Joe Silva’s Shoes: What's next for Anthony Johnson, UFC on FOX 18's winning fighters?

(ALSO SEE: Joe Silva’s Shoes: What next for UFC on FOX 18’s losing fighters?)

Saturday’s UFC on FOX 18 main event had a significant impact on the future of the light-heavyweight division. Anthony Johnson (21-5 MMA, 12-5 UFC) put his name in the hat for a title shot with a first-round knockout of Ryan Bader (20-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC).

“Rumble” wasn’t the only one to get a meaningful victory at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. In the FOX-televised co-main event, Ben Rothwell (36-9 MMA, 6-3 UFC) strengthened his own case for a title fight, Jimmie Rivera (19-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) pushed his winning streak to 18, and Bryan Barberena (11-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC) pulled off an upset in the network 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 18’s winning fighters.

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Bryan Barberena

Randy Brown

Should fight: Randy Brown
Why they should fight: Barberena did wonders for his career when he slowed the hype train of super-prospect Sage Northcutt via second-round submission in their welterweight contest.

Barberena gained more recognition for the victory than any other in his career and has a good chance of receiving more noteworthy matchups going forward.

Northcutt was discovered through UFC boss Dana White’s “Lookin’ For a Fight” series. Another fighter brought into the UFC through that series is Brown (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), who made his octagon debut on the same card with a unanimous-decision victory over Matt Dwyer.

The fight makes itself; Barberena would have the chance to detail another undefeated prospect while Brown could show that’s he’s a prospect worthy of the attention thrown in Northcutt’s direction.

Jimmie Rivera

Michael McDonald

Should fight: Michael McDonald
Why they should fight: It’s taken just three fights for Rivera to develop into a threat in the UFC bantamweight division. He beat a tough Iuri Alcantara by unanimous decision to stay unbeaten inside the octagon and improve his winning streak to 18 fights.

There may not be a ton of flash to his game, but Rivera’s ability to enter the cage and win by any means necessary can’t be denied. He deserves a fight against a serious 135-pound contender, and McDonald (17-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC) is a fitting foe.

McDonald is former bantamweight title challenger and is among the most powerful strikers in the division. “Mayday” recently returned from a two-year injury layoff and defeated Masanori Kanehara by submission at UFC 195 earlier this month. McDonald is highly ranked and would help answer exactly where Rivera’s skill level stands among the very elite.

Ben Rothwell

Cain Velasquez

Should fight: Cain Velasquez (13-2 MMA, 11-2 UFC)
Why they should fight: Rothwell turned in another impressive and decisive victory when he became the first man to truly submit former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett when he locked up a gogo choke in the second round of their co-headliner.

“Big Ben” is in the midst of an epic career resurgence, and with four consecutive victories against credible competition, only high-stakes fights are in his future.

The heavyweight division is a mess at the moment after a planned title fight between champ Fabricio Werdum and ex-titleholder Velasquez was scrapped due to injuries to both participants. Stipe Miocic was briefly named as a replacement opponent for Werdum, and it seems likely he’ll still get the next opportunity to challenge the champ.

Rothwell has made it clear he’s willing to take on all comers in his quest for UFC gold. No better matchup is available to prove how far he’s come over the past few years than a rematch with Velasquez. Rothwell lost to Velasquez by TKO at UFC 104 in October 2009. Both fighters have been through a lot since then, but at this point, a rematch is logical for both.

UFC President Dana White recently stated Velasquez would be out for only roughly one month following an upcoming back surgery. Once he recovers, Rothwell should get the chance to add a win over another former UFC champ to his resume.

Anthony Johnson

Should fight: Winner of Daniel Cormier vs. Jon Jones
Why they should fight: Watch the video above to see why Johnson should fight the winner of the soon-to-be-announced Cormier (17-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) vs. Jones (21-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) light-heavyweight title rematch.

For complete coverage of UFC on FOX 18, check out the UFC Events section of the site.