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Top 5 Fights To Make In The Wake Of UFC Fight Nights 53 And 54

By Rick LaFitte @RickLaFitte on October 5, 2014

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Top 5 Fights To Make In The Wake Of UFC Fight Nights 53 And 54

Rory MacDonald reacts after finishing Tarec Saffiedine at UFC Fight Night 54

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The 170-pound division was firmly in the spotlight at respective UFC events in Sweden and Canada. Rick Story curbed the hype surrounding submission ace Gunnar Nelson by defeating him in their main event clash in Stockholm; while Rory MacDonald became the first man to knock out Tarec Saffiedine in the Halifax headliner. Raphael Assuncao and Max Holloway also impressed. Here are the top five fights to make in the wake of UFC Fight Night 53 and 54.

5. Gunnar Nelson vs. Tarec Saffiedine

Gunnar Nelson battles Rick Story at UFC Fight Night 53

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5. Gunnar Nelson vs. Tarec Saffiedine

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This clash makes sense as a rebound opportunity for both top 15 competitors after they experienced major disappointments. Nelson vows to treat his first loss to Story as a learning experience, while Saffiedine will have to pick up the pieces after being dismantled by MacDonald. A potential Nelson vs. Saffiedine matchup would bring a high level of urgency and would allow one of the two talented competitors to rejuvenate their career.

4. Dennis Siver vs. Max Holloway

Dennis Siver punches Charles Rosa during featherweight battle at UFC Fight Night 53

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4. Dennis Siver vs. Max Holloway

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Siver picked up a Fight of the Night bonus in Stockholm in his return from a suspension. He earned a unanimous decision verdict over Charles Rosa in what was a back-and-forth affair. Siver is hovering around top-10 territory and a matchup against the surging Holloway would have explosive potential. "Blessed" destroyed Akira Corassani to produce his fourth straight finish and had previously expressed an interest in facing the dangerous veteran.

3. Rick Story vs. Jordan Mein

Rick Story lands punch on Gunnar Nelson during UFC welterweight clash

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3. Rick Story vs. Jordan Mein

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Story delivered one of the best efforts of his career in getting a split-decision victory over the highly-touted Nelson. He's recorded back-to-back wins and is ready to continue his climb up the 170-pound ladder. A matchup against Mein would be a very intriguing affair between the tough-as-nails veteran and the exciting prospect. The 24-year-old Mein is noted for his striking skills and is coming off a first-round destruction of Mike Pyle.

2. Raphael Assuncao vs. T.J. Dillashaw/Dominick Cruz winner or Renan Barao

Raphael Assuncao lands kick to the head of Bryan Caraway at UFC Fight Night 54

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2. Raphael Assuncao vs. T.J. Dillashaw/Dominick Cruz winner or Renan Barao

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This one has a condition attached to it. Assuncao should be allowed to wait for a title shot against either Dillashaw or Cruz after notching his seventh straight win against Bryan Caraway. If the UFC pushes him to take another fight, a potential clash with Barao would make an excellent title eliminator. The former champion's stock has taken a major hit with his upset loss to Dillashaw and his health-related withdrawal from their UFC 177 rematch.

1. Rory MacDonald vs. Johny Hendricks/Robbie Lawler 2 winner

Rory MacDonald punches Tarec Saffiedine during UFC welterweight action

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1. Rory MacDonald vs. Johny Hendricks/Robbie Lawler 2 winner

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MacDonald has emerged as the clear choice to face the winner of the UFC 181 title rematch between Hendricks and Lawler. MacDonald has had a strong rebound from a loss to Lawler by posting wins over top-10 contenders Demian Maia, Tyron Woodley and now Saffiedine. His brutal TKO win over Saffiedine showed he's in prime form and ready for his opportunity to finally go for UFC gold.