In a night where UFC records where broken – 11 finishes in 11 fights brought a successful close to the UFC’s latest trip to the land of Oz. Lets take a look at fights to make for the winners following last night’s UFC Fight Night 55 at the Allphones Arena in Sydney, Australia.
Luke Rockhold
#5 ranked middleweight Luke Rockhold treated fans to yet another impressive display when he stopped perennial contender Michael Bisping in the 2nd round of their main event encounter. At 57 seconds into round-2, the AKA trained Rockhold would drop his opponent with a head kick and secure a one-armed-guillotine, forcing Bisping to tap. So who should the 30-year old Santa Cruz native face next? With the UFC champion Chris Weidman scheduled to face Vitor Belfort at UFC 184, a fight which is sure to wet appetites is rematch between Rockhold and the man he beat to win the Strikeforce middleweight title, #2 ranked Jacare Souza (21-3-1).
Al Iaquinta
After registering the biggest win of his UFC career when he scored a 2nd round TKO win over England’s Ross Pearson, Al Iaquinta will look to face a ranked opponent from the lightweight division, but with most of the top fighters from that division either booked to compete or injured, pickings are slim for the Serra-Longo trained fighter. If the 27-year old’s wish is granted, I think the only viable option is #11 ranked Blackzilian Michael “Menace” Johnson (15-8), who would surly provide a suitable step forward.
Robert Whittaker
TUF Smashes winner Whittaker again showcased his ever evolving game when he defeated Clint Hester last night. The Australian again showed improved head movement, footwork, and striking on the way to a 2nd round TKO victory against an opponent known for his explosive power and athleticism. I think a slight change of pace is the order of the day to enable the 23-year-old to continue his evolution as a mixed martial artist, so a fight with Krzysztof Jotko (15-1) or Tom Lawlor (9-5-1) is a step in the right direction.
Soa Palelei
After stopping American Walt Harris with his trademark ground-and-pound in the second round, what is next for the man known as “The Hulk”? With slim pickings in a shallow heavyweight division there isn’t a lot to offer the big Samoan. The UFC top brass can either offer the experienced Palelei a shot at notable ranked opposition, say, Frank Mir, which would be a massive risk, or offer him a crack at a less experienced heavyweight like Viktor Pesta.
Who would you like to see the winners from UFC Fight Night 55 face next? Leave your comments below.
