Florian Submits Gomi in UFC Fight Night 21...Who's Next?

Kenny Florian forced former PRIDE Champion Takanori Gomi to tap out 2:52 into the third round of UFC Fight Night 21. It was an impressive fight, controlled by Florian for the entire event.

The two stood toe to toe for the first two rounds, with Florian getting the best of Gomi with his steady jabs. The third round saw closer action as the two wrestled to the ground, with Florian getting the best of Gomi. Florian eventually applied a rear naked choke hold, forcing Gomi to tap out.

Florian has now made two impressive showings since his failed title bid against BJ Penn in UFC 101 last August. In UFC 107, Kenny defeated Clay Guida via rear naked choke hold at 2:19 of the second round.

BJ Penn will be defending his lightweight Championship belt against Frank Edgar in UFC 112 on April 10, 2010. Could Florian be in line to fight the winner for another title shot?

Florian's UFC record now stands at 11-3. Two of his three losses were title fights (Penn & Sean Sherk), and the other was for the Ultimate Fighter Finale 1 against Diego Sanchez.

Besides Guida and Gomi, he has wins against strong opponents such as Joe Lauzon, Joe Stevenson, and Roger Huerta.

Gray Maynard is a possibility, he is currently undefeated in the UFC. He most recently beat Nate Diaz in January.

Florian is a Massachusetts native, and operates Florian Martial Arts Center in Brookline, MA, with his brother Keith. UFC President Dana White recently announced he will hold a major UFC fight card in the Boston, MA area in 2010.

Could this be perfect opportunity for Florian to get his third title shot? And isn't the third time a charm?