Staff Columnists
MOORE: Top Fights to Make After UFC 190 "Rousey vs. Correia"
Aug 4, 2015 - 1:25:06 PM MOORE: Top Fights to Make After UFC 190 "Rousey vs. Correia"

DISCUSS ALL THIS IN OUR NEW MMATORCH FORUM

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

By: Dan Moore, MMATorch UK Columnist

Here's what should be next for the winners and losers from the UFC 190 card that took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil last Saturday:

WINNERS

Ronda Rousey

There aren't enough superlatives available to adequately describe just how good this young woman is. I know the level of competition she's up against isn't that great, but that's largely down to the fact she's so much better than everyone else.

Her profile has gone through the roof since she last fought in Feb. She's since won two big awards at the ESPYs and appeared in two major motion pictures that have increased her marketability and mainstream appeal tenfold. If UFC 190 does in excess of 800,000 pay-per-views for a fight that her opponent had no chance of winning, god knows how high it will be for a likely competitive fight against someone like Cyborg.

Rousey vs. Tate III isn't everyone's idea of a good fight to make next, but for me it's perfect for the undercard of Aldo vs. McGregor if they do UFC 194 in Dallas.

Next Fight vs. Miesha Tate


Mauricio Rua

It wasn't up to the standard of their PRIDE fight in 2005 (very few fights are), but Shogun vs. Lil' Nog was still enjoyable to watch for most of the 15 minutes. We all know Rua has seen far better days, but Bellator have proved that fighters well past their prime are still in big demand. If Rampage is allowed to fight in the UFC again this rematch is one that's worth doing to get the purists all excited.

Next Fight vs. Quinton Jackson


Stefan Struve and Antonio Silva

Stefan Struve vs. Antonio Silva as a next fight is a no-brainer. Both of them are extremely hit-and-miss in their performances from fight-to-fight and both got a win this weekend against lesser (or old) opposition that was much needed. Have them fight each other, and the winner can at least move on to one more fight against someone in the top 10, even though it will likely end in defeat.

Next Fight vs. Each Other


Claudia Gadelha

I can't wait to see the next UFC Strawweight Title fight. Gadelha looked excellent again this weekend and she's now undeniably the No. 2 ranked fighter in the division. A rematch with Jedrzejczyk is the only sensible fight to make next. On a personal note, I would love to see it headline the London card early next year, but chances are it's going to take place long before then.

Next Fight vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk


Demian Maia

Someone called Neil Magny just got taken to school by a Brazilian dude called Demian. That's three consecutive wins for the Brazilian and the performances keep on getting better. I want to see Maia vs. Matt Brown next but it looks like the latter will end up fighting Kelvin Gastelum in November. A fight with Gunnar Nelson would also be epic, but with Nelson probably targeted for the Dublin card it's hard to see Maia fighting again that soon. Still, it's my pick and that's my final choice.

Next Fight vs. Gunnar Nelson


Everyone Else

Glaico Franca vs. Winner of Scott Holtzman vs. Anthony Christodolou

Reginaldo Vieira vs. Guido Cannetti

Patrick Cummins vs. Winner of Jan Blachowicz vs. Corey Anderson

Warlley Alves vs. Omari Akhmedov

Iuri Alcantara vs. Cody Garbrandt

Vitor Miranda vs. Winner of Tom Watson vs. Chris Camozzi

Guido Cannetti vs. Reginaldo Vieira


LOSERS

Bethe Correia

Correia did a great job hyping a fight that no one else in the world gave her a hope in hell of winning. She must take a lot of credit for that, and I hope she makes a lot of money from it because she thoroughly deserves to. We all knew she was out of her depth, and it showed on the night even if she did manage to catch Rousey at least once.

Last week I suggested Eye vs. Zingano but I've since changed my mind (because I can). I prefer the idea of Correia vs. Zingano now, although any combination from the three in question is fine with me.

Next Fight vs. Cat Zingano


Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira

He fought like he should retire, and he probably is going to retire. All good things must come to an end. This man is a legend and I hope the UFC utilise his popularity in Brazil with the type of job we would all love to have.

Next Fight vs. Retirement


Neil Magny

It's hard not to feel sorry for a guy who won seven consecutive fights but barely managed to establish himself in the top 15 (No 12), let alone receive consideration for a title fight. Still, the UFC knew what they were doing and they knew Magny came with limitations. Demian Maia is a world class grappler who is vastly experienced, but if you can't beat him you're never going to make it to the top of the tree.

Next Fight vs. Jake Ellenberger

Everyone Else

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Rafael Cavalcante

Fernando Bruno vs. Jake Lindsey

Dileno Lopes vs. Yuka Sasaki

Soa Palelei vs. Matt Mitrione

Jessica Aguilar vs. Jessica Penne

Rafael Cavalcante vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira

Nordine Taleb vs. Elizeu Zaleski

Leandro Issa vs. Joe Soto

Clint Hester vs. Dan Kelly

Hugo Viana vs. Cody Gibson


I'll be back next weekend with an article following UFC Fight Night 73 (Teixeira vs. Saint-Preux).

Follow me on Twitter, @MMATorchDan