Matches to Make After UFC Vegas 109

The Ultimate Fighting Championship put on another 12 fights at the UFC Apex, which included a knockout of the year contender. The UFC Vegas 109 main event featured a clash between middleweight contenders Roman Dolidze and Anthony Hernandez. Also featuring interesting fights in the featherweight, bantamweight and women’s strawweight divisions, this card will have plenty of ramifications inside the Octagon.

Here are matches to make for the main winners of UFC Vegas 109.

Anthony Hernandez vs. Sean Strickland

Hernandez extended his win streak to eight fights after dominating Dolidze and submitting him with a rear-naked choke. The American also holds key wins over Brendan Allen and Michel Pereira, so Hernandez (15-2) is firmly in the title picture. However, a statement win is needed for “Fluffy,” who could get just that if he fought Strickland next. “Tarzan” hasn’t fought since losing to Dricus Du Plessis for a second time, but he still holds a lot of stock as a former champion. A win over Strickland (29-7) could propel any fighter into a title shot at this time, and it’d make for a great Fight Night main event.

Steve Erceg vs. Alex Perez

Erceg escaped from a tough battle against Ode Osbourne with a decision win. The Australian badly needed the victory as he had lost three straight fights, including to champion Alexandre Pantoja. “Astro Boy” is now 13-4 as a pro and is ready for another fight against a contender at flyweight. American Perez would be a fresh face, as he’s also a former title challenger. Perez (25-9) was originally booked to fight Erceg tonight before an injury occurred, so let’s get this fight rebooked once the 33-year-old is healed.

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Iasmin Lucindo vs. Gillian Robertson

Lucindo outworked Angela Hill over three rounds to bounce back from her loss to Amanda Lemos. Lucindo (18-6) has now won five of her last six fights. Just 23, the Brazilian should continue taking on talented veterans before reaching into title contention. Robertson would be a good next step as “The Savage” has been on a roll with a four-fight win streak. Robertson (16-8) has become a fan-favorite and at just 30, there’s still time for the Canadian to fulfill her title dreams as well. Whoever emerges from this fight would be in a great spot to take on a top contender next.

Andre Fili vs. Morgan Charriere

Fili has now won two of his last three fights after taking a split decision over Christian Rodriguez. The striking of "Touchy" looked sharp as he outstruck his opponent over 15 minutes. Now 35, Fili (25-12, 1 NC) is a dependable veteran that should be used to give some younger fighters some tough looks. I'd like to see Fili take on Charriere next. Charriere (21-11-1) is just 29 and has also won two of his last three with wins over Nate Landwehr and Gabriel Miranda sticking out as impressive knockouts. This would be a fun fight as "The Last Pirate" is a finisher and Fili is never in a dull fight.

Jean Matsumoto vs. Jonathan Martinez

Matsumoto got back into the win column by taking a split decision over Miles Johns. Before his split decision loss to Rob Font, Matsumoto (17-1) had been undefeated and notced wins against Brad Katona and Dan Argueta inside the UFC. The Brazilian is just 25 and is one of the most exciting prospects at 135. A proper step up would be against Martinez, as the 31-year-old American has fought much more experienced foes. While Martinez (19-6) has come up short against Jose Aldo and Marcus McGhee, he's still a dangerous fighter that will give us a good sense of where Matsumoto really is.