Fight Forecast: Matches to make after UFC 201
After UFC 201, theScore's Alexander K. Lee picks which matchups should be made for the main-card fighters, including the winner and loser of the event's welterweight championship bout.
Tyron Woodley vs. Stephen Thompson
It's tough to blame Tyron Woodley for thinking he can call the shots after his shocking knockout win over Robbie Lawler at UFC 201 on Saturday.
Post-fight, Woodley targeted Nick Diaz and Georges St-Pierre in a clear attempt to book the most attention-grabbing dance partner. As intriguing as those matchups would be, if the UFC wants its rankings to retain any credibility, the rightful challenger to the 170-pound throne has to be Stephen Thompson.
The No. 1-ranked "Wonderboy" knocked out former UFC champion Johny Hendricks this past February and followed that up with a win over top welterweight Rory MacDonald. He's won seven straight fights, has a crowd-pleasing style, and he's a legitimate threat to spoil Woodley's parade.
Robbie Lawler vs. Nick Diaz
If we're going to bring Diaz's name up (and why shouldn't we, since his 18-month suspension for marijuana use ends on Monday), then why not throw him in the cage with Lawler instead?
Before Woodley accomplished the feat, Diaz was the only fighter to ever knock Lawler out. That meeting happened in April 2004, a lifetime ago. Though both fighters have matured a lot since, they've kept the non-stop action style that has endeared them to millions of fans.
It might not seem fair to match Lawler with an opponent who hasn't won a fight in almost five years, but he's never been one to back down from a challenge, and this would give him the unique opportunity to avenge an ancient loss.
Karolina Kowalkiewicz vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk
Karolina Kowalkiewicz put a stamp on her UFC title shot hopes by outpointing Rose Namajunas in a tough three-round fight. The win should vault the undefeated Muay Thai expert into the top three of the strawweight division when the official rankings are updated this week.
With champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk having already taken out Carla Esparza and Claudia Gadelha (twice), that leaves the path clear for a striking duel between Poland's two best MMA exports.
Related: Kowalkiewicz thinks Jedrzejczyk is 'scared' to fight her
Jake Ellenberger vs. Jorge Masvidal
Jake Ellenberger provided one of the highlights of the night when he put on a career-saving performance against Matt Brown, becoming the first man to defeat "The Immortal" by TKO.
On the preliminary portion of the card, Jorge Masvidal recorded a less spectacular but equally important decision win over Ross Pearson. Post-fight, Masvidal called for the winner of the Ellenberger-Brown bout.
The fight makes a lot of sense from a competitive and crowd-pleasing standpoint as both men are veterans of the sport who are happy to engage on the feet. Masvidal wants to fight again soon, so if neither man is diagnosed with a debilitating injury, the matchmakers should grant his wish.