Pat Barry vs. Lavar Johnson Results: Fights for Johnson to Take Next

Nothing is for certain in the UFC heavyweight division.

No fighter exemplifies that more than Lavar Johnson. The Strikeforce import was brought to the Octagon riding a two-fight losing streak and has since put together a two-fight winning streak.

So where does Johnson go from here?

Although the heavyweight division has gotten deeper in recent years, finding an ideal matchup for Johnson is tougher than you think.

Here's a look at five fights that could be in his near future.

Rob Broughton

Although Broughton is on a two-fight skid of his own, the British fighter possesses one of the best chins in the heavyweight division.

The only time he has been finished by TKO or KO came by way of a cut more than five years ago.

With Johnson known for his punching power and finishing ability—15 of his 17 wins have come by TKO or KO—something would have to give in this matchup.

Philip De Fries

Another British fighter, De Fries is a completely different type of fighter than the aforementioned Broughton.

De Fries, a submission specialist, suffered his first loss at the hands of Stipe Miocic in February.

A fight between him and Johnson would be the classic striker versus grappler affair. Has Johnson shored up the holes in his submission defense?

Matt Mitrione

Stylistically, this might be the most entertaining possibility for Johnson.

Mitrione, a former football player and Ultimate Fighter alum, is known for having a hard head and heavy hands. That's a recipe for a firefight with Johnson.

If the UFC wants an entertaining fight, this is the fight to make.

Mark Hunt/Stefan Struve Winner

Perhaps the best way to gauge where Johnson is in the heavyweight division would be to pit him against the winner of this fight.

Should he be matched up against Mark Hunt, he would be facing one of the most accomplished strikers in the division—who also possesses an iron chin.

Against Struve, Johnson's raw power would give him an edge standing, but Struve's long limbs and submission game could spell the end for Johnson.

If the UFC wants to build Johnson into a contender, a fight with either of these combatants makes a lot of sense.

Shane Carwin

Want to ensure that the Octagon shakes violently? Why not match up the two hardest hitters in the division?

On paper, Carwin is on another level. His only losses have come at the hands of former champion Brock Lesnar and current divisional kingpin Junior dos Santos.

But who wouldn't want to watch the sluggers go at it?

While it is unlikely that Johnson would have much for Carwin, a win for Johnson would propel him up the ladder and give the UFC a new heavyweight star.

Rob Tatum is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report MMA. You can also find Rob's work at The MMA Corner. For anything related to MMA, follow him on Twitter.