Joe Silva's Shoes: What next for UFC Fight Night 63's winners?

Urijah Faber

It’s not every event in which the UFC can pit two top-five fighters against each other in a non-title bout. The fans in Fairfax, Va., were treated to such a showcase in Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 63 headliner when featherweight contenders Chad Mendes and Ricardo Lamas collided in the octagon.

Mendes (17-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) delivered a blowout performance when he connected with an early power-punch on Lamas (15-4 MMA, 6-2 UFC) and was relentless until the first-round TKO arrived.

Outside of a competitive co-main event in which Al Iaquinta (12-3-1 MMA, 7-2 UFC) topped Jorge Masvidal (28-9 MMA, 5-2 UFC) by controversial split decision, onesided efforts were a trend on the main card. It was all one-way traffic for winners Michael Chiesa (12-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC), Julianna Pena (6-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC), Clay Guida (32-15 MMA, 12-9 UFC) and Dustin Poirier (17-4 MMA, 9-3 UFC).

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.

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Dustin Poirier

Yancy Medeiros

Should fight: Yancy Medeiros
Why they should fight: Poirier made an emphatic return to the lightweight division with a dominant first-round knockout of dangerous opponent Diego Ferreira.

“The Diamond” needed a strong showcase after a crushing loss to 145-pounder Conor McGregor in September. He delivered, and the former top-five featherweight has the potential to become an immediate factor at 155 pounds.

Poirier made it known in his post-fight interview that he wants a spot on the UFC Fight Night 68 lineup in New Orleans on June 6. He’ll be granted his wish; now he just needs a dance partner.

With just eight weeks’ notice, Poirier might not get a high-profile opponent. However, that idea didn’t seem to bother him. He said he’s willing to face anyone. If an action fighter like Medeiros (11-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC) can be prepared for that date, his style would make for an entertaining bout.

Clay Guida

Cub Swanson

Should fight: Winner of Cub Swanson vs. Max Holloway at UFC on FOX 15
Why they should fight: Guida’s fifth appearance in the featherweight division was arguably his best yet. He overwhelmed Robbie Peralta for three rounds en route to a unanimous-decision victory and proved he can still hold his own inside the octagon.

The 33-year-old said in his post-fight interview that he wwould be open to competing at 155 or 145 pounds in the future. He requested “super fights” against some of the opponents he’s previous faced. Current lightweight champ Rafael dos Anjos and former titleholder Anthony Pettis are the two most prominent names, but “The Carpenter” is unlikely to be granted either of those rematches.

That’s not to say there aren’t significant fights in Guida’s future. He’s a seasoned veteran who could be matched against anyone in the top 15. While most in that echelon of the weight class are currently booked, an important bout between Swanson (21-6 MMA, 6-2 UFC) and Holloway (12-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) takes place at UFC on FOX 15 later this month.

Guida’s style is not a secret at this point. Fortunately for him, Swanson and Holloway have suffered losses to strong wrestlers in the past. Whoever emerges victorious would be a suitable matchup for the 21-fight octagon veteran.

Julianna Pena

Lauren Murphy

Should fight: Liz Carmouche
Why they should fight: After a third torn ACL and a lengthy layoff, Pena returned from a 740-day break from the octagon with a first-round thrashing of Milana Dudieva.

There was time when doubt surrounded Pena’s future due to her injury woes. She’s managed to overcome that adversity, for now. The 25-year-old’s prospect status was stunted after she won “The Ultimate Fighter 18,” but her UFC Fight Night 63 performance revealed she can still live up to those expectations.

While Pena was matched favorably against Dudieva, she’ll likely receive stiffer competition for her next fight. Pena said she wants the quickest path to a title shot. Carmouche, who outpointed Lauren Murphy on the preliminary card and is a former title challenger, could move her in that direction.

Michael Chiesa

Ross Pearson

Should fight: Ross Pearson
Why they should fight: In recent years, the UFC has matched “The Ultimate Fighter” champs against each other. In terms of rankings, this one actually makes a lot of sense.

Some may consider Pearson (17-8 MMA, 10-5 UFC) a step above Chiesa after Pearson’s brutal knockout of Sam Stout at UFC 185 this past month, but “The Real Deal” hasn’t exactly been consistent lately. Pearson hasn’t won two straight in more than two years, but Chiesa would represent a realistic chance to get over that hump.

Both men possess opposing strengths with Chiesa owning most of his wins by submission while Pearson has the third most knockouts in UFC lightweight history. The clash of styles would create a challenge for both.

Al Iaquinta

Edson Barboza

Should fight: Edson Barboza
Why they should fight: Regardless of the controversial nature of Iaquinta’s victory over Masvidal, it’s hard to downplay the New York native’s progress in skill since he first appeared on “TUF 15.”

Masvidal marked a step up in competition from anyone Iaquinta previously fought. “Raging” was ready for the task. He endured a tough first round but managed to rally and score enough points in the final two frames to convince two of three judges to give him the nod.

After his most noteworthy victory to date, it’s only natural for Iaquinta to continue to climb the ranks.

Barboza (15-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC) would be a formidable test for Iaquinta. The Brazilian has fought 12 times under the UFC banner, and despite the fact he suffered a loss in his last bout, sits above Iaquinta in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA lightweight rankings.

Chad Mendes

Frankie Edgar

Should fight: Winner of Frankie Edgar vs. Urijah Faber at UFC Fight Night 66
Why they should fight: If Mendes had his druthers, featherweight champ Jose Aldo will defend his title against Conor McGregor at UFC 189 in July to set up a third bout between them. Unfortunately, the situation is far more complex.

If Aldo wins, there’s a good chance he won’t compete again this year. That means Mendes is looking at a lengthy break from competition. If McGregor wins, Aldo could potentially receive an immediate rematch. That would also mean a lengthy break.

The other element that needs to be accounted for is the UFC Fight Night 66 headliner between Edgar (18-4-1 MMA, 12-4-1 UFC) and Faber (32-7 MMA, 8-3 UFC). The winner of that fight would also have an argument for a title shot and could potentially leapfrog Mendes with the right performance.

Mendes said he would want to keep active if granted a matchup that “makes sense,” and given the timetable, it would be logical to have him fight Edgar is he manages to get past “The California Kid” on May 15.

Faber and Mendes are teammates and have said they would prefer not fight each other. If Faber gets past Edgar, the situation would needs to be reassessed. But if “The Answer” is victorious, a fight against Mendes is a perfect bit of UFC matchmaking outside championship bouts.

For more on UFC Fight Night 63, check out the UFC Events section of the site.