UFC on Fox 13 Results: Matches to Make for the Entire Fight Card
It was much closer than most expected, and it could even be argued that Stipe Miocic should have won, but Junior Dos Santos returned to the win column with a decision victory Saturday at UFC on Fox 13.
The Brazilian started slow and finished bloodied. However, Cigano landed 56 more significant strikes than Miocic, as his conditioning and experience with going five rounds appeared to be greatly beneficial.
Dos Santos is back on a path toward reclaiming the heavyweight championship. However, with two losses to Cain Velasquez on his record, Dos Santos will probably need some help from Fabricio Werdum in order to earn another title shot any time soon.
With that in mind, here are the matchups that should be next for Dos Santos, Miocic and the rest of the UFC on Fox 13 competitors.
Prelim Fighters
1 of 9
Prelim Winners
| Fighter | Matchup |
| Joanna Jedrzejczyk | Carla Esparza |
| John Moraga | Neil Seery vs. Chris Beal Winner |
| Ben Saunders | Yoshihiro Akiyama |
| Drew Dober | Bryan Barberena |
| Bryan Barberena | Drew Dober |
| David Michaud | Akbarh Arreola |
| Henry Cejudo | Masanori Kanehara |
| Ian Entwistle | Marco Beltran |
Prelim Losers
| Fighter | Matchup |
| Claudia Gadelha | Randa Markos |
| Willie Gates | Roldan Sangcha-an |
| Joe Riggs | Dan Miller vs. Daniel Sarafian Loser |
| Jamie Varner | None (Retire) |
| Joe Ellenberger | Christos Giagos |
| Garett Whiteley | None (Release) |
| Dustin Kimura | Erik Perez |
| Anthony Birchak | Tim Gorman |
Gabriel Gonzaga
2 of 9
Matchup: Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
Following a loss to Stipe Miocic, Gabriel Gonzaga was looking to get back on track against Matt Mitrione at UFC on Fox 13.
Instead, Gonzaga was knocked out in under two minutes Saturday. That leaves Napao with two straight losses, once again leaving him in danger of being released by the world's top MMA promotion.
While Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is a bigger name than Mitrione, he wouldn't really be considered a step up in competition these days. Minotauro has also lost two in a row and is probably only interested in intriguing matchups with fellow veterans as his career winds down.
A potential grappling match between Gonzaga and Nogueira would be a good way to draw some attention toward two fighters who haven't had much success lately.
Matt Mitrione
3 of 9
Matchup: Antonio Silva vs. Frank Mir Winner
Since a submission loss to Brendan Schaub, Mitrione has really turned things around.
"Walkoff courtesy of @mattmitrione! #UFCPhoenix pic.twitter.com/AKfKb5wuPt
— UFCONFOX (@UFCONFOX) December 14, 2014"
With his knockout win Saturday over Gonzaga, Mitrione has now stopped three straight opponents in the opening round. That said, the Brazilian was supposed to test Mitrione's wrestling, but the TUF veteran was able to get past Gonzaga without ever facing a takedown attempt.
Mitrione should see a step up in competition. However, it should come against another fighter capable of causing him problems on the ground.
A bout with the winner of a February matchup between Antonio Silva and Frank Mir seems ideal.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Stefan Struve
4 of 9
Matchup: Brendan Schaub
Returning from a 21-month hiatus, Stefan Struve faced a tough task opposite Alistair Overeem.
As many expected, Struve wasn't quite ready to jump back into the Octagon with the best in the world. Following an Overeem takedown, Struve was overwhelmed by some heavy ground-and-pound, and referee John McCarthy was forced to step in.
"There are way worse things in life then losing a fight, looking forward 2 the future. Getting in there was 1 thing, finding the old me is 2
— Stefan Struve (@StefanStruve) December 14, 2014"
Struve should now be matched up with Brendan Schaub, who has also lost two in a row.
Alistair Overeem
5 of 9
Matchup: Junior Dos Santos
With losses in three of four appearances heading into UFC on Fox 13, Overeem needed a win badly.
The Reem didn't waste much time, as he opted to avoid standing with the taller Struve and finished the bout with ground-and-pound during the opening stanza. It's a small step in the right direction for Overeem. Should Overeem get on a roll, he could re-energize a heavyweight division that lacks depth.
"Alistair Overeem vs. Stefan Struve full fight video highlights http://t.co/sB25U3cT3o pic.twitter.com/W9eS7pZse0
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) December 14, 2014"
He might not quite deserve it, but Overeem should now clash with Dos Santos. It's a grudge match that has been brewing since Overeem was pulled from a scheduled May 2012 title bout between the two.
Nate Diaz
6 of 9
Matchup: Joe Lauzon vs. Al Iaquinta Loser
Nate Diaz did not have a good week at UFC on Fox 13.
The veteran missed open workouts, came in overweight and walked out on an interview. More importantly, he was completely dominated Saturday by Rafael dos Anjos inside the Octagon.
"What's funny is that Nate Diaz is acting like the UFC's CM Punk right now. And the promotion wants no part of the real thing.
— Jonathan Snowden (@mmaencyclopedia) December 14, 2014"
Considering his recent behavior, one has to wonder whether Diaz is considering a temporary retirement like the one his brother had. If he does work things out and decides to continue competing under the UFC banner, Diaz should meet the loser of a January bout between Joe Lauzon and Al Iaquinta.
Rafael dos Anjos
7 of 9
Matchup: Anthony Pettis
With his clear decision victory over Diaz, Dos Anjos has now won eight of his past nine bouts.
In doing so, Dos Anjos has proven he's the lightweight contender second-most deserving of a title shot right now. Luckily for him, the most deserving 155-pound contender is still dealing with injuries.
"Dana White: @RdosAnjosMMA Next in Line for UFC Title Shot with Nurmagomedov Sidelined http://t.co/h3dRLFrqjk
— Sherdog.com (@sherdogdotcom) December 14, 2014"
Undefeated and owning a win over Dos Anjos, Khabib Nurmagomedov looked to be next in line to challenge Anthony Pettis. However, with the Russian not ready to go, it looks like Dos Anjos will get a shot at the lightweight championship after six years with the world's top MMA promotion.
Stipe Miocic
8 of 9
Matchup: Ruslan Magomedov
Miocic had a golden opportunity to become the top contender in the heavyweight division Saturday.
While he wasn't able to capitalize, Miocic did prove he can hang with the best in the world. Facing a former champion, Miocic took Dos Santos to a controversial decision at the end of five competitive rounds.
"well Stipe Miocic, to be the man, you gotta beat the man who beat the man, and then lost twice to the man, but also he beat the interim man
— Chris Nelson (@3ammma) December 14, 2014"
Now, Miocic will have to take a step down in competition. However, should he beat an up-and-comer like Ruslan Magomedov, it probably won't be long before Miocic gets another shot at a top heavyweight contender.
Junior Dos Santos
9 of 9
Matchup: Alistair Overeem
Returning from his loss to Velasquez in October 2013, Dos Santos needed to make a statement to show he is still one of the best in the heavyweight division.
While Dos Santos was able to rebound against Miocic, he wasn't as dominant as expected. Even in victory, Dos Santos may have given ground to the other heavyweight contenders, as he no longer appears to be a runaway No. 2 heavyweight behind Velasquez like he was not too long ago.
"And by the way @junior_cigano is a hell of a fighter and a really nice guy. Thank you for the battle man.
— Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocicufc) December 14, 2014"
A title merger between Velasquez and Fabricio Werdum should be coming soon. While Dos Santos waits to see how that plays out, he should settle a feud with Overeem.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
