Staff Columnists
MOORE: Top Fights to Make After UFC Fight Night 62 "Maia vs. LaFlare"
Mar 23, 2015 - 10:40:33 AM MOORE: Top Fights to Make After UFC Fight Night 62 "Maia vs. LaFlare"

DISCUSS ALL THIS IN OUR NEW MMATORCH FORUM

...OH, ONE MORE THING - PLEASE BOOKMARK US & VISIT DAILY!

By: Dan Moore, MMATorch UK Columnist

I'm not very good when it comes to selecting which events to stay up and watch live, and which events to record and watch the following day. I stayed up until 6AM to watch the Mir vs. Silva fight card a few weeks back and it was horrible. I gave UFC Fight Night 62 a wide berth and chose to get a good night of sleep instead. Having watched it yesterday I'm disappointed I didn't down copious amounts of Red Bull and stay awake. Any event with nine recorded finishes and a refereeing controversy is worth watching live. So with plenty to talk about, here's what I think should be next for the winners and losers from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:

NOTABLE MAIN CARD WINNERS

Demian Maia (20-6, 14-6 UFC) - Even though the win over Ryan LaFlare was a good one, it wasn't enough to persuade me that Maia can beat anyone above him in the rankings. He's 37 years old and it's unlikely he's ever going to compete in a UFC title fight again, or even find himself in a No. 1 contender fight for that matter. What he can do is provide incredibly tough opposition for anyone on their way to the top. Simply put, it's my complimentary way of saying he's a gatekeeper. Tyron Woodley is a possible option for Maia if Johny Hendricks is allowed to wait for his title fight, while everyone else is booked, suspended, or coming off a loss.


Next Fight vs. Jake Ellenberger

Erick Silva (18-5 1 NC, 6-4 UFC) - I was really surprised at the amount of so called MMA experts who predicted a win for Josh Koscheck in this fight. I understand siding with Silva requires an element of caution, but Koscheck isn't Matt Brown, Dong Hyun Kim, or even Carlo Prater in 2015. I know Silva usually falters on the big occasions, but this wasn't one of them, and nor was the fight particularly challenging for him. This was only going to end one way and it did. Silva will inevitably end up with another glowing opportunity that he's once again likely to blow.

Next Fight vs. Rick Story


Gilbert Burns (10-3, 3-0 UFC) - For a while mid-fight it looked like Gilbert Burns was about to suffer his first defeat, then out of nowhere he pulled off a submission that earned him a nice little bonus cheque. His undefeated record is still in tact, but the question marks remain more so than ever after that performance. Having watched this fight I would hold off from re-booking the Josh Thomson match-up and go with something completely new.

Next Fight vs. Beneil Dariush


NOTABLE MAIN CARD LOSERS

Ryan LaFlare (11-1, 4-1 UFC) - He got out-maneuvered and outplayed by a wily veteran who is an incredibly gifted grappler. It happens. LaFlare is not an exciting fighter to watch, but his previous performances have all been incredibly effective. Maia is his ceiling for now, but can LaFlare regroup for another opportunity to test it. Gunnar Nelson also suffered his fight defeat (to Rick Story) last year and now wants to make amends at UFC 189. LaFlare will not be a bad choice of opponent if the Icelandic grappler gets his wish.

Next Fight vs. Gunnar Nelson


WHAT'S NEXT FOR EVERYONE ELSE

Josh Koscheck

Five successive defeats, so surely it's time to call it quits.

Released by UFC


Alex Oliveira

A late replacement who put up a very solid performance before succumbing to submission.

Next Fight vs. Frankie Perez


Leonardo Santos

He was expected to win and did. Slick finish from a talented guy who's moving past his peak years.

Next Fight vs. Winner of Chad Laprise vs. Bryan Barberena


Tony Martin

Lost three of four UFC fights, but will get another opportunity to prove he is worthy.

Next Fight vs. Akbarh Arreola


Amanda Nunes

A rematch with Cat Zingano doesn't make sense, but Reneau certainly does.

Next Fight vs. Marion Reneau


Shayna Baszler

She should be cut but the Rousey connection will probably afford her one more fight.

Next Fight vs. Larissa Pacheco


Godofredo Pepey

Three consecutive first round wins, and the same can be said for Chas Skelly.

Next Fight vs. Chas Skelly


Andre Fili

Not a good day at the office for Team Alpha Male. Back to square one yet again.

Next Fight vs. Tiago Trator


Francisco Trinaldo

This man is tough as nails, so if you can beat him, it actually means something.

Next Fight vs. Evan Dunham


Akbarh Arreola

Lazy pick for a next fight but it actually makes sense given their circumstance.

Next Fight vs. Tony Martin


Edimilson Souza

Fantastic finish and now a fight with the Korean Superboy is one I really want to see next.

Next Fight vs. Doo Ho Choi


Katsunori Kikuno

Left himself wide open as he did previously against Tony Ferguson. Schoolboy error!

Next Fight vs. Alan Omer


Leandro Silva

Horrible refereeing but that was no fault of Silva. Expect a rematch.

Next Fight vs. Drew Dober


Drew Dober

His loss should be overturned to a no contest but it won't happen.

Next Fight vs. Leandro Silva


Leonardo Mafra

Back to his level after the loss to Rick Story. Absolutely nothing spectacular to watch.

Next Fight vs. Winner of Kajun Johnson vs. Zhang Lipeng


Cain Carrizosa

If he's not already cut his next fight will see the loser leave town.

Next Fight vs. Cody Pfister


Jorge de Oliveira

Should get cut but might get one more opportunity. Again the loser is going to be released.

Next Fight vs. Anthony Christodoulou


Christos Giagos

After a tough UFC debut fight this one against Oliveira was a gimme.

Next Fight vs. Winner of Jason Saggo vs. Marcin Bandel


Bentley Syler

Not UFC quality but likely to get another opportunity.

Next Fight vs. Danny Martinez


Fredy Serrano

Tremendous uppercut covered up the obvious limitations.

Next Fight vs. Winner of Yao Zhuikui vs. Nolan Ticman

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