Matches to Make After UFC Vegas 106

The Ultimate Fighting Championship returned to the UFC Apex for UFC Vegas 106. The 11-fight card was headlined by a five-round fight between former welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns and exciting prospect Michael Morales. The main card also saw several veterans of the Octagon come up short, including Sodiq Yusuff and Dustin Stoltzfus.

Here are five matches to make following UFC Vegas 106.

Michael Morales vs. Ian Garry

Morales (18-0) picked up the biggest win of his career at the expense of Burns (22-9), who was completely overwhelmed by the younger fighter’s striking. The Ecuadorian fighter is one of the division’s top prospects and now it’s time for him to take on another contender. While Morales is not ready for the title picture, I’d like to see him take on another talented young welterweight in Garry. While “The Future” might believe he already deserves a title shot, his recent decision defeat to Shavkat Rakhmonov speaks otherwise and the Irish fighter should want to stay busy as he continues to develop. The winner would be right in the title picture and would establish themselves as the second-best welterweight under 30 as champ Jack Della Maddalena is just 28.

Paul Craig vs. Rodolfo Bellato

Unfortunately, the planned co-main event of Craig vs. Bellato was canceled at the last minute due to medical issues for the Brazilian. The promotion said it will be rescheduling the fight as soon as possible, though, which is good news as it was guaranteed fireworks. I’m excited to see how Craig (17-9) looks back at light heavyweight as his foray at 185 never went as planned, while Bellato (12-2-1) is an exciting prospect that never has a dull fight.

Mairon Santos vs. William Gomis

Brazil's Santos stayed undefeated inside the UFC as he outstruck Sodiq Yusuff over 15 minutes. While he still has a way to go before living up to his nickname of "The Legend," Santos (16-1) is off to a good start. A scrap against France’s Gomis next would make sense for both young fighters. Gomis (14-3) recently had his first defeat inside the UFC against Hyder Amil but had put together four straight victories before the setback. Both men are skilled strikers, so let’s see which man can evolve their stand-up game past the other.

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Nursulton Ruziboev vs. Bo Nickal

Uzbekistan's Ruziboev extended his UFC record to 4-1 by outworking Dustin Stoltzfus over three rounds. “Black” has established him as a tough out, and I’d like to see the 31-year-old be Nickal’s next opponent. While Nickal (7-1) ran into a wall against Reinier de Ridder, he still deserves another tough test in his rebound fight given his hard-fought win over Craig. Ruziboev (35-9-2) has plenty of experience and will provide a dangerous look that will force Nickal to show improvements if he wants to avoid losing two straight fights. Neither is an immediate contender, but whoever wins will be worth watching more closely going forward.

Melquizael Costa vs. Nathaniel Wood

After a war with Julian Erosa that went all three rounds, Costa emerged with his hand raised. Costa (24-7) has now won four straight fights since his setback against Steve Garcia. The 28-year-old deserves to take on another 145-pounder making some waves, which is why I'd like to see him go up against Wood. "The Last Kingsman" has won five of his last six inside the Octagon and is coming off impressive decisions over Daniel Pineda and Morgan Charriere. The winner would move a step forward towards taking on a real contender at featherweight.