After UFC 195, here is theScore's Alexander K. Lee on which matchups should be made for the big winners of this event.
Robbie Lawler vs. Carlos Condit
Run it back.
Not only was the first-ever meeting between Robbie Lawler and Carlos Condit everything fans had hoped for, it was also an extremely close contest that many media members scored for the challenger Condit.
As someone who respects the value of human life, I'd like to see both men quit while they're ahead and go on to live wonderful, healthy lives; as a fan of professional violence at the highest level, another five rounds of Lawler-Condit aren't just desired, they are wholly necessary.
Stipe Miocic vs. Fabricio Werdum-Cain Velasquez winner
Two weeks ago, we were saying that Alistair Overeem had put himself in great position for a UFC title shot. Stipe Miocic may have leapfrogged him last night by annihilating Andrei Arlovski.
Miocic will never have the cachet of the well-traveled Overeem, but his UFC resume is actually superior. He's 8-2 inside the Octagon and his lightning-fast win over Arlovski was more memorable than Overeem's win over Junior dos Santos.
Whether it's Fabricio Werdum or Cain Velasquez who walk out of UFC 196 as the champion, Miocic has the athleticism and all-around tools to give either man a run for his money.
Michael McDonald vs. Bryan Caraway
Michael McDonald had a bumpy return to the UFC, but managed to add to his highlight reel anyway with some spectacular grappling to submit Masanori Kanehara. That said, it's too soon to throw him back in with the most fearsome of the bantamweight wolves.
One top-10 option is Bryan "Kid Lightning" Caraway. Accusations of Caraway ducking high-profile opponents have swirled for months, so it would do him good to accept a fight with the dangerous but rusty McDonald.
Dustin Poirier vs. Evan Dunham
The days of Dustin Poirier being used to enhance other people's resumes could be over. Now the UFC can start seriously investing in him.
There are an abundance of reputable lightweights to test Poirier's mettle, with Evan Dunham leading the pack. Dunham outworked Joe Lauzon in December and he has the wrestling acumen to keep Poirier honest. The formula is there for a stand-up war, which could mean a fat bonus for both fighters.
