(ALSO SEE: Joe Silva’s Shoes: What next for UFC on FOX 18’s winning fighters?)
While Saturday’s four-fight UFC on FOX 18 main card seemed poised for competitive matchups, the end result was four decisive outcomes capped off by Anthony Johnson’s (21-5 MMA, 12-5 UFC) 86-second knockout of Ryan Bader (20-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC) in the FOX-televised headliner at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
Earlier in the night, Josh Barnett (34-8 MMA, 6-3 UFC) suffered the first true submission loss of his career, Iuri Alcantara (32-7 MMA, 7-4 UFC) fell short in a “Fight of the Night” performance, and Sage Northcutt (7-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) suffered the first loss of his career.
After every event, fans wonder whom the losers 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 18’s losing fighters.
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Should fight: Cesar Arzamendia
Why they should fight: Northcutt’s lack of a defensive ground game was exploited when Bryan Barberena submitted him in the second round of their welterweight bout.
Still just 19, Northcutt’s first career loss may be a blessing in disguise. It will taper expectations to a realistic level and allow him to develop at a more realistic pace. He still has the tools for a bright future, but at this point, the evolution of his game is more important than frequent competition.
Northcutt would likely be best served by some time off and a return to his natural weight class of lightweight. After that happens, a matchup against a mid-tier 155-pound opponent such as Arzamendia (7-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC) would allow him the chance to get back on track.
Should fight: Yves Jabouin
Why they should fight: Alcantara lost during another crucial point in his UFC career when he dropped a unanimous decision to Jimmie Rivera in an important bantamweight affair.
At 35, Alcantara only has so many setbacks he can take before being permanently ruled out as a future contender of relevance. The 135-pound division is evolving at a furious rate, and the matchups won’t get any easier.
Jabouin (20-11 MMA, 5-5 UFC) is in a similar position as Alcantara in that that he’s a veteran trying to cram in as much success as possible before reaching the end of his career. Pitting him against Alcantara would make for a bout between two well-traveled fighters hungry for victory.
Should fight: Antonio Silva
Why they should fight: It wouldn’t be surprising if Barnett’s second-round submission loss to Ben Rothwell marked his final fight. The 38-year-old has had a lengthy career and in recent years has become less and less active due to budding opportunities outside of fighting.
Barnett took nearly two years off before he returned to action with a win against Roy Nelson at UFC Fight Night 75 in September. He pulled a somewhat surprising move fighting again so soon again, but it obviously didn’t go his way.
“The Warmaster” is a prideful athlete, so it wouldn’t be a shock if ego and a reluctance to go out on the first true submission loss of his career push him to fight again. He said that’s going to be the case, and fighting Silva (19-8-1 MMA, 3-5-1 UFC) would be a suitable matchup.
“Bigfoot” is also likely in the twilight of his career after losing four of his past six fights. A showdown with Barnett would be a must-win situation for both if they hope to remain relevant in the heavyweight division.
Should fight: Jimi Manuwa
Why they should fight: Bader has been forced to deal with some difficult losses in his career. Being submitted by Tito Ortiz may have been the most humiliating, but his 86-second knockout loss at the hands of Johnson was the most devastating.
“Darth” didn’t get the chance to throw or land a single strike in the main-event contest before Johnson smashed him, and now it’s back to the drawing board.
“The Ultimate Fighter 8” winner will be forced to make some important decisions going forward. He put together a five-fight winning a streak prior to the Johnson fight that would have earned most fighters a title shot. However, unfortunate timing involving the 205-pound title formerly held by Jon Jones and now owned by Daniel Cormier never allowed the opportunity to come to fruition.
Bader showed true fighting spirit by consistently taking on any challenge asked of him, but from the moment he was booked against “Rumble,” many believed he was in for a tough outing. That’s exactly what it turned out to be.
It took Bader more than seven years under the UFC banner to get in position for a No. 1 contender fight. He’s still considered to be one of the best in the division, so if he wants to attempt to make that climb again, there are more fights to be had inside the octagon.
Bader has already fought most of the top names at light heavyweight due to his lengthy UFC tenure, but one fighter he’s yet to compete against is Manuwa (15-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC). “Poster Boy” is also coming off a knockout loss to Johnson, at UFC 191 in September, but frequently makes it known he wants big fights. Manuwa recently suffered an injury that forced him out of an upcoming fight. Once he recovers, though, a fight with Bader is the one to make.
For complete coverage of UFC on FOX 18, check out the UFC Events section of the site.
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