ranked Tyron Woodley should be next for Lawler.

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