Sean Shelby's Shoes: What's next for Kelvin Gastelum and UFC on FOX 25's other losing fighters?

(ALSO SEE: Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What next for UFC on FOX 25’s winning fighters?)

Saturday’s four-fight UFC on FOX 25 main card was poised for competitive matchups, and that for the most part that’s how it played out until Chris Weidman (14-3 MMA, 10-3 UFC) produced a statement stoppage of Kelvin Gastelum (13-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) in the FOX-televised middleweight headliner at NYCB LIVE in Uniondale, N.Y.

Earlier on the card, Dennis Bermudez (16-7 MMA, 9-5 UFC) suffered his fourth setback in his past six fights, Gian Villante (15-9 MMA, 5-6 UFC) was edged on the scorecard, and Thomas Almeida (21-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC) experienced just his second loss as a pro.

After every event, fans wonder whom the losers 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 Sean Shelby and Mick Maynard’s shoes, and play UFC matchmaker for UFC on FOX 25’s losing fighters.

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Thomas Almeida

Rob Font

Should fight: Rob Font
Why they should fight: Almeida suffered just the second loss of his 23-fight career when he succumbed to the incredible winning streak of Jimmie Rivera in a crucial bantamweight contest.

The Brazilian is still one of the brightest prospects at 135 pounds, but unfortunately Rivera is looking nearly unstoppable at this point and he fell victim to that momentum by unanimous decision. Whether he wins or loses, Almeida is one of the most exciting fighters in the sport and delivers every time he steps in the octagon.

Font (14-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) doesn’t have the same following, but he’s proven to be someone who brings it every time, as well. He’s well rounded and dynamic, and a matchup with Almeida would be absolute fireworks.

Gian Villante

Ion Cutelaba

Should fight: Ion Cutelaba
Why they should fight: Villante suffered his third loss in his past four fights when he dropped a split decision to Patrick Cummins in an important bout for his position in the light-heavyweight division.

Villante has had some solid moments throughout his UFC tenure. Unfortunately, his track record has shown that he falls short when the lights shine brightest, and it comes to a point when a fighter only receives a certain amount of chances.

Villante has had difficulty evolving past a brawling style of fighter. His style has only failed him against proven oppositions, though, and Cutelaba (13-3 MMA, 2-2 UFC) is not yet that. “The Hulk” is an interesting prospect at 23 years old, and if he could beat Villante, it would be a real reason to start paying attention.

Dennis Bermudez

Mirsad Bektic

Should fight: Mirsad Bektic
Why they should fight: Bermudez experienced disappointment in front of a supportive crowd when he dropped a second consecutive fight, this time courtesy of Darren Elkins.

“The Menace” has had his ups and downs inside the octagon, and after the split-decision result, he’s currently enduring another rough patch. He’s always found a way to rally back, though, and in a loaded featherweight division, there’s plenty of opportunity to do that.

Bektic (11-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) is also coming off a loss to Elkins, albeit in a much more stunning fashion at UFC 209 in March. Bektic is still considered one of the brightest prospects at 145 pounds, and a fight with “The Ultimate Fighter 14” finalist Bermudez would represent a chance for him to recover some of what was lost in his first career setback against Elkins.

Kelvin Gastelum

Should fight: Gunnar Nelson
Why they should fight: Watch the video above to see why Gastelum should drop back to welterweight and fight Nelson (16-3-1 MMA, 7-3 UFC) next.

For complete coverage of UFC on FOX 25, check out the UFC Events section of the site.