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Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for Al Iaquinta, UFC on FOX 31’s other winning fighters?

The UFC’s final network-televised main card on FOX took place Saturday with UFC on FOX 31. The four-fight lineup unfolded at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wis.

In the main event, Al Iaquinta (14-4-1 MMA, 9-3 UFC) put on a repeat performance when he outworked Kevin Lee (17-4 MMA, 10-4 UFC) to a unanimous decision in a competitive rematch of a fight he also won at UFC 169 in February 2014.

Prior to Iaquinta’s big win, Edson Barboza (20-6 MMA, 14-6 UFC), Rob Font (16-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) and Charles Oliveira (25-8 MMA, 13-8 UFC) all earned key victories, as well.

After every event, fans wonder whom the winners will be matched up with next. And with another night of UFC action in the rearview mirror, it’s time to look forward, put on a pair of Sean Shelby and Mick Maynard’s shoes, and play UFC matchmaker for UFC on FOX 31’s winning fighters.

* * * *

Charles Oliveira

Francisco Trinaldo

Should fight: Francisco Trinaldo
Why they should fight: Oliveira continued to etch his place as the greatest submission artist in UFC history when he earned revenge in his rematch with Jim Miller.

After losing to Miller by first-round submission at UFC 124 in December 2011, Oliveira got a first-round tap of his own via rear-naked choke. The Brazilian is now 3-0 since returning to lightweight and looking more like he could be a serious player in the division.

Pre-fight it seemed like Oliveira was finally going to drop the idea of returning to featherweight. He brought it up again immediately post-fight, though, and now it remains to be seen what happens. The UFC hasn’t obliged on his past request to change divisions, and there’s no reason that should change now.

There are many fun fights for Oliveira at 155 pounds, and Trinaldo (23-6 MMA, 13-5 UFC) is one of them. Trinaldo is looking for an opponent after January’s UFC 233 card was scrapped, and his size and power would be a true test for Oliveira.

Rob Font

Rani Yahya

Should fight: Rani Yahya
Why they should fight: Font gave Sergio Pettis a rude welcome back to bantamweight when he picked up a clear unanimous decision with the help of some slick striking, particularly the jab.

Font’s style has and will continue to be hard for a lot of people at bantamweight. He used it to beat Pettis by unanimous decision, but implementing his striking would be more difficult against Yahya (26-9 MMA, 11-3 UFC), who is arguably the biggest submission threat in the division. The Brazilian is riding a three-fight winning streak and, after recently signing a new UFC contract, is due for a good opportunity.

Edson Barboza

Donald Cerrone

Should fight: Winner of Donald Cerrone vs. Alexander Hernandez at UFC on ESPN+ 1
Why they should fight: Barboza wiped the floor with Dan Hooker in a performance that reminded everyone that, when it comes to standing toe to toe, there’s arguably no one who can do it better than the Brazilian.

Barboza put on a clinic en route to a third-round knockout victory that continued to improve his resume as one of the best lightweights of all time. He’s struggled to get over the hump at times, but Barboza is still very dangerous and capable of going on a title run.

The landscape of the 155-pound division is an utter mess, and with Barboza having already lost to several names at the very top, he’s put in an awkward spot. He might have to look behind him in the rankings again, and a fight against the winner of Cerrone (34-11 MMA, 21-8 UFC) vs. Hernandez (10-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC), who fight Jan. 19 at UFC on ESPN+ 1, would still be a big fight for him.

Barboza lost to “Cowboy” by first-round submission at UFC on FOX 11 in April 2014. A rematch five years later would be compelling, as would a matchup between Barboza and Hernandez, who could be the next big thing at lightweight if he can get past Cerrone.

Al Iaquinta

Should fight: Justin Gaethje
Why they should fight: Watch the video above to see why Iaquinta should fight Gaethje (19-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC) next.

For complete coverage of UFC on FOX 31, check out the UFC Events section of the site.

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