· Who’s Next? UFC 126 Edition

· Article author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Posted on 02/07 at 10:36 AM

UFC 126 was one of the most stacked events in recent memory, and multiple big time fights could be set up as a result of the proceedings in Las Vegas on Saturday night. Jon Jones was already awarded a light heavyweight title shot against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 128 on March 19, but the rest of the fighters on the card are currently looking for matchups. Here’s a look at what could happen.

Anderson Silva vs. Georges St-Pierre
A big-money matchup—which could potentially take place on New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas—is awaiting Georges St-Pierre and the UFC, if St-Pierre can get past Jake Shields at UFC 129 in April. GSP would have ample time to bulk up to 185 pounds, and the UFC would have substantial time to hype up this dream matchup.

Forrest Griffin vs. Quinton Jackson II
A couple of potential rematches could be waiting Griffin, who won his second in a row on Saturday night. He could face Jackson—whom he defeated to become UFC light heavyweight champion—or he could face Rashad Evans, who defeated him in his first title defense. The rematch with Jackson seems to make more sense, especially since Evans is likely to receive a title shot with a win. Jackson is set to take on Thiago Silva at UFC 130 in May, and a late summer matchup could feature the rematch with a title shot on the line.

Vitor Belfort vs. Yushin Okami
Okami is likely to get bumped out of a title shot once again, which could potentially set up a fight with Belfort, whom he was originally supposed to face at UFC 122 in November before Belfort was bumped to the title fight with Silva. A win over a recent title challenger would do wonders for Okami, and the UFC may just have to give him a title shot.

Jake Ellenberger vs. Dong Hyun Kim
Two wrestlers who are dominant and have quietly been climbing the ranks, an Ellenberger vs. Kim matchup makes sense for a UFN or Versus main card. Both have forced their way toward the top ten, and the winner would be very close to a title shot.

Miguel Torres vs. Demetrious Johnson
The winner of the UFC 128 co-main event between Urijah Faber and Eddie Wineland is likely to receive a title shot—and a potential coaching slot on “The Ultimate Fighter” opposite Dominick Cruz—but Torres vs. Johnson makes sense in order to line up another title challenger for the future. It would be interested to see if Torres’ wrestling has improved enough to stop a tough grappler like Johnson.

Rich Franklin vs. Ryan Bader
Matching up two top fighters coming off of losses means that you are taking the risk of losing one of them as a contender forever, but this is a fight that either guy needs to win to prove that he still deserves to be a contender. Franklin struggled with the size of Griffin, and Bader is just as big. If he can’t defend the takedown, then it could be time for Rich to hang ‘em up.