Joe Silva’s Shoes: What's next for Glover Teixeira and UFC on FOX 19's other winners?

Saturday’s UFC on FOX 19 main event had a significant impact on the future of the light-heavyweight division. Former title challenger Glover Teixeira (25-4 MMA, 8-2 UFC) is back in the title picture following a first-round knockout of former titleholder Rashad Evans (19-5-1 MMA, 14-5-1 UFC).

Teixeira wasn’t the only one to get a meaningful victory at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla. In the FOX-televised co-headliner, Rose Namajunas (5-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) strengthened her own case for a title fight, Khabib Nurmagomedov (23-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) pushed his winning streak to 23, and Cub Swanson (22-7 MMA, 7-3 UFC) returned to form in the network-televised opener.

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 and Sean Shelby’s shoes, and play UFC matchmaker for UFC on FOX 19’s winning fighters.

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Cub Swanson

Charles Oliveira

Should fight: Charles Oliveira
Why they should fight: After a yearlong layoff, Swanson returned and appeared to be a rejuvenated fighter in a unanimous-decision victory over always-tough Hacran Dias.

Swanson went on a long winning streak a few years back before he ran into Frankie Edgar and Max Holloway and suffered back-to-back losses for the first time in his career.

The 32-year-old took some time away from competition to get his body and mind right, which was clearly a good decision. He looked as sharp as ever against Dias after scoring multiple knockdowns en route to the clear-cut victory.

Although he was somewhat forgotten while on the sidelines, Swanson sent a reminder that he’s still among the best in the world at 145 pounds. He deserves ranked opponents, and Oliveira (21-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) is one of the best available.

“Do Bronx” has faced Swanson before, but that took place at UFC 152 in September 2012, and in a catchweight bout at that. Oliveira suffered a first-round knockout loss in that fight, but the Brazilian has come a long way since. He’s one of the most dangerous grapplers in MMA, and a second clash with Swanson would be a good measuring stick of his improvement.

Khabib Nurmagomedov

Rafael dos Anjos

Should fight: Winner of Rafael dos Anjos vs. Eddie Alvarez at UFC Fight Night 90
Why they should fight: Despite numerous injuries over the past two years, Nurmagomedov fought for the first time since April 2014 and had his way with UFC newcomer Darrell Horcher, and he earned a second-round TKO victory.

The result was expected, but the greater question was whether Nurmagomedov would still be the same relentless force who became a top-ranked lightweight contender. He did that by dominating Horcher with his trademark wrestling and groundwork before finishing the fight with strikes in the second frame.

Nurmagomedov has put together an incredible 23-fight winning streak and jumped right back into his previous spot at the top of the 155-pound pecking order. He owns a victory over current champ dos Anjos (25-7 MMA, 14-5 UFC), and he called for a rematch. Dos Anjos fights Alvarez (27-4 MMA, 2-1 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 90 in July, but regardless of who comes out on top, “The Eagle” should get his shot.

Tony Ferguson, who was scheduled to fight Nurmagomedov before pulling out of UFC on FOX 19 with an injury, would certainly protest if skipped over. However, Nurmagomedov simply has a stronger resume and deserves the chance he likely would have got long ago if not for injuries.

Rose Namajunas

Joanna Jedrzejczyk

Should fight: Winner of Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Claudia Gadelha at TUF 23 Finale
Why they should fight: Tecia Torres pushed Namajunas hard, but “Thug” managed to come out with a narrow unanimous-decision victory to avenge her July 2013 loss to “The Tiny Tornado.”

Namajunas has now won three consecutive fights since losing to Carla Esparza in the inaugural UFC strawweight title fight in December 2014. Her improvements since that loss have been noticeable, and if that isn’t already evident, the proof can be seen in her two fights with Torres.

Namajunas is a legitimate contender at 115 pounds and, at just 23, is going to stay that way for a long time. She is one of the bigger names in the division, and that could push her to the top of the line for the next title shot.

Champion Jedrzejczyk (11-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) is set to defend her title in a rematch with Gadelha (13-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) at The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale in July, and Namajunas is a prime candidate to face the winner.

Glover Teixeira

Should fight: Anthony Johnson
Why they should fight: Watch the video above to see why Teixeira should fight Johnson (21-5 MMA, 12-5 UFC) next.

For complete coverage of UFC on FOX 19, check out the UFC Events section of the site.