Top 5 Fights To Make In The Wake Of UFC Fight Night 78

By Rick LaFitte

Top 5 Fights To Make In The Wake Of UFC Fight Night 78

Henry Cejudo kicks Jussier Formiga during UFC flyweight battle — While the UFC’s latest offering in Mexico may have lacked significant star power, it provided fans with high drama in the main event. Kelvin Gastelum’s late rally against Neil Magny fell just shy as Magny would eke out a split-decision victory. There were other solid main card efforts from former featherweight title challenger Ricardo Lamas and unbeaten flyweight Henry Cejudo. Here are the Top-5 fights to make in the wake of UFC Fight Night 78.

5. Diego Sanchez vs. Clay Guida 2

Diego Sanchez in UFC featherweight action against Ricardo Lamas

5. Diego Sanchez vs. Clay Guida 2

Diego Sanchez in UFC featherweight action against Ricardo Lamas — Sanchez came up short against Lamas in his 145-pound debut but delivered another gutsy effort. “The Nightmare” fought to the bitter end after having his leg damaged by Lamas’ effective kicking game. Sanchez bested Clay Guida in a 2009 classic and the time is right for them to meet again. Guida suffered a first-round submission loss to Thiago Tavares in his last bout. Sanchez vs. Guida 2 would still make for a high-intensity battle.

4. Kelvin Gastelum vs. Thiago Alves

Kelvin Gastelum kicks Neil Magny during UFC Fight Night 78 main event

4. Kelvin Gastelum vs. Thiago Alves

Kelvin Gastelum kicks Neil Magny during UFC Fight Night 78 main event — Gastelum finally got going in the fourth-round of his headliner with Magny by producing multiple knockdowns, but it proved to be too little, too late. Gastelum, who has also fought at middleweight, should stay at 170-pounds after a valiant effort. A matchup against dangerous Brazilian Thiago Alves would make for a solid rebound test. The hard-hitting Alves was forced out of this month's scheduled bout with Benson Henderson due to an injury.

3. Ricardo Lamas vs. Max Holloway/Jeremy Stephens winner

Ricardo Lamas punches Diego Sanchez during UFC Fight Night 78 co-main event

3. Ricardo Lamas vs. Max Holloway/Jeremy Stephens winner

Ricardo Lamas punches Diego Sanchez during UFC Fight Night 78 co-main event — Lamas solidified his top-5 featherweight status with his unanimous decision triumph over Sanchez. It was the bounce-back performance that he needed after being knocked out by fellow former title challenger Chad Mendes. “The Bully” showed off a diverse offensive attack that included a few new wrinkles. Lamas should face the winner of the UFC 194 matchup between Max Holloway and Jeremy Stephens. Either man would make for an excellent clash.

2. Neil Magny vs. Stephen Thompson

Neil Magny punches Kelvin Gastelum during UFC welterweight battle

2. Neil Magny vs. Stephen Thompson

Neil Magny punches Kelvin Gastelum during UFC welterweight battle — Magny was pushed to the brink by Gastelum but secured his second straight win as a late injury-replacement. He’s 4-1 in 2015 and is closing in on a top-10 spot. Given that Magny had originally been slated to face Stephen Thompson at UFC 195 before getting the call to face Gastelum, matchmakers should revisit that fight. The no. 8-ranked "Wonderboy" is coming off an explosive first-round knockout of Jake Ellenberger.

1. Henry Cejudo vs. Demetrious Johnson

Henry Cejudo punches Jussier Formiga during flyweight action at UFC Fight Night 78

1. Henry Cejudo vs. Demetrious Johnson

Henry Cejudo punches Jussier Formiga during flyweight action at UFC Fight Night 78 — Cejudo likely punched his ticket to a 125-pound title bout with Demetrious Johnson after his decision triumph over Jussier Formiga. The Brazilian was Cejudo’s toughest challenge and he passed the test by relying on his impressive boxing, strength, and clinch game. With the division needing fresh challenges for "Mighty Mouse", Cejudo is an ideal fit with his Olympic gold medal wrestling pedigree. He's still raw but is 4-0 during his UFC tenure.

Share On Facebook

Share