Joe Silva’s Shoes: What next for UFC Fight Night 50’s winners?

Another weekend means another night of UFC action, and this time the octagon set up at Foxwoods Casino Resort in Ledyard, Conn., with UFC Fight Night 50 on FOX Sports 1.

The four-fight main card was one of the most intriguing of the year on paper, and in actuality, it played out as well as it could with all four of the scheduled contests concluding in a clear and decisive matter.

Ronaldo Souza (21-3 MMA, 4-0 UFC) kept his perfect UFC record intact with a third-round submission win over Gegard Mousasi (35-5-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC) in the main event. Meanwhile, Ben Rothwell (34-9 MMA, 4-3 UFC), Matt Mitrione (8-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) and Joe Lauzon (24-9 MMA, 11-6 UFC) got the job done with knockout or TKO finishes on the main card.

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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Joe Lauzon

Should fight: Ross Pearson
Why they should fight: A matchup between Pearson (16-7 MMA, 8-4 UFC) and the winner of Lauzon and Michael Chiesa was suggested this past month, and after Lauzon scored the TKO victory, the logic still holds ground.

Lauzon returned from nearly eight months away from the octagon to earn a second-round finish of “The Ultimate Fighter 15” winner Chiesa. The 30-year-old may not be a world-beater, but he’s one of the most consistency exciting fighters in the lightweight division and rarely turns in a disappointing effort, win or lose.

The Massachusetts native can give anyone at 155 pounds a handful on the right night, and someone in need of a test is Pearson, a “TUF 7” winner who scored a knockout of Gray Maynard in his most recent outing at UFC Fight Night 47.

Lauzon possesses a fearsome ground game that few are able to deal with, and that poses a threat to someone like Pearson, who prefers primarily to strike. The Englishman has turned back capable submission fighters in the past, but it’s arguable none are quite as effective as Lauzon.

Pearson has displayed strong takedown defense during his UFC career, so if he keeps the fight standing, he might be in for an easy night. If the fight hits the floor, though, Lauzon’s chances of winning would undoubtedly catapult.

Matt Mitrione

Should fight: Stefan Struve
Why they should fight: Mitrione was hoping for a top name in the heavyweight division, but instead he got relative unknown Derrick Lewis. After dispatching of “The Black Beast” in 41 seconds, though, Mitrione has proven he’s ready for more.

“Meathead” had a notable fight against Struve (25-6 MMA, 9-4 UFC) lined up earlier this summer, but then in a scary moment, the towering Dutchman fainted backstage minutes before the fight, and the matchup was scrapped.

Mitrione was left without an opponent, which ultimately led him to the showdown with Lewis. If Struve can get healthy in time to compete within the next few months, he, along with Mitrione, should get the opportunity to make up for the fight they missed at UFC 175 in July.

Ben Rothwell

Should fight: Stipe Miocic
Why they should fight: Rothwell sent shockwaves through the heavyweight division when he knocked out 7-2 favorite Alistair Overeem in just over two minutes for easily the most significant victory of his career.

Rothwell has floated in the mid-tier of the UFC heavyweight division since he joined the organization in 2009. However, now that he owns three wins in his past four fights, it’s time to see if “Big Ben” is a legit contender or if he caught lightning in a bottle with the knockout of Overeem.

A veteran of Rothwell’s caliber could fight essentially anyone in the division, but Miocic (12-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) is in desperate need of an opponent, and Rothwell could fit that role.

Miocic has won three straight and six of seven overall during his UFC career. He’s building ground toward contender status, but he still lacks the breakthrough performance needed to join the elite.

Rothwell already took out what many view as the “old” guard of the heavyweight division in Overeem. Miocic represents the next generation of athlete, though, and a win over him holds an entirely different level of importance, which is exactly what Rothwell needs to be validated as a threat.

Ronaldo Souza

Should fight: Winner of Chris Weidman vs. Vitor Belfort at UFC 181
Why they should fight: Even though UFC President Dana White has encouraged him to take another fight, it would be in Souza’s best interest to sit on the sidelines and wait to fight the winner of UFC 181’s middleweight championship fight between current titleholder Weidman (12-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) and No. 1 contender Belfort (24-10 MMA, 13-6 UFC).

The title bout takes place Dec. 6, which is roughly three months away. That’s not a very long wait, especially for a world championship fight. At 4-0 in the UFC, the Brazilian has left no doubt he’s one of the top 185-pound fighters in the world. If there were any uncertainty to that point, Souza’s utter domination of Mousasi backed it up.

Souza hasn’t been so much as tested thus far in his UFC career. There’s a good chance the only fighters capable of giving him a run for his money are Weidman and Belfort, who would both be in for a huge challenge on the ground.

“Jacare” has shown he can dismantle the top fighters in the world with his world-class grappling and evolving striking game. He is currently backed by a seven-fight winning streak, and with four of those under the UFC banner, the 34-year-old has made a clear case as the rightful No. 1 contender at middleweight.

Souza has the complete package to become champion in terms of his fighting ability, and now it’s time to find out if he can put the championship around his waist.

For more on UFC Fight Night 50, check out the UFC Events section of the site.