Joe Silva’s Shoes: What’s next for UFC Fight Night 34’s winners?

“UFC Fight Night 34: Saffiedine vs. Lim” wasn’t a fight card that stood out to a lot of fans, particularly because it was the first to stream on Fight Pass, the UFC’s new launched digital network.

Even though many of the fighters on the organization’s first card in Singapore were making their octagon debuts, some eventful contests were produced, capped off by a lopsided main event that saw Tarec Saffiedine (15-3 MMA, 1-0 UFC) outperform Hyun Gyu Lim (12-4-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC).

Tatsuya Kawajiri (33-7-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) was successful in submitting Sean Soriano (8-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) in the co-main event while Kiichi Kunimoto (16-5-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC), and Kyung Ho Kang (12-7 MMA, 1-1 UFC) got in the UFC win column for the first time in two unusual contests to complete 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.

KYUNG HO KANG
Should Fight: Dustin Kimura
Why They Should Fight: Kang and Dustin Kimura (11-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) recorded impressive victories at UFC Fight Night 34, which raised curiosity about how a tilt between the two winners would go down.

Both men produced  similar  efforts in their respective matchups, with Kang and Kimura dominating their opponent on the ground en route to a submission.

While neither fighter is hovering anywhere close to a title shot, the fight would provide an opportunity to gain more valuable notoriety in the organization and ultimately more experience, as both are still young in the game.

KIICHI KUNIMOTO
Should Fight: Zak Cummings
Why They Should Fight: Kunimoto appeared to be quite badly hurt as the result of illegal blows to the back of the head in his fight with Luiz Dutra, but the extent of his injuries are unknown at this time.

If the Japanese fighter isn’t sidelined for a extended period of time, a matchup with fellow submission specialist Zak Cummings (16-3 MMA, 1-0 UFC) when the UFC returns to China in March could result in an exciting grappling-heavy affair.

TATSUYA KAWAJIRI
Should Fight: Winner of Jeremy Stephens vs. Darren Elkins at UFC on FOX 10
Why They Should Fight: Kawajiri overcame some early adversity to put Sean Soriano to sleep with a second-round submission in his UFC debut, but at 35 years of age, his ceiling must be tested immediately.

“The Crusher” has achieved a lot throughout his lengthy MMA career; however, common knowledge would lead one to believe his time in the sport is running out, and if he wants to make a run at the belt, the time is now.

Kawajiri is aware of this, and that’s why he used the post-fight press conference as an outlet to call out featherweight champion Jose Aldo. If he can’t get that, he wants someone in the top 10.

With that request in mind, the former PRIDE standout would be best suited for the winner of Jeremy Stephens (22-9 MMA, 9-8 UFC) and Darren Elkins (17-3 MMA, 7-2 UFC), who square off at the UFC’s next showcase on FOX later this month.

Regardless of who comes out the winner, a stern test would be provided for Kawajiri, as both men have extensive records under the UFC banner.

TAREC SAFFIEDINE
Should Fight: Jake Ellenberger
Why They Should Fight: Saffiedine was scheduled to meet Jake Ellenberger (29-7 MMA, 8-3 UFC) in the main event of UFC Fight Night 34 before “The Juggernaut” withdrew from the card due to injury several weeks prior to the event.

Since Saffiedine picked up a relatively one-sided – but not particularly telling – decision victory over late replacement Hyun Gyu Lim, it makes sense to rebook the initial matchup.

While Saffiedine impressed in his octagon debut, he did it in a somewhat predictable fashion and was even the recipient of some post-fight criticism for his inability to force a stoppage over 25 minutes.

Pushing any negativity to the side, though. The fact is Saffiedine is still an elite welterweight and is deserving of the top-10 fight he was originally given against Ellenberger.

For complete coverage of UFC Fight Night 34, stay tuned to the UFC Events section of the site.

(Pictured: Jake Ellenberger)