Joe Silva’s Shoes: What’s next for UFC on FOX 10’s winners?

“UFC on FOX 10: Henderson vs. Thomson” is a thing of the past, and while the night’s main event was supposed to help bring clarity to the lightweight title picture, the end result was quite the opposite.

The UFC’s 10th network-televised event featured an important bout between lightweight contenders Benson Henderson (20-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) and Josh Thomson (20-6 MMA, 3-2 UFC). In the end, “Smooth” walked away with his hand raised, but few agreed with the split decision.

Thomson appeared well on his way to solidifying a title shot he gave up to take the fight with Henderson, but two of the three judges didn’t see it that way, which left “The Punk” mulling retirement after the bitter defeat.

The rest of the main card was a mixed bag of results as Stipe Miocic (11-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) continued his winning ways against Gabriel Gonzaga (16-8 MMA, 11-7 UFC) in the heavyweight co-main event, and to round out the main card, lightweight Donald Cerrone (22-6 MMA, 9-3 UFC) and featherweight Jeremy Stephens (23-9 MMA, 10-8 UFC) defeated their respective opponents.

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.

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JEREMY STEPHENS
Should fight: Tatsuya Kawajiri
Why they should fight: This matchup was proposed following Kawajiri’s (33-7-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) successful UFC debut earlier this month at UFC Fight Night 34. And after seeing how Stephens handled Darren Elkins for his third straight featherweight victory, the matchup would likely be a barnburner.

Kawajiri took out an inexperienced opponent, Sean Soriano, who holds little name value in the, but now it’s time to see what the PRIDE veteran is really made of against someone of Stephens’ caliber.

“Lil’ Heathen” is the exact type of challenge needed to find out if Kawajiri is the real deal, or if he’ll flop when tested against strong American competition, as many great Japanese fighters have in the past.

He may not be the best fighter in the weight class, but Stephens has the abilities and lengthy UFC resume to give “The Crusher” everything he can handle inside the octagon.

Stephens is 3-0 and Kawajiri is 5-0 since their 145-pound debuts. With both men undefeated, it’s time to see who rises to contender status.

DONALD CERRONE
Should fight: Khabib Nurmagomedov
Why they should fight: Cerrone wants to have an active year with up to six octagon appearances, which bodes well for Nurmagomedov (21-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC), a lightweight contender looking to book his next bout as soon as possible.

“Cowboy” said in the lead-up to his spectacular head-kick knockout of Adriano Martins on Saturday night that he was willing to fight anyone at any time, and that includes the undefeated Russian, who has had troubles getting fights of late.

Cerrone has teased a move down to the featherweight division, and though a potential matchup with Cole Miller has recently raised eyebrows, there is no reason for him to abandon his role as a top-10 lightweight.

Moreover, there are plenty of fights available for him in his current division, the most intriguing of which could be against “The Eagle.”

STIPE MIOCIC
Should fight: Winner of Frank Mir vs. Alistair Overeem at UFC 169
Why they should fight: After recording yet another octagon win, Miocic deserves a fight with someone who has been a top 10 heavyweight mainstay.

The winner of Saturday’s UFC 169 bout between former UFC champ Mir (16-8 MMA, 14-8 UFC) and former Strikeforce titleholder Overeem (36-13 MMA, 1-2 UFC) fits the description, and either man would be in for a compelling affair opposite Miocic.

Each potential matchup would likely have a quick and violent ending, which bodes well for spectators. With a 5-1 record since joining the UFC roster, Miocic is quickly establishing himself as a future title contender, and a fight with a known name like Mir or Overeem is what’s needed to truly push him over the hump.

BENSON HENDERSON
Should fight: T.J. Grant
Why they should fight: With lightweight champion Anthony Pettis sidelined and currently without a return date, the top of the division must roll on.

After coming out of the UFC on FOX 10 main event victorious, Henderson is among the division’s few title-worthy contenders, regardless of whether or not his victory over Thomson was justified.

Unfortunately, with two losses to Pettis on his record — the most recent of which came in the first round, “Smooth” is going to need much more than one controversial win before getting a shot to reclaim the 155-pound title.

As Henderson continues his quest toward becoming the UFC’s first two-time lightweight titleholder, one of the few contenders he has yet to test his skills against is Grant (21-5 MMA, 8-3 UFC).

Once upon a time, the Canadian was scheduled to challenge Henderson, but Pettis replaced the injured fighter. Sadly, Grant has been out of action since this past May dealing with a concussion.

If Grant can finally receive medical clearance by the time Henderson is ready to get back work, this may be the most significant lightweight fight UFC matchmakers can put together.

For complete coverage of UFC on FOX 10, stay tuned to the UFC Events section of the site.

(Pictured: Stipe Miocic)