Overall UFC 145 was an entertaining PPV, although I felt the main event was far less than stellar. The PPV did lack a bit of star power making the work of putting together match ideas for the winners a bit of an interesting exercise.
Jon Jones vs Dan Henderson
This match is pretty much already decided anyways. I don't know that I really need to see Hendo get demolished by Bones, but there's not really another compelling choice. Bones has beaten Bader, and Gustafsson should probably get another win before he gets his crack at the belt.
Rashad Evans vs Shogun Rua
What to do with Rashad? He's near the top of the division, but with the lackluster fight with Jones, I wouldn't want to see a rematch anytime soon. Shogun is another guy near the top that's not close to a title fight. This fight would put the winner back into title relevance.
Rory MacDonald vs Josh Koscheck/Johny Hendricks winner
Rory has been impressive so far with his only loss coming against Carlos Condit in a fight MacDonald was winning into Condit got the last second knockout. Rory is ready for a chance against another elite opponent, and the Koscheck/Hendricks winner makes sense with the lockjam the welterweight division is currently experiencing.
Ben Rothwell vs Mike Russow
I didn't expect Rothwell to defeat Schaub, and I'm having a hard time deciding where I'd like to see him go next. With his win, he deserves a fight against someone else on their way up, however, he feels much more like a gate keeper. Mike Russow feels like he fits both of those roles. Russow needs a fight that proves whether or not he's on his way up.
Michael McDonald vs Renan Barao
I usually don't pick a fighter that already has a fight, but McDonald against Barao in a #1 contender's match for the bantomweight title makes much more sense than Barao's fight against Ivan Menjivar. Another choice would be to just McDonald the next shot, but I'd like to see him get another quality win first.
Eddie Yagin vs Tyson Griffin or Manny Gamburyan
Typically, I don't like to pit winners versus losers, but in Yagin's case, taking on another "big" name at featherweight and winning will still build his resume. Griffin and Gamburyan both fit this need. I give a slight edge to Griffin since Gamburyan is on a three fight losing streak.
Mark Bocek vs Donald Cerone/Jeremy Stephens winner
Bocek's only losses have come to Henderson, Edgar, Jim Miller, and Mac Danzig. Other than Danzig, Bocek's losses have all come to quality opponents. With his recent win, he deserves another quality opponent.
Travis Browne vs Roy Nelson
Browne is ready for a bigger stage. UFC 146 is now in need of another heavyweight to fill out the "all heavyweight" PPV portion of the card. With Antonio "BigFoot" Silva fighting Cain now, Big Country is in need of a new opponent. Browne would fit that role nicely.
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