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MOORE: Top Fights to Make After UFC 184 "Rousey vs. Zingano"
Mar 1, 2015 - 11:00:54 AM MOORE: Top Fights to Make After UFC 184 "Rousey vs. Zingano"

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By: Dan Moore, MMATorch UK Columnist

Well, that was a fun night. UFC 184 had just about everything. Four submission victories, three split decisions, two rear-naked chokes, and a partridge in a pear tree. There is plenty to discuss so I'll get straight to the point and suggest what is next for the winners and losers from last night in Los Angeles:

NOTABLE MAIN CARD WINNERS

Ronda Rousey (11-0. 5-0 UFC) - I'll quickly run out of superlatives if I write about Ronda Rousey for too long. Cat Zingano handed this win to her on a plate, but that only expedited the inevitable. What a performance! The problem now, more so than ever, is what the hell do the UFC do now with such a dominant champion?

Cyborg is obviously the long term answer, but she isn't next, not until she proves she can cut enough weight. Rousey is now on a sabbatical making a movie, but it's very likely she will have enough time to get in another fight or two before Cyborg is ready.

Bethe Correira lacks a signature win, and she's not even ranked in the top five. I have no doubt she won't last a minute against Rousey. But, the Four Horsewomen story line and her undefeated record will add enough credibility to allow it to happen as a stop-gap.

Next Fight vs. Bethe Correira


Holly Holm (8-0, 1-0 UFC) - Based on that performance alone, I don't expect Holm to beat any of the top five next, let alone the champion. She wasn't horrible and she got her debut win, but it proved to everyone she needs a lot more experience before setting her sights on Rousey. Luckily, she knows that herself better than anyone. A test against someone further up the totem pole will do for now.

Next Fight vs. Jessica Eye


Jake Ellenberger (30-10, 9-5 UFC) - It may have been against a past-his-prime Josh Koscheck, but a win is still a win. Ellenberger really needed it and Koscheck handed it to him on a plate (running theme last night). After three tough losses he's back in the win column. It won't do anything to push him back up the rankings but he's still got a job. I hate labeling a fighter as a gatekeeper but that's exactly what Ellenberger is right now.

Next Fight vs. Rick Story


Tony Ferguson (18-3, 8-1 UFC) - I enjoyed his performance as much as I did Rousey's. If this man doesn't get a ranked opponent next, I'll run naked through the streets of Central London. It doesn't even matter if they're riding a win or a loss but they must be ranked. Take your pick from Myles Jury, Bobby Green, or even Josh Thomson.

Next Fight vs. Bobby Green


NOTABLE MAIN CARD LOSERS

Cat Zingano (9-1, 2-1 UFC) - I can kind of understand why she chose to bull rush Rousey straight from the off. It was a bad game plan to go with, but at least it was different. Against anyone else it may have even worked, but Rousey used that forward momentum to flip her, and the rest is history.

Things like that happen, and the experience alone will help her to come back better. She's still in the pack of also-rans, and has every chance of putting together another solid win streak. Sara McMann will provide her with a very tough test, and that's the fight I would make next.

Next Fight vs. Sara McMann


Josh Koscheck (17-9, 15-9 UFC) - Koscheck is one of only three active fighters who appeared in The Ultimate Fighter's first season who is still on the UFC roster (Sanchez and Swick being the others). That might be the only (sentimental based) reason to keep him around, if indeed he even wants to stay. I firmly believe we won't see him fight in the UFC ever again, but just in case.....

Next Fight vs. Loser of Patrick Cote vs. Joe Riggs


WHAT’S NEXT FOR EVERYONE ELSE

Raquel Pennington

No one expected her to win and she didn't let herself down.

Next Fight vs. Leslie Smith


Alan Jouban

He certainly looks the part, but a tougher test will await him in New Orleans.

Next Fight vs. Tim Means


Richard Walsh

Ended up on the main card by default and won't be back anytime soon.

Next Fight vs. Sultan Aliev


Gleison Tibau

He's as tough and durable as they come but Tony Ferguson made him look very average.

Next Fight vs. Loser of Sam Stout vs. Ross Pearson


Roan Carneiro

Great win and slick finish before heading back to welterweight.

Next Fight vs. Brian Ebersole


Mark Munoz

They let go of Fitch and Shields so expect Munoz to follow the same path.

Released by UFC


Norifumi Yamamoto

There's no reason not to add this fight to the Manilla card in May.

Next Fight vs. Roman Salazar


Roman Salazar

I refuse to slate a man just because he didn't continue after a brutal eye poke.

Next Fight vs. Norifumi Yamamoto


Tim Means

One of the most improved fighters out there. His best performance to date.

Next Fight vs. Alan Jouban


Dhiego Lima

Didn't look like he was at the races from the very first second.

Next Fight vs. Andreas Stahl


Derrick Lewis

Will win that type of fight all day long. New Orleans awaits.

Next Fight vs. Todd Duffee


Ruan Potts

Not good enough for the UFC, but we already knew that.

Released by the UFC


Valmir Lazaro

Quicker to the punch than Krause and fully deserved the win.

Next Fight vs. Winner of Tae Hyun Bang vs. Jon Tuck


James Krause

Main card to Fight Pass in less than a year. Good enough, but needs a win now.

Next Fight vs. Jason Saggo


Masio Fullen

Not UFC calibre but earned himself a win regardless. Expect to see him at UFC 187.

Next Fight vs. Renato Moicano


Alexander Torres

Not UFC calibre, and didn't get the win.

Next Fight vs. Rodolfo Rubio


I’ll be back in two weeks with another article covering UFC 185 (Pettis vs. dos Anjos).

Get in touch on twitter and let me know your opinion, @MMATorchDan