Live, Sunday February 22, 2015 from the Gigantinho Gymnasium, in Porto Alegre, Brazil we saw UFC Fight Night 61 go down. With a six-fight main card, we were in for a long night of action.
The first fight of the night saw a fun bout between Ponzinibbio and Strickland, which that saw the Brazilian walk away with a unanimous decision on the judges scorecards. Second fight, saw Saenz score a huge upset decision victory over Alcantara.
UFC Fight Night 61: What’s Next for the Main Card Winners?
The bout between Adriano Martins and Rustam Khabilov largely underwhelmed, but when the scorecards were read, Martins was the winner via split decision. Next, Sam Alvey absolutely demolished Cezar Ferreira, as he scored a first round knockout.
The co-main event saw a fantastic fight between Michael Johnson and Edson Barboza. Johnson walked away with a unanimous decision and likely a place in the UFC’s top 10 ranking. Frank Mir knocked out Antonio Silva in the first round of the evening’s main event. It was a great way to cap a very interesting night of fights.
It’s time for MMA Sucka to put on our matchmaking hat for the winners. Below are the six winners and who I believe they should fight next. Got a different opinion on potential opponents? Let me know in the comment section below.
The Fighter: Santiago Ponzinibbio
Who he should fight next: Cathal Pendred
Pendred is coming off a very controversial win over Sean Spencer, but a win none the less. Both guys are still lesser known welterweights, but have two-fight win streaks and should matchup nicely on an upcoming spring card.
The Fighter: Frankie Saenz
Who he should fight next: Takeya Mizugaki vs Aljamain Sterling winner
Frankie Saenz scored easily the biggest victory of his career on Sunday, when he defeated #8 ranked Iuri Alcantara via unanimous decision. This should mean a step up in competition. #6 ranked Takeya Mizugaki and Aljamain Sterling fight at UFC on Fox 15 in April and I think Saenz getting the winner of that one lines up well.
The Fighter: Adriano Martins
Who he should fight next: Paul Felder vs Jim Miller winner
Felder and Miller are fighting on the UFC on Fox 15 card in April as well. The winner of that fight vs. Martins makes all the sense in the world. Top 15 fighters squaring off for a chance to jump into the top 10, it’s perfect.
The Fighter: Sam Alvey
Who he should fight next: Dan Kelly
Alvey brutally knocked out Cezar Ferreira on Sunday night, and that gave him a two-fight win streak inside the octagon. Another man on the same streak is Dan Kelly. Alvey called Kelly out in his post fight speech and therefor made my job a lot easier – the man asked for it, so give him what he wants.
The Fighter: Michael Johnson
Who he should fight next: Benson Henderson
I’m a huge fan of fighter callouts. Johnson asked for Henderson after the win, so let’s give him what he wants. I’m actually a fan of Johnson fighting the Pettis/Dos Anjos loser, but it’s a rarity in MMA that fighters use their mic time wisely. Johnson did and Henderson’s still a top 10 lightweight, so the fight makes sense – book it.
The Fighter: Frank Mir
Who he should fight next: Matt Mitrione
Mitrione is currently awaiting a fight with a top ranked fighter. Thanks to his win Sunday night, Mir is back on the right track for the first time in forever. Mir and Mitrione are likely on even ground now. This is a fight with decent stakes in the heavyweight division and makes good sense for both combatants.
Follow Nate Grotenhuis on Twitter @BurgersMMA
