Top 5 Options For Edson Barboza’s Next UFC Fight

While Miller is coming off a loss at Fight Night 45 in Atlantic City to Donald Cerrone, he still remains one of the division’s toughest competitors and is never involved in a dull affair. His tenacity and slick submission skills would make for an exciting matchup against Barboza’s diverse striking attack. It would be a clash with definite Fight of the Night potential, and would provide a true measuring stick for the Brazilian's toughness.

Johnson has been on a major roll, but has been on the shelf due to injury. A fight against Barboza would be a great test for both men in 2015. "The Menace" has showcased his solid standup game during a three-fight win streak that has rejuvenated his Octagon career. His confidence level has never been higher. Johnson's punching power and wrestling background would provide a formidable challenge for Barboza’s varied offensive weaponry.

Diaz and dos Anjos have a key Dec. 13 clash looming at UFC on FOX 13. The winner of this matchup would be a solid option to consider. Diaz has faced many of the division’s best, and his volume striking and slick submission skills would make for an all-action affair against the talented Barboza. The no. 3-ranked dos Anjos showcased some newly found punching power in his first-round KO of former champion Benson Henderson in his last appearance.

This would be a high-risk, high-reward assignment for Barboza against the unbeaten contender. “The Eagle” has the type of grappling skills and wrestling ability to stifle the best of strikers. Barboza would definitely be tested by his smothering style, but a victory against the no. 2-ranked lightweight would have him on the cusp of a future title shot. Nurmagomedov, who is 6-0 during his UFC stint, has resumed training after a major knee injury.

Of all the matchups to consider next for Barboza, the winner of the Henderson/Alvarez clash at Fight Night 59 in January tops the list. The Brazilian knockout artist battling either the former UFC titlist or the former two-time Bellator champ would be as exciting a 155-pound battle as you could have. Henderson is physically gifted and battle-tested, while Alvarez has a go-for-broke style that produces highly entertaining affairs.