Sean Shelby's Shoes: What's next for Nurmagomedov, Namajunas and UFC 223's other winning fighters?

(ALSO SEE: Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for UFC 223’s losing fighters?)

Keeping pay-per-view cards together has been a challenge for the UFC this year. Despite that, the organization’s latest offering went down Saturday when UFC 223 took place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

After three opponent changes, Khabib Nurmagomedov (26-0 MMA, 10-0 UFC) finally got his hands on the UFC lightweight title in the main event when he outworked Al Iaquinta (13-4-1 MMA, 8-3 UFC) for a unanimous decision to keep his perfect record intact.

Prior to a new champion being crowned in the headliner, Rose Namajunas (8-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC) defended her strap in the co-main event. “Thug” Rose won her rematch with Joanna Jedrzejczyk (14-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) by unanimous decision, marking the first successful title defense in her reign as strawweight queen.

In other main card action, Renato Moicano (12-1-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC), Zabit Magomedsharipov (15-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) and Chris Gruetzemacher (14-3 MMA, 2-2 UFC) picked up convincing victories.

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 Sean Shelby and Mick Maynard’s shoes, and play UFC matchmaker for UFC 223’s winning fighters.

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Chris Gruetzemacher

Ross Pearson

Should fight: Ross Pearson
Why they should fight: After a largely forgettable beginning to his UFC career, Gruetzemacher had a shining and potentially breakthrough moment when he battered longtime octagon veteran Joe Lauzon into a corner stoppage.

All Gruetzemacher had to do was survive Lauzon’s initial offensive burst then was able to take the fight over. He worked Lauzon to the point his corner wouldn’t send him out for the third round, and for Gruetzemacher, that’s a nice way to break out of his two-fight skid.

Gruetzemacher said post-fight that he’ll be ready and willing to step in on short notice should any replacement opportunities come up in the lightweight division in the coming weeks. If that doesn’t happen and he’s instead just book against someone on a full training camp, then another name veteran like Pearson (20-14 MMA, 12-11 UFC), who is interested, would make for a solid challenge.

Zabit Magomedsharipov

Yair Rodriguez

Should fight: Yair Rodriguez
Why they should fight: Magomedsharipov provided further evidence of why he’s so highly regarded as a featherweight prospect when he convincingly beat Kyle Bochniak in a thrilling “Fight of the Night” affair.

Although he didn’t get the stoppage like his previous two UFC fights, Magomedsharipov still showed out over the course of three rounds – and did it all with a broken hand. That’s an impressive display from the 27-year-old, who has now won 11 consecutive fights overall.

Magomedsharipov called his shot post-fight when he asked for a matchup with Rodriguez (10-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC). “Pantera” may have dismissed the idea on social media afterward, but considering the dynamic clash in styles and the potential for highlight-reel moments, the UFC needs to push Rodriguez to accept this fight.

Renato Moicano

Darren Elkins

Should fight: Darren Elkins
Why they should fight: After experiencing his first pro loss in his previous outing, Moicano bounced back in strong fashion when he spoiled the winning streak of Calvin Kattar with a unanimous decision win in their featherweight bout.

In hindsight, Moicano’s only career defeat, which came against Brian Ortega at UFC 214 in July, doesn’t look all that bad. He was handling himself well in the bout before being a caught in a submission, which is the case for most Ortega opponent. The Brazilian proved that was just a bump in the road against a high-level fighter, though, with a win over a solid opponent in Kattar.

There’s no doubt Moicano is a skilled member of the 145-pound division. He owns a win over Jeremy Stephens, which should prove his talent level, but an inconsistent fight schedule has harmed him. Fighting Elkins (24-5 MMA, 14-5 UFC), who despite six-fight winning streak is unfortunately the odd man out when it comes to the top names in the division, would be a good way to catapult himself forward.

Rose Namajunas

Should fight: Jessica Andrade
Why they should fight: Watch the video above to see why Namajunas should fight Andrade (18-6 MMA, 9-4 UFC) in her second title defense.

Khabib Nurmagomedov

Should fight: Conor McGregor
Why they should fight: Watch the video above to see why Nurmagomedov should fight McGregor (21-3 MMA, 9-1 UFC) next.

For complete coverage of UFC 223, check out the UFC Events section of the site.