Top 5 Fights To Make In The Wake Of UFC Fight Night 76

By Rick LaFitte

Top 5 Fights To Make In The Wake Of UFC Fight Night 76

Louis Smolka elbows Paddy Holohan during UFC Fight Night 76 main event — An injury-ravaged UFC card in Ireland actually ended up delivering a pretty entertaining night of action. Louis Smolka silenced the wildly enthusiastic Dublin crowd by submitting hometown hero Paddy Holohan in what proved a thrilling main event. The show also featured an impressive effort from Tom Breese and a spirited scrap between Darren Till and Nicolas Dalby. Here are the Top-5 fights to make in the wake of Fight Night 76.

5. Norman Parke vs. Olivier Aubin-Mercier

Norman Parke kicks Reza Madadi during co-main event of UFC Fight Night 76

5. Norman Parke vs. Olivier Aubin-Mercier

Norman Parke kicks Reza Madadi during co-main event of UFC Fight Night 76 — Parke ended a two-fight skid by getting past Reza Madadi by unanimous decision in what proved to be a rather uninspiring co-main event. There was seemingly more intensity between the two men at the weigh-in when they nearly got involved in a physical confrontation. “Stormin Norman” is noted for his grinding style and a matchup against Olivier Aubin-Mercier would be a good test. The 26-year-old submission specialist is on a three-fight win streak.

4. Nicolas Dalby vs. Darren Till 2

Nicolas Dalby and Darren Till in welterweight action at UFC Fight Night 76

4. Darren Till vs. Nicolas Dalby 2

Nicolas Dalby and Darren Till in welterweight action at UFC Fight Night 76 — Unbeaten welterweight prospects Darren Till and Nicolas Dalby combined to put on a thrilling battle and were justly rewarded with Fight of the Night bonuses. Till dominated the first two rounds and appeared in full control, but the gritty Dalby would pull out a majority draw by battering his exhausted opponent to secure a 10-8 third-round on the scorecards. With nothing settled in their first encounter, a rematch seems rather appropriate.

3. Tom Breese vs. John Howard/Tim Means winner

Tom Breese batters Cathal Pendred at UFC Fight Night 76 in Dublin

3. Tom Breese vs. John Howard/Tim Means winner

Tom Breese batters Cathal Pendred at UFC Fight Night 76 in Dublin — Breese netted a Performance of the Night bonus for his devastating one-round blitzing of Ireland’s Cathal Pendred. The Tristar gym product has posted consecutive finishes since joining the UFC and obviously has stellar striking skills. Breese squaring off against the winner of the Fight Night 80 clash between seasoned veterans John Howard and Tim Means would be a solid step up in his career progression.

2. Paddy Holohan vs. Chico Camus

Paddy Holohan exchanges punches with Louis Smolka during flyweight thriller at UFC Fight Night 76

2. Paddy Holohan vs. Chico Camus

Paddy Holohan exchanges punches with Louis Smolka during flyweight thriller at UFC Fight Night 76 — Holohan put up a spirited effort against Smolka but fell shy in his biggest UFC assignment. While the loss was unquestionably disappointing, the 27-year-old’s stock in the flyweight division shouldn’t diminish by much. The scrappy Holohan is rarely involved in a dull fight and a rebound clash against Chico Camus would have fun potential. Camus was defeated by former title challenger Kyoji Horiguchi in his most recent outing at Fight Night 75.

1. Louis Smolka vs. Dustin Ortiz

Louis Smolka works to submit Paddy Holohan during UFC Fight Night 76 action in Ireland

1. Louis Smolka vs. Dustin Ortiz

Louis Smolka works to submit Paddy Holohan during UFC Fight Night 76 action in Ireland — Smolka emerged as one to watch with his terrific performance against Holohan. The second-round rear-naked choke finish marked his third straight win, and improved his overall record to 10-1. The talented 24-year-old should crack the top-15 rankings and a matchup against the gritty Ortiz would make for an excellent matchup. The no. 9-ranked Ortiz is coming off a stoppage victory over Willie Gates and has faced elite competition.

Share On Facebook

Share