Joe Silva's Shoes: What's next for UFC Fight Night 67's winners?

Carlos Condit

The lineup strength was a bit lacking for the UFC’s return to Goiania, Goias, Brazil, but like similar cards, the fighters delivered, and the end result was a number of solid fights.

While Saturday’s main card, which aired on FOX Sports 1 from Goiania Arena, had its ups and downs, the main event ended on a high after Carlos Condit (30-8 MMA, 7-4 UFC) made a successful return from an injury layoff with a second-round TKO of fellow welterweight Thiago Alves (21-10 MMA, 13-7 UFC).

Charles Oliveira (20-4 MMA, 8-4 UFC) added to his growing list of submissions when he tapped Nik Lentz (26-7-2 MMA, 9-4-1 UFC) in the co-main event. Other main-card winners included Alex Oliveira (11-2-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC), Francimar Barroso (17-4 MMA, 2-1 UFC), Francisco Trinaldo (17-4 MMA, 7-3 UFC) and Jussier Formiga (18-3 MMA, 4-2 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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Jussier Formiga

Henry Cejudo

Should fight: Winner of Henry Cejudo vs. Chico Camus at UFC 188
Why they should fight: Formiga openly campaigned to fight Cejudo (8-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) at UFC 188, but UFC matchmakers granted Camus (14-5 MMA, 3-2 UFC) the spot on the June 13 card instead. Following Formiga’s strong victory over Wilson Reis, he may next get the fight he originally wanted.

Cejudo is arguably he brightest prospect in the flyweight division and is being groomed for a title shot. He’s a heavy favorite against Camus at UFC 188, and if he wins as expected, he’ll be close to a matchup with champion Demetrious Johnson.

Formiga’s three-fight UFC winning streak has also raised support for a title shot. It appears John Dodson is the leading candidate to fight “Mighty Mouse” next, though. If that’s the case, Formiga should fight the Cejudo-Camus winner to determine the next No. 1 contender.

Francisco Trinaldo

Dustin Poirier

Should fight: Winner of Dustin Poirier vs. Yancy Medeiros at UFC Fight Night 68
Why they should fight: While his decision victory over Norman Parke was questionable at best, Trinaldo earned the most notable win of his UFC career and pushed his lightweight winning streak to three.

At 36, “Massaranduba” has no time to waste if he’s going to make a run at the top of the division. He’s earned another fight against an known opponent, and the winner of Poirier (17-4 MMA, 9-3 UFC) vs. Medeiros (11-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC) would be just that.

Trinaldo may not be the most well-rounded fighter in the weight class, but his combination of improving standup, strong grappling and overwhelming strength would present a challenge for either potential opponent.

Francimar Barroso

Matt Van Buren

Should fight: Winner of Matt Van Buren vs. Jonathan Wilson at UFC Fight Night 74
Why they should fight: Barroso failed to impress in his first UFC main-card appearance when he earned an underwhelming unanimous-decision victory over Ryan Jimmo.

The Brazilian may be a 10-year, 20-plus-fight veteran, but his performance didn’t leave the impression he’s ready to compete with top fighters in the light-heavyweight division.

Barroso has had only three UFC fights and may have more to offer in the future. Perhaps he could show it against the winner of Van Buren (6-4 MMA, 0-2 UFC) vs. Wilson (6-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC), two fighters also looking to prove their worth in the UFC.

Alex Oliveira

Jon Tuck

Should fight: Jon Tuck
Why they should fight: Oliveira and Tuck (9-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC) were credited with impressive first-round submission wins this month. Both victories stemmed from a rear-naked choke and were among the best performances on their respective events.

After two short-notice fights, including Saturday’s solid win, Oliveira has shown he’s deserving of a UFC roster spot. Tuck has already earned a reputation as a durable lightweight who makes noticeable improvements fight to fight.

The winner of this bout is unlikely to show up on any top-15 lists, but the matchup would pit two action fighters against each other and has the ingredients to end in memorable fashion.

Charles Oliveira

Ricardo Lamas

Should fight: Ricardo Lamas
Why they should fight: Following his record fifth submission victory in UFC featherweight competition, Oliveira called for a fight with a top contender at 145 pounds.

The Brazilian frequently delivers as one of the most creative and dangerous submission artists in the sport. His latest masterpiece came in the form of a third-round submission win over longstanding rival Lentz. With 13 UFC fights under his belt, “Do Bronx” appears ready to test his skills against the very best.

Oliveira has faced top fighters such as Frankie Edgar and Cub Swanson in the past, but he’s recently raised his game to another level. He’s stopping fighters known for incredible submission defense, and it’s happening in a decisive manner.

The question is, can he do that against a former title challenger like Lamas (15-4 MMA, 6-2 UFC)? “The Bully” is coming off a first-round knockout loss to Chad Mendes, but he’s ranked near the top of the featherweight division. A win over Lamas would elevate Oliveira into serious consideration for a title fight.

Carlos Condit

Matt Brown

Should fight: Winner of Matt Brown vs. Tim Means at UFC 189
Why they should fight: Condit got a key victory after sitting out with an injury for more than a year. He stopped Alves in violent fashion and then called for a title shot against the winner of UFC 189’s title fight between Robbie Lawler and challenger Rory MacDonald.

Condit could slip into a title match if MacDonald is victorious because of his June 2010 win over “Red King.” However, Johny Hendricks and Tyron Woodley are both arguably ahead of Condit in the 170-pound pecking order.

If Condit doesn’t get MacDonald or Lawler, he should be booked against the winner of another welterweight matchup at UFC 189 that pits Brown (19-13 MMA, 12-7 UFC) against Means (24-6-1 MMA, 6-3 UFC).

Condit and Brown were originally scheduled to fight at UFC on FOX 9 in December 2013. The fight had a palatable buzz, but it fell apart just days out due to an injury to “The Immortal.” They never had the opportunity to come back together, but if Brown wins at UFC 189, that’s the fight to make.

Means is more than capable of spoiling the party in this situation. If that happens, “The Dirty Bird” would have five wins in a row and done more than enough to earn the right to face an opponent of Condit’s stature.

For more on UFC Fight Night 67, check out the UFC Events section of the site.