Joe Silva’s Shoes: What next for UFC Fight Night 46’s winners?

UFC Fight Night 46 will be one of the most memorable events in UFC history. From the phenomenal energy of the Dublin crowd to the actual fights, the organization’s return to Ireland for the first time in five years and delivered in nearly every way imaginable.

Hometown hero Conor McGregor(15-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC) was the star of the evening, and he needed less than one round to dismantle Diego Brandao (18-10 MMA, 4-3 UFC) and eventually finish the UFC Fight Pass-streamed headliner with strikes.

McGregor wasn’t the only one who stood out, though. All four main-card bouts saw the winners pick up crucial victories, with Gunnar Nelson (13-0-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC), Ian McCall (13-4-1 MMA, 2-2-1 UFC) and Norman Parke (20-2-1 MMA, 4-0-1 UFC) all getting their hands raised.

After every event, fans wonder whom the winners 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’s (and Sean Shelby’s) shoes, and play UFC matchmaker.

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NORMAN PARKE
Should fight: Mark Bocek
Why they should fight: Parke finally picked up a stoppage win inside the octagon and used the opportunity to get on the microphone and call for a bout with Diego Sanchez, a fellow champion from “The Ultimate Fighter.”

That’s a bold move on Parke’s behalf, but it seems logical UFC matchmakers would save “The Nightmare” for a bigger name in the lightweight division.

With that said, the 155-pound weight class is loaded with talent, and there’s no shortage of fighters available to compete. That includes Bocek (12-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC), who’s searching for an opponent following his split-decision win over Mike De La Torre in April.

Bocek is one of the toughest outs in the lightweight division and has shared the octagon with some of the best the UFC has to offer. He may not have the flashiest style, but he knows how to neutralize his opponents and win fights.

Parke currently has an undefeated UFC record, so it’s time for him to get challenged by one of the UFC’s most veteran lightweights.

IAN MCCALL
Should fight: John Lineker
Why they should fight: McCall’s road in the UFC prior to Dublin had been stagnant and lacked momentum. That all changed against Brad Pickett as “Uncle Creepy” turned in his best UFC performance to date en route to a clear-cut unanimous-decision win.

His speed, footwork, striking and wrestling were all on point for three rounds, which led him to his first winning streak since joining the UFC more than two years ago.

Seeing that McCall gave divisional kingpin Demetrious Johnson arguably his toughest fight to date in the first half of their two-fight series in 2012, there’s a good chance he isn’t too far away from a title shot. He just needs another signature win to get him there, and Lineker (24-7 MMA, 5-2 UFC) is quite possibly the man to push him over the edge.

Lineker fought in Atlantic City just days before McCall competed in Dublin, and even though I previously suggested that the Brazilian should face Kyoji Hiroguchi in his next outing, the McCall fight is far more sensible now that the dust has settled from both events.

A win for either man would likely earn him a crack at UFC gold.

GUNNAR NELSON
Should fight: Ryan LaFlare
Why they should fight: Even though UFC President Dana White expressed interest in a potential matchup between Nelson and top-ranked welterweight contender Rory MacDonald, it seems that may be too big a step up for the Icelandic fighter.

Nelson is certainly a talented prospect, as evidenced by his undefeated record and stellar finishing rate, but he needs more time to develop before fighting someone of MacDonald’s stature.

A more suitable next step for Nelson would be to rebook the fight against LaFlare (11-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC), who also boasts an undefeated record and was supposed to fight “Gunni” in Ireland before withdrawing from the card due to injury.

If LaFlare’s return date coincides with the scheduling of Nelson’s next fight, it’s time to see who will finally take his first loss.

CONOR MCGREGOR
Should fight: Dustin Poirier
Why they should fight: A fight between McGregor and Poirier (16-3 MMA, 8-2 UFC) has been discussed for a while now. And since McGregor held up his end of the bargain by emerging victorious in his first UFC headliner, it’s time to reward him with the big fight.

There were some concerns a fighter of Poirier’s caliber would be too much, too soon for “The Notorious,” but after watching him handle his business against Brandao in an impressive way, Poirier seems like a perfectly legitimate career progression.

The two featherweights have already exchanged barbs on social media and in interviews, which makes for a compelling storyline. Moreover, it seems that McGregor desires a punch toward the title faster than most. He doesn’t have the resume quite yet, but a win over Poirier would go a long way in getting him there.

For more on UFC Fight Night 46, stay tuned to the UFC Events section of the site.