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MOORE: Top Fights to Make After UFC on Fox 13 "Dos Santos vs. Miocic"
Dec 16, 2014 - 2:30:53 PM MOORE: Top Fights to Make After UFC on Fox 13 "Dos Santos vs. Miocic"

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By: Dan Moore, MMATorch UK Columnist

After a busy weekend away, I've only just caught up with the action that took place in Phoenix this past weekend. I haven't had a chance to watch The Ultimate Fighter 20 Finale so I won't comment on it. However, knowing the results, there's really not a lot to cover. Better late than never, here are my fights to make for the winners and losers of UFC on FOX 13:

NOTABLE MAIN CARD WINNERS

Junior dos Santos (17-3, 9-2 UFC) - He was pushed a lot harder than anyone expected, but he came out on top, and proved just how battle hardened he is. It wasn't vintage technical JDS, nor was it pretty, but he got the job done after a lengthy absence. If he keeps winning, eventually his path to Cain Velasquez will come around again. It won't be for a while, but it will happen if he keeps beating everyone else. In the mean time he needs big fights, and Travis Browne sounds good to me.

Next Fight vs. Travis Browne

Rafael dos Anjos (23-7, 12-5 UFC) - He will get blown away by the current champion, but he certainly deserves the chance to be in line while Khabib Nurmagomedov is injured. As I mentioned last week, someone needs to step in to keep Pettis active. Dos Anjos is deserving of a shot, and I don't think anyone will dispute his credentials. Dana White has already announced his intentions, so expect to see it by spring next year, unless Nurmagomedov makes a rapid recovery.

Next Fight vs. Anthony Pettis

Alistair Overeem (38-14 1 NC, 3-3 UFC) - He did what he had to do, but Stefan Struve looked a shadow of his former self. He closed the distance, limited the reach advantage, and inflicted some good old fashioned ground and pound. Overeem, in my eyes, is a spent force, and has been for a while against the elite. However, he's good for an entertaining match-up, and a fight with Andrei Arlovski has enough name value to keep the fans happy.

Next Fight vs. Andrei Arlovski

Matt Mitrione (9-3, 9-3 UFC) - It was a lovely combination that knocked down Gabriel Gonzaga, and proof of the power that Mitrione possesses. His game is littered full of holes, but he's very agile on his feet, and capable of big power punches. He's ranked, and the only way is up for him. Overeem is one idea, but a fight with Ben Rothwell would be fun. Mitrione has failed every big test so far, but this one is certainly winnable.

Next Fight vs. Ben Rothwell


NOTABLE MAIN CARD LOSERS

Stipe Miocic (12-2, 6-2 UFC) - On this occasion he ended up the loser, but he actually comes away from the fight with a moral victory. I certainly didn't expect him to push Junior dos Santos as close as he did. A few might say he actually won. Even in defeat, he's solidified his status as a top five heavyweight. Andrei Arlovski is one option, but Mark Hunt adds the intrigue factor, and both are coming off losses to elite level talent.

Next Fight vs. Mark Hunt

Nate Diaz (17-10, 12-8 UFC) - The UFC should 100% get rid of Nate Diaz, but they won't, and I'm glad they won't. He totted up more than enough reasons to get cut last week, and most were blatantly intentional. He clearly wants out, but his name adds value to another promotion, and the UFC can afford to bench him. He signed a contract, they'll make him honour it, and rightly so. He probably sits out a while, but I have no problem watching him get beat again. Bobby Green probably isn't a big enough name to get himself excited, but he doesn't deserve anyone ranked higher.

Next Fight vs. Bobby Green


OTHER NOTABLE WINNER

Joanna Jedrzejczyk (8-0, 2-0 UFC) - I loved her fight with Juliana Lima in the summer, and I loved this one even more. I first saw her in action when she beat Rosi Sexton at Cage Warriors 69 and left very impressed. She's going to be the first challenger for Carla Esparza, and that makes perfect sense. It's a fresh match-up for the newly crowned champion against someone currently undefeated. Her boxing skills afford her a real chance of victory if she can in fact keep it standing.

Next Fight vs. Carla Esparza


WHO'S NEXT FOR EVERYONE ELSE

Gabriel Gonzaga

Did not look good, and neither did Schaub recently. Let's find out who's the best.

Next Fight vs. Brendan Schaub


Stefan Struve

He should not have had a fight like this after such a long layoff.

Next Fight vs. Daniel Omielanczuk


Claudia Gadelha

We'll have to wait even longer now to see her fight Carla Esparza.

Next Fight vs. Joanne Calderwood


John Moraga

That wasn't all that easy was it. Back to fighting guys in the top 10.

Next Fight vs. Jussier Formiga


Willie Gates

Gates didn't let himself down at all after the late notice call up to face Moraga.

Next Fight vs. Jon Delos Reyes


Ben Saunders

Got the fortunate win. I want to see this fight made again. There's no reason not to.

Next Fight vs. Joe Riggs


Joe Riggs

Unfortunate injury sustained during the takedown. Sorry ending to a fight I was looking forward to.

Next Fight vs. Ben Saunders


Drew Dober

That win stopped him from receiving his release papers.

Next Fight vs. Leonardo Santos


Jamie Varner

A very sad ending to the career of a very likable fighter who always entertained.

Retired from MMA


Bryan Barberena

He overcame a strong first round effort from Ellenberger to win his debut fight.

Next Fight vs. David Michaud


Joe Ellenberger

Not a good few weeks for the Ellenberger brothers.

Next Fight vs. Christos Giagos


David Michaud

Needed a win after a debut loss to Li Jingliang

Next Fight vs. Bryan Barberena


Garrett Whiteley

Not the best birthday present. Most likely finds the exit door after that loss.

Released by UFC


Henry Cejudo

No point waiting around too long. This one would be a good test.

Next Fight vs. Chris Holdsworth


Dustin Kimura

Has lost two on the bounce now, but surely he'll get one more chance.

Next Fight vs. Russell Doane


Ian Entwistle

A British fighter won? No way, that can't be true.

Next Fight vs. Winner of Leandro Issa vs. Yuta Sasaki


Anthony Birchak

Birchak lost to a Brit? No way, that can't be true. The shame!

Next Fight vs. Matt Hobar

I'll be back next week with another ‘Fights to Make' article covering UFC Fight Night 58 (Machida vs. Dolloway).

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