UFC 142 Results: 5 Fights for Edson Barboza to Take Next

After knocking out Terry Etim with a spinning heel kick at UFC 142, Edson Barboza proved he is ready for the big time. 

Barboza earned "Knockout of the Night" as well as his third straight "Fight of the Night" bonus. 

Barboza is one of the best young strikers in MMA today and could become a serious threat in the lightweight division.  

Here are five fights that he could take to prove he is ready for a high-profile fight. 

Gleison Tibau

Arguably the biggest lightweight in MMA today, Gleison Tibau is currently on a three-fight winning streak. 

Tibau is a crafty veteran who's been in the UFC since 2006. 

Tibau's never been knocked out cold, and he could give Barboza difficulty if he could get him to the ground. 

Sean Sherk

Former UFC lightweight champion Sean Sherk is looking to make his return to the Octagon sometime this year. 

Sherk is a powerful wrestler who only has losses to BJ Penn, Georges St-Pierre, Matt Hughes and Frankie Edgar. 

A win over Sherk would give Barboza a huge name on his resume. 

Donald Cerrone

After going 4-0 in his first four UFC fights, Donald Cerrone lost to Nick Diaz at UFC 141. 

Despite the loss, Cerrone is still one of the best lightweights in MMA today. 

Although Cerrone would be a big step up for Barboza, it could go down as fight of the year. 

Clay Guida

Another man who would be a big step up for Barboza is Clay Guida. 

Guida is coming off of a loss to Benson Henderson at UFC on FOX 1. 

Guida, who has become the ultimate gatekeeper in the lightweight division, would be a major test for Barboza. 

Winner or Loser of Jim Miller vs. Melvin Guillard

Depending on which way the UFC chooses to go with Barboza, a match with Guillard or Miller could be another great challenge for him. 

Both Miller and Guillard were making strong title runs before losing their most recent bouts. 

Both would love to get back into the title picture.

Taking out a young and dangerous fighter like Barboza would be a good start for either man.