3 Fights for Thomas Almeida Following UFC 189 Win

Rising Brazilian star Thomas Almeida showcased just how good he can be by knocking Brad Pickett out cold at UFC 189 on Saturday night.

The 23-year-old did so just 29 seconds into Round 2 by securing one of the best flying knees you'll ever see in the Octagon.

The knockout marks the third UFC victory in a row for Almeida (20-0 overall) and his 15th career finish by way of knockout.

While Pickett isn't the be-all and end-all of the bantamweight division, he did serve as a good test for the young Brazilian as he aimed to make his name known on the UFC's biggest card yet.

Almeida did just that, and he will look to work his way toward a shot at the title in 2016.

Here are three fights for him to take, following his Performance of the Night victory at UFC 189:

Johnny Eduardo

This may not be the sexiest matchup for Almeida, but Eduardo is ranked No. 9 in the division, and he knocked out Eddie Wineland back in May 2014 at UFC Fight Night 40.

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He has recently recovered from a torn labrum in his left shoulder and should be ready to fight by the end of 2015.

This fight would essentially pit one of the oldest fighters in the division against one of the youngest, but their mutual ability to deliver fight-ending blows would certainly deliver fireworks.

A future event in Brazil would serve as a perfect setting for this contest.

Aljamain Sterling

It may not be in the best interest of the UFC to schedule a fight between two of their most promising young talents, but Sterling vs. Almeida would be a sensational matchup at 135 pounds.

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It would also launch the winner into immediate title contention entering 2016.

On paper, Sterling's relentless wrestling and pressure could limit Almeida's effectiveness on the feet, but we haven't seen anything from the Brazilian to suggest he couldn't handle it.

Their combined record entering this fight would be an incredible 31-0.

Michael McDonald

As a personal favorite in the bantamweight division, McDonald is due to return from a lengthy layoff by the end of the year.

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His sensational striking and punching power would complement that of Almeida to a tee, as he looks to reestablish his worth among the likes of champion TJ Dillashaw, Renan Barao, Dominick Cruz and Raphael Assuncao.

While Mayday has earned his keep among these elite fighters at 135 pounds, his near-20 month absence leaves him in desperate need of a victory.

Almeida is the perfect opponent to test the resolve of McDonald, and a win would consequently allow the Brazilian to leapfrog almost an entire division.

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