Joe Silva's Shoes: What next for UFC 186's losing fighters?

Ian McCall

(ALSO SEE: Joe Silva’s Shoes: What next for UFC 186’s winning fighters?)

Defeats are rarely easy for fighters to accept. For UFC 186’s losing competitors, however, they can take solace in the fact they helped provide an entertaining event on Saturday at Montreal’s Bell Centre.

Kyoji Horiguchi (15-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) gave UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson (22-2-1 MMA, 10-1-1 UFC) a better fight than most expected in the main event, but he was unable to take the thrown from “Mighty Mouse.”

Fabio Maldonado (22-8 MMA, 5-5 UFC) and C.B. Dollaway (15-7 MMA, 9-7 UFC) were defeated in high-profile affairs, but they managed to make it the distance before dropping fights on the judges’ scorecards. Shane Campbell (11-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC) and Yves Jabouin (20-10 MMA, 5-4 UFC) weren’t so lucky, though, and fell victim to first-round knockouts.

After every event, fans wonder whom the losers fighters will be matched up with next. And with another night of UFC action in the rearview mirror, it’s time to look forward, put on a pair of Joe Silva and Sean Shelby’s shoes, and play UFC matchmaker for the night’s losing fighters.

* * * *

Yves Jabouin

Takeya Mizugak

Should fight: Takeya Mizugaki
Why they should fight: Jabouin and Mizugaki (20-9 MMA, 7-4 UFC) are two longtime UFC/WEC veterans who are coming off tough losses to talented bantamweight prospects Thomas Almeida and Aljamain Sterling, respectively.

Both fighters delivered underwhelming performances against the next generation of MMA talent, with Jabouin suffering a first-round loss, and need to get back on track.

With the hunger to stay relevant in the 135-pound division burning strong, Jabouin vs. Mizugaki would be a crucial fight for the future of both.

Shane Campbell

Bryan Barberena

Should fight: Bryan Barberena
Why they should fight: Even in defeat, Campbell and Barberena (10-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC) earned attention at UFC 186 for their toughness and durability.

Campbell took a hefty beating from John Makdessi before the fight was finally stopped due to strikes. Barberena, on the other hand, came out on the wrong end of a decision against Chad Laprise in the event’s “Fight of the Night.”

Throw those two fighters in the octagon, and you have all the ingredients for another memorable affair.

C.B. Dollaway

Gegard Mousasi

Should fight: Loser of Gegard Mousasi vs. Costas Philippou at UFC Fight Night 66
Why they should fight: Dollaway’s back-and-forth bout and eventual loss to Michael Bisping was far more competitive than his December defeat to Lyoto Machida. However, the fact remains “The Doberman” has come up short in his two most significant career bouts.

Dollaway gave Bisping everything he could handle, but it was still a loss. Now just 5-5 in his past 10 bouts, Dollaway needs to find a way to get past the biggest names in the middleweight division.

“The Ultimate Fighter 7? runner-up has encountered the most difficulty against superior strikers. Mousasi (36-5-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC) and Philippou (13-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) are known mostly for their standup skills. A matchup with the loser of their UFC Fight Night 66 bout next month would provide Dollaway the opportunity to show what he’s learned from recent losses.

Fabio Maldonado

Jan Blachowicz

Should fight: Jan Blachowicz
Why they should fight: Maldonado’s two most recent losses came to Quinton Jackson in a 215-pound catchweight at UFC 168 and Stipe Miocic at heavyweight this past year. He needs to stick to light heavyweight, where he’s won his past four UFC bouts.

The Brazilian may never evolve beyond the role of a slugger who’s almost always good for a fun fight. There’s no problem with that, though, since there are plenty of 205-pound fighters who will stand and bang with Maldonado.

Blachowicz (18-4 MMA, 1-1 UFC) is coming off a unanimous-decision loss to Jimi Manuwa at UFC Fight Night 64 in Poland. The outcome marked his first defeat in more than four years, which means he’ll be determined to get back in the win column.

With a 28 stoppages in a combined 40 victories, Maldonado and Blachowicz would almost certainly trade strikes until one falls down.

Kyoji Horiguchi

Ian McCall

Should fight: Ian McCall
Why they should fight: Fighters who have come up short in title bouts against Johnson have historically not been granted an easy rebound fight. Horiguchi shouldn’t be treated any differently.

The Japanese fighter failed in his bid to capture UFC gold, but there were moments in the fight that showed he has the talent to threaten “Mighty Mouse.” After more seasoning against elite competition, Horiguchi will be far more prepared to challenge for the belt again down the line.

McCall (13-5-1 MMA, 3-2-1 UFC) is one of the division’s best and has competed against many of the world’s top 125-pounders. “Uncle Creepy” is in a bit of a slump with just two wins in his past five bouts, but his fights are typically entertaining, and regardless if he wins or loses, he won’t be an easy matchup for Horiguchi.

For more on UFC 186, check out the UFC Events section of the site.