Five Fights the UFC Should Consider If They Want to Make or Break Gomi

There is no debate as to whether or not Takanori Gomi was thrown into the deep end of a shark infested pool last night when he made his UFC debut against Kenny Florian.

Gomi had rarely ever fought inside of a cage and had previously only fought twice in America (Hawaii and Las Vegas). Kenny Florian is the best lightweight the promotion has to offer, besides their champion.

Usually when a potential star is signed to the UFC, they are given a more acclimating debut.

However, this isn't the first time the UFC has been accused of putting a former Pride Fighting Championships star in a disadvantageous UFC debut.

Many believe Mauricio Shogun Rua was coerced into going through with his fight against Forrest Griffin, despite an injured knee. He was reportedly unable to train for weeks leading up to the fight.

Gomi was dominated in his fight last night, but that doesn't mean his career is over. Though, how the UFC will use his star power is yet to be seen.

There are two basic options: the UFC can attempt to build some of their other fighter's names off of wins over Gomi, or they can find more suitable matchups in order for Gomi to become a force again in the sport.

Here are a list of five fights that could either make or break the UFC career of Takanori Gomi.

Spencer Fisher

There is no doubting the entertainment value of a match between Gomi and Spencer Fisher. Both are known to trade and chances are this would be mostly a stand-up fight.

This might be a hard fight to market since Fisher hasn't exactly been on a terror, but from the standpoint of Gomi's management, this would be the best fight.

Gomi has a considerable power advantage, and if needed, he is the much better wrestler. If Gomi was ever hurt by anything on the feet, Spencer has shown how easily he can be taken down.

While this is far from a main event, it would get Gomi on track and provide an entertaining scrap for the fans.

A fight with Fisher would fall under the "make" category of this list.

Sam Stout

Coming off of arguably his best performance against Joe Lauzon, it would make sense for Sam Stout to have earned a step up in competition.

Stout is already scheduled to face Jeremy Stephens next, but I do see Stout coming away the winner in that match. If so, this is the kind of mid-level match that could show us exactly what Gomi has left.

Stout has never been stopped in the UFC, except for a submission loss to Kenny Florian four years ago. Stout has improved leaps and bounds since then. Also, submissions are not Gomi's forte.

This would likely be a three round war. A win for Stout would be the biggest of his career. A win for Gomi would put him on track, but do little for his legacy besides put a UFC win on his resume.

A loss for Gomi would truly signal the end of the star we once knew.

Joe Stevenson

With both fighters coming off a loss, Joe Stevenson would be a practical matchup. It would be a make or break fight for both fighters.

Gomi would have a huge advantage on the feet, but as displayed in his fight against Nate Diaz, Stevenson is a high level grappler.

Honestly, this fight offers the fans nothing. I have no interest in the two meeting, and hopefully the UFC feels the same.

Nonetheless, it is a realistic possibility.

Jim Miller

Currently on a four fight win streak, Miller would present a lot of problems for Gomi.

Miller is talented, young, focused, and as tough as they come. One thing he is not, is a big name.

This would be a steep test for Gomi. I would put this fight in the "break" category. It would be more about transforming Miller from "the younger brother of that other guy," to "the guy that just beat Gomi."

If Miller stuck to a disciplined plan, he could grind this one out. Gomi rarely comes in with any sort of plan other than just landing his heavy hands.

It would be a springboard for another lightweight contender.

Gray Maynard

Maynard appears to be heading for a match with Kenny Florian, but if the UFC instead chose to build Maynard's name more, a fight with Gomi would certainly accomplish that.

Maynard has become a very intelligent, well-rounded fighter. He has the ability to keep his opponent guessing whether a combination or a take down are coming.

It would be an awful style matchup for Gomi, equally as much as Florian was. If the UFC made this fight, it would be clear they had no use for Gomi except building their already existing contender's status.

Adding a name like Gomi to his resume would be huge for the career of Maynard.

Bonus: Clay Guida

This is the fight I truly believe is going to be made. For one reason or another, the fans love Guida. He is back on the winning track and a fight against Gomi would likely produce fireworks.

Gomi would have many chances of landing his powerful hooks as Guida came rushing in. Guida could also take Gomi down and keep him there.

They are the last two men to be defeated by Florian. Guida has fought mostly every big name in the division, besides the champion.

This fight makes sense because the UFC would benefit no matter who won.