UFC: Fight Night 131 did prove to be a slog at times on Friday night, but when the going got good, it was certainly worth sitting through some of the nights slower bouts.
Making their debut in Utica, New York, the UFC brought a bantamweight title eliminator with it in the main event where Marlon Moraes’ head kick at 33 seconds into the bout ensured a quick nights work for the Brazilian fighter.
The former WSOF 135 lbs champion ended Jimmie Rivera’s 10-year unbeaten streak in a flash and there should be only one fight in mind for the 30-year old next.
Elsewhere at UFC: Utica, Gregor Gillespie continued his unbeaten record with another punishing ground-and-pound filled performance, Julio Arce put his talents on display at the expense of Daniel Teymur and Sam Alvey and Gian Villante bored everyone to tears with their main card opener.
Fortunately, we’ll put forward just five of Friday nights biggest winners for our dream matchmaking and that includes two immediate title shots that the UFC should make:
Marlon Moraes vs Dillashaw/Garbrandt Winner
In an ideal world, Cody Garbrandt isn’t receiving an immediate rematch for a title he never defended and lost via knockout but, in the words of Max Holloway, it is what it is.
With TJ Dillashaw and Cody Garbrandt set to run it back at UFC 227, Marlon Moraes should be the next challenger for the bantamweight title or an alternative if either man is injured before their August 4th showdown.
Gregor Gillespie vs Beneil Dariush
The UFC’s best fisherman Gregor Gillespie added another dominant win to his resume on Friday night against Vinc Pichel and extended his record to 12-0.
The lightweight fighter is one of the best rising stars the UFC currently has at its disposal and ‘The Gift’ deserves a big step-up in competition.
While it may be too soon for a top 15 opponent, a match-up with Beneil Dariush who recently dropped out of the 155 lbs rankings would be a fascinating bout to gauge Gillespie’s talents.
Walt Harris vs Junior Albini
Walt Harris put his speed and power on full display at UFC: Utica and knocked out Daniel Spitz at the end of round 2 following a big left hook.
A fight with anyone at the lower end of the UFC’s heavyweight rankings – Shamil Abdurakhimov, Justin Willis & Junior Albini – would make sense for Harris in his next outing so let’s plump with the #15 ranked Albini.
Julio Arce vs Enrique Barzola
With a well-rounded performance, Julio Arce submitted Daniel Teymur with a rear-naked choke after controlling the stand-up.
After coming into the UFC through Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series, a fight with fellow feeder event winner Enrique Barzola, winner of The Ultimate Fighter Latin America, would make sense for both featherweight contenders.
Sijara Eubanks vs Montano/Shevchenko Winner
Sijara Eubanks put in an excellent performance against fellow top contender Lauren Murphy on Friday night and should fight for the title next.
Eubanks was scheduled to contend for the inaugural women’s flyweight championship but for a failed weight cut and with her latest victory, the 33-year-old should fight the winner of the Nicco Montano – Valentina Shevchenko title fight.