UFC: If Jim Miller Doesn't Get a Title Shot, Who Should He Fight?

If seven victories doesn't get Jim Miller a title shot, maybe eight will. So who's left?

After dispatching of the tough and undefeated Kamal Shalorus this past weekend at UFC 128, fans want to see the 27-year-old from New Jersey fighting for a title soon.

Since Miller likes being active and the UFC isn't in any hurry to give him a title shot, there are still a good amount of opponents he could face before taking on Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard.

Keep in mind a recent string of lightweight fighters are currently signed to fight, so he may have to wait if a title shot is not next on his agenda. A short list of them includes George Sotiropoulos, Melvin Guillard, Dennis Siver, Ben Henderson, Clay Guida, Donald Cerrone and Jeremy Stephens.

No. 5 Winner of Mark Bocek vs. Ben Henderson

Miller fought Canadian fighter Mark Bocek (9-3) before, but it was a close and competitive fight that Bocek did suprisingly better than expected in.

Where the interest really comes into play is if former WEC Lightweight Champion Ben Henderson (12-2) defeats Bocek. Henderson makes his UFC debut at UFC 129 in Toronto, Candada and is coming off a loss to the man who took his title, Anthony Pettis.

Not many fights besides a title shot at this moment are going to make sense for Miller, so would a rematch with Bocek or a fight with a former champion hurt him? It's one he should consider, but the division is stacked and he has many available options.

No. 4 Loser of Anthony Pettis vs. Clay Guida

Many fans would favor Jim Miller getting the title shot over the winner of an upcoming bout between WEC Lightweight Champion Anthony Pettis (13-1) and Clay Guida (28-11).

Even though the winner of the June 4 bout is guaranteed a title shot, Miller may have something to say about it. His seven-fight win streak is better than Guida and Pettis' streaks put together.

If the winner does indeed get a title shot, maybe he can take on the one who loses. Either way, he deserves to be in the number one contender fight for a shot at the lightweight title if there even is such a thing.

No. 3 Winner of Mac Danzig vs. Donald Cerrone

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LAS VEGAS - FEBRUARY 15: UFC fighter Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone arrives at UFC, Famous Stars and Straps and New Era's 'The Magic Party' at XS the nightclub on February 15, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images)

Fans should have an answer by June 11 for who Miller is fighting next but just in case they don't, this is an option that could create a lot of interest.

After Donald Cerrone (14-3) and Mac Danzig (20-8) settle their differences inside the Octagon at UFC 131, the winner will be catapulted into the top of the lightweight division.

Cerrone is one of the most exciting fighters in the division and with several WEC "Fight of the Nights" and unsuccessful title fights under his belt, this could be a good fight to fall back on before Miller is given what he deserves.

If Danzig wins, a rematch with Miller is not as intriguing—but a victory over Cerrone makes him worthy of the chance.

No. 2 Sean Sherk

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CHICAGO - OCTOBER 25: Sean Sherk celebrates his win in the Lightweight bout at UFC's Ultimate Fight Night at Allstate Arena on October 25, 2008 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

It seems like the former UFC lightweight champion only likes to fight once a year but post-fight injuries are keeping the Sean "The Muscle Shark" Sherk (36-4-1) from getting another fight in the UFC.

Sherk's last fight was September 25, 2010 where he took on undefeated prospect Evan Dunham. Sherk was awarded a controversial split-decision after three back-and-forth rounds.

Sherk turns 38 this year, so questions about how many years he has left may start to become relevant as the lightweight division grows with young and talented fighters.

If this fight could be set up for the summer, it would be the ultimate test Miller could have before being awarded the title shot.

No. 1 Loser of Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard

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NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 13: Frankie Edgar, UFC lightweight champion, speaks during a press conference to announce commitment to bring UFC to Madison Square Garden and New York State at Madison Square Garden on January 13, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by

If the winner of Anthony Pettis and Clay Guida does indeed get a title shot, the UFC will need to make up for their lack of focus on Miller. It's not as if his last seven opponents aren't quality fighters.

The reason a fight with the loser of the third fight between Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard makes sense is because Miller's only two losses are to both of them. A win over someone who defeated him could solidify his position as having improved—he can change the perceptions those two defeats have left in fans' eyes.