Zak Cummings vs. Caio Magalhaes: A nice submission for Cummings in his first post-TUF fight, though I’m still not sold on him, and don’t think he’ll stick around too long. I’d give another who has shown mixed performances – Caio Magalhaes looked awful in his UFC debut, but rebounded to submit Karlos Vemola in his most recent fight.
Jason High vs. Sean Pierson: High rebounded well from a quick defeat to Erick Silva, and is now 4-1 in his most recent Zuffa career. It is also pleasing to see he has finished his most recent 2 wins in less than 2 minutes. Still don’t think he’s ready for a main card appearance, but I’d give him a more well known name and a sterner test – Sien Pierson has quietly put together a 3 fight win streak, and the winner could push onto bigger tests.
Darren Elkins vs. Dennis Siver: With the solid win over Hioki, Elkins is now an impressive 6-1 since dropping to featherweight, although the lack of finishes is what is holding him back. You can’t argue with the record, and he deserves a top 10 FW next. Dennis Siver is coming off of a loss to top ranked contendor Cub swanson, and a fight between the two would shoot the winner back into title contention.
Brandon Thatch vs. Paulo Thiago: The welterweight division is looking fantastic with prospects like Rory MacDonald, Gunnar Nelson, Erick Silva and now Brandon Thatch. Although I’d lovw to see him fight Erick Silva, it was just his UFC debut, and a slower path for him would be more sensible. Paulo Thiago is a solid name coming off of a victory earlier this year, and it would have the potential to be a great fight.
Dylan Andrews vs. John Howard: Andrews is never going to be a contender in the UFC, but he is a fun fighter to watch, and I’d get the most out of him by giving him another striker. John Howard just got a good win over Uriah Hall last week, so let’s see how Hall’s cast mate can do.
Brad Tavares vs. Lorenz Larkin: Tavares has now put together a 4 fight win streak to go with his 6-1 UFC record. This is great for a middleweight, and although not always the most pleasing to watch, he deserves a step up in competition than fighting TUF rejects. Lorenz Larkin is a former Strikeforce title challenger, and coming off a very controversial decision loss, and would be a good test for Tavares.
Takeya Mizugaki vs. Brad Pickett: After years of rotating between wins and losses, Mizugaki has finally put together a 3 fight win streak, even though his most recent 2 were split decisions. He’s a solid test for anyone in the division, and I think he’d be a good fight to see how Brad Pickett can bounce back from his defeat last week.
Court McGee vs. Gunnar Nelson: McGee seems to have found his home at welterweight, with a dominand win over Neer followed by a razor thin decision over Whittaker yesterday. He is another that will never challenge for the title, but is a tough fight for anybody. Gunnar Nelson is a highly touted prospect, and a think a fighter like McGee will see what Nelson is really made of.
Kelvin Gastelum vs. Dan Miller: After not making much of an impression on TUF until the latter rounds, Gastelum has looked great. He has heavy hands and solid wrestling, much like contender Johnny Hendricks. At just 21 years old, if he is built up correctly, he could be a contender in a few years. Dan Miller is a well-rounded veteran who could cause Gastelum problems, but who is also very beatable.
Rafael Dos Anjos vs. Edson Barboza: Dos Anjos put himself in the title picture with his 5th straight win, including wins over Cerrone, Dunham, Bocek & Njokuani. However, with all the mentioned above being decision wins, he needs a finish before he is seriously considered for title shot. Anothey guy in search of a title shot is Barboza, who is 6-1 in the UFC and who is a finisher. Itcould bring the best out of Dos Anjos.
Carlos Condit vs. Matt Brown: After a few poor fights, Condit was finally back to his old self in stopping Kampmann by TKO. He is still a top 10 fighter, and showe that if put with the fight opponent, he can still put on a show. Matt Brownhas demolished his opponents during his 6 fight win streak, and on paper a fight with Condit would be a great show.