UFC 160 Results: 5 Fights for Donald Cerrone to Take Next

Donald Cerrone might not fare too well when the stakes are high, but Saturday night, "Cowboy" reminded fans around the world why he is unquestionably one of the best lightweight fighters on the planet.

In the opening fight of UFC 160's main card, Cerrone schooled former Elite XC champion K.J. Noons for three rounds en route to a bloody and unanimous decision win.

The former WEC standout hopes to fight for gold at some point in his UFC career, and with a win like the one earned Saturday, he is taking steps in the right direction. However, the next step is pivotal to the ultimate high point of Cerrone's career.

Here is a look at five potential opponents for Cerrone to fight next.

Khabib Nurmagomedov

We kick off our analysis with a look at another lightweight standout who looked fantastic at UFC 160: Khabib Nurmagomedov.

The Russian set a UFC record Saturday night when he took down Abel Trujillo an unprecedented 21 times. In victory, Nurmagomedov improves his record to a flawless 20-0 and demands the attention of ranked fighters everywhere.

Similar to Cerrone, Nurmagomedov is an aggressive fighter who likes to push the pace and will be happy to grapple against any man willing to challenge him.

Gilbert Melendez

Should Gilbert Melendez and Donald Cerrone square off next, it would be a meeting of the No. 1 and No 6. contenders for the UFC lightweight championship.

In April, Melendez unsuccessfully challenged for the UFC lightweight title, however many feel that "El Nino" was the deserved winner, despite losing the decision.

Melendez is a well-rounded stud who can engage in a war at the drop of a hat. A fight with Cerrone has the potential to be an instant classic.

Diego Sanchez

On UFC Tonight, it was revealed that Diego Sanchez has his sites set on Josh Thomson, Gilbert Melendez or Nate Diaz. While each of those lightweight matchups would prove interesting, no one would pair up with "The Dream" for a more exciting affair than Donald Cerrone.

Both Cerrone and Sanchez have dynamic striking and a gas pedal that is commonly pressed to the floor. Should the fight hit the ground, both wrestlers have notable grappling skills and can hold their own.

Sanchez is not currently ranked as a lightweight, and he is coming off of a controversial victory against Takanori Gomi. With that being said, he is a proven commodity inside the Octagon and has enough name value that few would bat an eye if this matchup were booked.

Pat Healy

Regardless of what the record books say, Pat Healy submitted Jim Miller at UFC 159. By far, it was the most impressive victory that Healy has ever earned, and the brawling grappler is ready for his chance to shine at 155 pounds.

Healy vs. Cerrone is an interested matchup on paper. Due to Cerrone's history of competing against the elite, it's easy to see Cowboy being a favorite in this matchup. However, with Healy's surge of momentum, any bet against "Bam Bam" could prove costly. 

Josh Thomson

Post-fight Saturday night, Donald Cerrone was asked by the press about a potential fight with Josh Thomson. "Cowboy" was quick to say that he would love to take the scrap and that he would fight anyone put in his way.

Thomson recently called out Cerrone, so with both fighters on board for this affair, Joe Silva has a very easy job to do.