UFC 167: Predicting What's Next for Saturday's Top Winners

Saturday’s UFC 167 was filled with unpredictable finishes and controversial endings, but the focus has already shifted to what’s next for the top winners coming out of this event.

Welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre won via a questionable split decision in the main event and teased retirement in the center of the Octagon after the fight. Despite GSP potentially walking away, UFC president Dana White made it clear he didn’t want this to be the way the champ leaves the sport:

Here is what’s next for all of Saturday’s top winners as they capitalize on the momentum that they built with their victories.

Georges St-Pierre def. Johny Hendricks, Split Decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)

There is no questioning UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre’s ability to squeeze out the close victories, but many believe No. 1 contender Johny Hendricks should have won the decision.

The next fight for St-Pierre should come against Hendricks in the rematch everyone wants.

After the victory on the judges' scorecards, GSP teased a possible retirement. Fox Sports MMA insider Ariel Helwani is reporting the time away from the sport could be temporary, but that is not something White and company officials can let happen.

With the demand for a rematch as high as it will ever be, allowing the champion to take his ball and go home isn’t good for anyone. Not only would Hendricks miss out on his rematch, but the sport would also lose one of its most polarizing champions.

The UFC needs GSP.

If the company can convince the welterweight champion to stick around for at least one more fight before taking his hiatus, the rematch between St-Pierre and Hendricks would be one of the most anticipated main events in years.

GSP’s Next Predicted Fight: Johny Hendricks.

Rashad Evans def. Chael Sonnen, TKO (Round 1, 4:05)

Rashad Evans is one of the most powerful light heavyweights in the history of the sport. After dominating Chael Sonnen via first-round TKO and proving he is a top contender for a title shot, Evans must accept a marquee fight next.

Two possible names are Phil Davis and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.

Davis is one of the hottest fighters in the division and has amassed three straight victories over quality competition. Evans beat Davis via unanimous decision in January 2012, and this rematch would be a great title eliminator.

If Davis isn’t a viable option, White and company officials must book the rematch between Evans and Nogueira. "Little Nog" beat the former champion in February of this year, but with a newfound rhythm and confidence, Evans would have a chance to send a message to the rest of the division while gaining revenge for his most recent loss.

Light heavyweight champion Jon Jones still has two possible fights against Alexander Gustafsson and Glover Teixeira before taking on Evans, but it’s clear that Saturday’s winner is once again on a collision course for the title.

Evans’ Next Predicted Fight: Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.

Tyron Woodley def. Josh Koscheck, Knockout (Round 1, 4:38)

Most MMA fans knew Josh Koscheck from his time on The Ultimate Fighter, but everyone was talking about Tyron Woodley instead on Saturday after he won the Knockout of the Night by beating his opponent in the first round.

After such a dominant performance, White must book Woodley vs. Jake Shields II.

Shields beat Woodley in a controversial split-decision finish at UFC 161, but the definitive outcome of Saturday’s bout makes this is a rematch that must happen. If Woodley wants to climb into title contention, he must find vengeance against the man who beat him previously.

He doesn’t possess the elite height or reach to stand toe-to-toe with the best strikers in the welterweight division, but his power and strength are unmatched. The 31-year-old is just entering the prime of his career, and as one of the brightest rising stars in the division, the rematch with Shields would be his opportunity to prove the skeptics wrong and string together multiple wins.

With GSP’s future in doubt, Woodley proved against Koscheck that he is ready to showcase his talent on the biggest stages. 

Woodley’s Next Predicted Fight: Jake Shields.

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