Six Best Fights To Make After UFC On FOX 26

Many were expecting UFC on FOX 26, which took place last night live on FOX from Winnipeg, Canada, to produce fireworks and it certainly delivered.

In the main event, surging contender Rafael dos Anjos scored a dominant victory over former welterweight champion Robbie Lawler.

In the co-main event, late replacement opponent Josh Emmett scored a brutal first-round knockout victory over former title challenger Ricardo Lamas.

Also on the main card, Santiago Ponzinibbio outpointed Mike Perry in an entertaining bout and Glover Teixiera finished Misha Cirkunov in their main card opener.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the five best fights to make after UFC on FOX 26:

Tyron Woodley vs. Rafael dos Anjos

The welterweight title picture is a bit unclear as of now.

There have been rumors indicating that champion Tyron Woodley and streaking contender Colby Covington could coach opposite each other on the next season of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) before squaring off, but there’s also been rumors indicating that Woodley is planning to undergo shoulder surgery.

Despite Covington’s recent streak, however, I feel as if the next title shot should go to dos Anjos if Woodley is going to be able to compete in the near future.

Since moving up in weight, the former lightweight champion has looked sensational, winning three-straight bouts. He scored a submission victory over Neil Magny this past September before earning a one-sided victory over Lawler last night.

His unique blend of pressure striking, wrestling and grappling would likely give Woodley a challenge, and in my opinion, it’s the fight to make.

Robbie Lawler vs. Jorge Masvidal

Lawler lost his title to Woodley in July 2016, but he bounced back with a victory over Donald Cerrone this past summer at UFC 214. His loss to dos Anjos last night, however, brings him to 1-2 in his last three bouts.

At age 35, Lawler has been through a plethora of wars, and he may be starting to show the mileage, although he remains a top fighter and a top attraction in the stacked welterweight division.

Next, I’d like to see the UFC book Lawler against Jorge Masvidal.

Masvidal has also hit some rough times as of late, as he’s lost two straight, but he too remains a strong fighter. He’s a well-versed striker and would likely provide an intriguing opponent for the “Ruthless” one.

Josh Emmett vs. Jeremy Stephens/Doo Hoo Choi

It’s a bit difficult to predict who Emmett will be matched up against next.

He scored an impressive first-round knockout victory over a top-five ranked opponent in Ricardo Lamas, while accepting the bout on short notice. However, he missed weight and is only 2-0 at 145 pounds, so I’m not sure he’ll be booked against another top contender like Jose Aldo or Brian Ortega just yet.

With that being said, only a few options make sense, and a booking against the winner of Jan. 14’s bout between Jeremy Stephens and Doo Hoo Choi would make sense.

Both Stephens and Choi are entertaining fighters who would provide Emmett with another solid test at featherweight, and the timing works well also.

Ricardo Lamas vs. Yair Rodriguez

Heading into UFC on FOX 26, Lamas was riding a two-fight winning streak, and although he was caught with a big shot, he likely remains one of the best featherweights in the world.

I’d like to see the UFC match him up against explosive striker Yair Rodriguez next.

Rodriguez, who’s sensational on the feet, is 6-1 inside the UFC Octagon. He’s coming off of a one-sided loss to Frankie Edgar earlier this year, but he remains ranked in the top-10 at No. 7.

This matchup would give Rodriguez the opportunity to show he can beat a high level wrestler, while giving both men the chance to get back into the win column.

Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Darren Till

If Mike Perry were to beat Santiago Ponzinibbio last night, he likely would’ve been matched up against fellow rising welterweight Darren Till.

Given that Ponzinibbio came out on top, however, the UFC should book him against Till in a battle between two top-10 contenders.

Ponzinibbio has now won six straight, and although he tends to get hit a bit, he’s a well-rounded fighter, with crisp striking skills and a strong submission game.

Till, on the other hand, is coming off of a violent stoppage victory over veteran Donald Cerrone, and although he’s been impressive, he’s likely a win or two away from a title shot, which is why this fight makes sense for him as well.

Daniel Cormier/Volkan Oezdemir vs. Glover Teixeira

The light heavyweight division is currently scarce regarding contenders.

Champion Daniel Cormier is set to defend his strap against Volkan Oezdemir next month at UFC 220 in Boston, but after that fight, there’s no clear-cut No. 1 contender.

Jon Jones is still dealing with a failed drug test surrounding his UFC 214 fight with Cormier, and Alexander Gustafsson, who’s coming off of a one-sided victory over Glover Teixeira, is sidelined with an injury.

With that being said, I’d like to see Teixeira get the next title shot.

If Cormier comes out on top, Teixeira would provide a fresh challenge, as the two have never fought before, and if Oezdemir wins, the bout would present an intriguing clash between two of the hardest punchers in the division.