Top 5 Fights To Make In The Wake Of UFC On FOX 17

By Rick LaFitte

Top 5 Fights To Make In The Wake Of UFC On FOX 17

Rafael dos Anjos punches Donald Cerrone during lightweight title bout at UFC on FOX 17 — The UFC’S final event of the year ended with a bang in Orlando, Florida. Rafael dos Anjos made an emphatic statement in his first lightweight title defense by blasting out Donald Cerrone in just 66 seconds in the main event. There were other impressive main card performances from hard-hitting heavyweight Alistair Overeem and Octagon veteran Nate Diaz. Here are the Top 5 fights to make in the wake of UFC on FOX 17.

5. Charles Oliveira vs. Chad Mendes

Charles Oliveira celebrates UFC on FOX 17 triumph over Myles Jury

5. Charles Oliveira vs. Chad Mendes

Charles Oliveira celebrates UFC on FOX 17 triumph over Myles Jury — Oliveira is a tremendous talent but must get his weight-related issues resolved moving forward. He missed weight for the third time while campaigning as a featherweight but looked great in submitting Myles Jury in the first-round. If the UFC doesn’t force Oliveira to move up to lightweight, a clash with Chad Mendes would make for an excellent scrap. The former title challenger was recently knocked out by Frankie Edgar at the TUF 22 Finale.

4. Michael Johnson vs. Donald Cerrone

Michael Johnson punches Nate Diaz during lightweight battle at UFC on FOX 17

4. Michael Johnson vs. Donald Cerrone

Michael Johnson punches Nate Diaz during lightweight battle at UFC on FOX 17 — Johnson sustained his second straight setback as he dropped a unanimous decision to the returning Diaz in what was an action-packed lightweight battle. A rebound clash against “Cowboy” would make for an exciting opportunity for both talented 155-pound contenders. Cerrone saw his eight-fight win streak snapped in shocking fashion when his long-awaited title opportunity ended in disastrous fashion against RDA.

3. Nate Diaz vs. Anthony Pettis/Eddie Alvarez winner

Nate Diaz lands punch on Michael Johnson during spirited lightweight clash at UFC on FOX 17

3. Nate Diaz vs. Anthony Pettis/Eddie Alvarez winner

Nate Diaz lands punch on Michael Johnson during spirited lightweight clash at UFC on FOX 17 — Diaz is relevant again after putting on a striking display in his victory against Johnson. It was one of his finest performances in years. The trash-talking veteran went on a post-fight rant about Conor McGregor but should face the winner of the Jan. 17 clash between Anthony Pettis and Eddie Alvarez next. Diaz and the former champion Pettis have exchanged verbal barbs in the past, while Alvarez always makes for exciting battles.

2. Alistair Overeem vs. Fabricio Werdum/Cain Velasquez 2 winner

Alistair Overeem battles Junior dos Santos in heavyweight action at UFC on FOX 17

2. Alistair Overeem vs. Fabricio Werdum/Cain Velasquez 2 winner

Alistair Overeem battles Junior dos Santos in heavyweight action at UFC on FOX 17 — Overeem continued his UFC resurgence with an impressive second-round stoppage of former champ Junior dos Santos. “The Reem” is on a three-fight win streak and made a strong case to potentially face the winner of the Feb. 6 heavyweight title rematch between Fabricio Werdum and Cain Velasquez. Overeem has split two previous career meetings against the current champion Werdum. Overeem's pending free agency is a storyline to watch.

1. Rafael dos Anjos vs. Conor McGregor or Tony Ferguson

Rafael dos Anjos celebrates after successfully defending his lightweight title against Donald Cerrone at UFC on FOX 17

1. Rafael dos Anjos vs. Conor McGregor or Tony Ferguson

Rafael dos Anjos celebrates after successfully defending his lightweight title against Donald Cerrone at UFC on FOX 17 — Dos Anjos put on a spectacular display in his first lightweight title defense by making very quick work of Cerrone in their rematch. The talented Brazilian made it clear he’s ready for featherweight kingpin Conor McGregor if the Irish superstar elects to move up in weight for his next fight. If McGregor decides to defend his 145-pound strap, Tony Ferguson should be next for dos Anjos. He’s currently on an impressive seven-fight win streak.

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