Top 5 Fights To Make In The Wake Of UFC 194

By Rick LaFitte

Top 5 Fights To Make In The Wake Of UFC 194

Conor McGregor celebrates UFC 194 triumph over Jose Aldo — It took Irish sensation Conor McGregor just 13-seconds to dethrone long-time featherweight kingpin Jose Aldo at UFC 194. The huge event in Las Vegas featured a changing of the guard on two fronts as Chris Weidman saw his 185-pound title reign come to an end against Luke Rockhold. Yoel Romero, Demian Maia and Max Holloway also notched key main card victories. Here are the Top 5 fights to make in the wake of UFC 194.

5. Max Holloway vs. Ricardo Lamas

Max Holloway battles Jeremy Stephens in featherweight action at UFC 194

5. Max Holloway vs. Ricardo Lamas

Max Holloway battles Jeremy Stephens in featherweight action at UFC 194 — The talented Holloway made it 8 straight wins as he outhustled Jeremy Stephens to secure a unanimous decision win in a pivotal featherweight clash. “Blessed” dictated the pace in the striking department while avoiding Stephens’ noted power punches and takedown efforts. Holloway is likely to improve upon his no. 5-ranking and should get a bout with former title challenger Ricardo Lamas next. Lamas is coming off a decision win over Diego Sanchez.

4. Demian Maia vs. Johnny Hendricks/Stephen Thompson winner

Demian Maia batters Gunnar Nelson during UFC 194 welterweight clash

4. Demian Maia vs. Johny Hendricks/Stephen Thompson winner

Demian Maia batters Gunnar Nelson during UFC 194 welterweight clash — Maia showcased his superior grappling in a lopsided decision victory over Gunnar Nelson. The incredible disparity in striking was reflected in a pair of rare 30-25 scorecards. The Brazilian veteran asked for the winner of the UFC 195 title clash between Robbie Lawler and Carlos Condit but that isn't likely. Maia facing the winner of the UFC 196 clash between former champ Johny Hendricks and the surging Stephen Thompson would be a good fit.

3. Urijah Faber vs. T.J. Dillashaw/Dominick Cruz winner

Urijah Faber punches Frankie Saenz during bantamweight action at UFC 194

3. Urijah Faber vs. T.J. Dillashaw/Dominick Cruz winner

Urijah Faber punches Frankie Saenz during bantamweight action at UFC 194 — Faber had a tougher than expected time in securing a hard-fought unanimous decision win over a game Frankie Saenz. While it was far from a dominant effort, Faber facing the winner of the Jan. 17 bantamweight title clash between T.J. Dillashaw and Dominick Cruz would make for compelling storylines. Faber and Dillashaw are former teammates turned enemies, while “The California Kid” has a history with Cruz. They’ve split two previous bouts.

Luke Rockhold pummels a bloodied Chris Weidman during middleweight title fight at UFC 194

2. Luke Rockhold vs. Yoel Romero

Luke Rockhold pummels a bloodied Chris Weidman during middleweight title fight at UFC 194 — Rockhold earned the biggest win of his career in dispatching Weidman in brutal fashion. He took advantage of an ill-advised wheel kick to turn the tide with a takedown and would dole out a brutal ground-and-pound assault on the previously unbeaten champion. Rockhold has reeled off five straight UFC wins and a matchup against Yoel Romero makes for a logical first title defense. The powerful Cuban survived a late rally to edge past Ronaldo Souza.

1. Conor McGregor vs. Frankie Edgar or Donald Cerrone/Rafael dos Anjos winner

Conor McGregor unleashes powerful left hand on Jose Aldo during UFC 194 featherweight title unification clash

1. Conor McGregor vs. Frankie Edgar or Donald Cerrone/Rafael dos Anjos winner

Conor McGregor unleashes powerful left hand on Jose Aldo during UFC 194 featherweight title unification clash — It seemed appropriate for McGregor to make history during his perfect 7-0 UFC tenure. His stunning stoppage of Aldo was the shortest UFC title fight of all-time. His initial 145-pound title defense should come against Frankie Edgar after “The Answer’s” recent KO win over Chad Mendes. If McGregor goes for lightweight gold, he’ll be a formidable test for either Donald Cerrone or Rafael dos Anjos. They're due to meet at UFC on FOX 17 in Orlando.

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