UFC on Fox 16 Results: 3 Fights for Renan Barao to Take Next

The UFC made its return to Chicago Saturday night, as UFC on Fox 16 came to audiences live from the United Center.

The card was headlined by a UFC Bantamweight Championship bout between TJ Dillashaw and Renan Barao. It was a rematch from their first encounter, where a heavy underdog in Dillashaw made a name for himself by upending the longtime champion, Barao.

This time around, nothing was different. Dillashaw completely dismantled Barao, using superior striking and footwork to rout the Brazilian.

It was a devastating loss for Barao, who is now further from the title than ever. He now must go back to the drawing board and figure some things out.

In the meanwhile, here are three fights that Barao can take next in an effort to right the ship.

Dominick Cruz

Dominick Cruz has been away from the cage with injuries. However, if he were to return in the near future, a bout with Barao would seem logical.

Both men have been champions of the division and the best fighters, pound-for-pound. It would be a truly pleasing matchup for both men and a gauge to see if Cruz is ready for a title shot.

Barao at this point is stuck in no-man's land because Dillashaw is champion. So, the Brazilian will be the measuring stick for anyone who is looking to run at the title.

Cruz is that man and could match up nicely with the former UFC champion.

Takeya Mizugaki

Barao has seemingly fought everyone in the bantamweight division. Just look at his record.

A noticeably absent name from his dossier is Takeya Mizugaki, who has been around just as long as, if not longer than, Barao. That makes an impending matchup one to look out for.

Both men love to strike, which makes this a potential Fight of the Night. Mizugaki is a little more technical, while Barao is far more powerful.

This may be the best matchup to make for Barao. A fight against the seasoned vet will determine how he has recovered from his most recent loss.

Loser of John Lineker vs. Francisco Rivera 

UFC 191 on Sept. 5 is home to an absolute barnburner when John Lineker and Francisco Rivera meet. When the fallout settles, the winner will be close to the title picture.

That's where the loser steps in. Whoever fails to gain victory at UFC 191 would be a great opponent for Barao.

Both guys sling heavy leather and are aggressive. That makes a bout with Barao one that would be fun to watch and interesting to see who succeeds.

There are plenty of options going forward for Barao. This one just happens to be too much fun to overlook.