What’s Next For UFC 186’s Biggest Winners?
UFC 186 is in the books, as the ill-fated PPV (pay per view) card transpired in Montreal, Quebec, Canada this past Saturday night (April 25th). Although there were apparently fans leaving during the main event, the card as a whole was pretty solid.
Three key winners emerge from the main card, so let’s take a look and see what’s next for….
The UFC flyweight champion put in yet another clinical performance, this time against tough contender Kyoji Horiguchi. “Mighty Mouse” looked unstoppable, but what’s next given the shallow nature of the 125-pound division’s talent pool?
Perhaps if Henry Cejudo is able to put some wins together that could lead to a legitimate contender, but there really isn’t anyone in the position to fight MM that he hasn’t already beaten. The division needs to sort itself out and grow a little, but the champ also needs to stay active. The truth is anyone could be next, just pick a name.
Quinton Jackson
Well “Rampage” is back, and he was on form for fight week, both inside and outside of the octagon. Funny, weird and odd, but also very on point against Fabio Maldonado. Although he did seem to tire a little at times, the Pride FC fan favorite shut out the Brazilian slugger convincingly.
A potential fight with Rashad Evans is being talked about, although their first rivalry came to a wholly disappointing end with a snoozer of a fight. Perhaps a showdown against the winner of Mauricio Shogun Rua vs Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, or even a bout with Patrick Cummins?
Michael Bisping
The British TUF veteran once again put on a striking clinic, although he was wobbled himself, and brought home a very hard earned victory over C.B. Dollaway. The win proved that “The Count” still has plenty left in the tank and his legendary cardio is still there, but where now?
Bisping has always come agonizingly close to title shots in the past, but seemingly fell at the pivotal hurdles placed before him. Now back in the win column, perhaps a scrap with Thales Leites, or even a rematch with Tim Kennedy might do the job.
Whoever he does get next, “The Count” needs to start building a decent streak if he hopes to stay relevant in the middleweight division. The top five is currently crammed with elite contenders, and it’s questionable whether Bisping could hang with them at this stage.
