UFC 131 Results: Three Fights for Kenny Florian to Take Next

Following His UFC 131 victory over Diego Nunes, Kenny Florian has gone from a fringe contender at 155, to a legit option to challenge Jose Aldo for the featherweight belt.

This might be because of Florian being the most well known fighter in a relatively new division (likely), or because there is absolutely no depth in the 145lb division (even more likely).

Whether the MMA universe likes it or not, Florian just entered the top 5 in the UFC’s weakest division, and there are only a few matchups that make sense at this point.

Jose Aldo: Featherweight Title Fight

A fight with Aldo for the featherweight title is the most likely scenario according to UFC president Dana White, and due to the dismal state of the 145lb division, it makes the most sense.

Florian is a marketable name and more importantly, a proven talent.

Kenflo would give Aldo a legitimate opponent to headline a PPV event with this fall. 

Hatsu Hioki: Number One Contender's Bout

The top featherweight in the world not named Jose Aldo, Hatsu Hioki recently vacated his Sengoku title and seems to be headed for the Octagon.

With a 24-2-2 record and wins over top guys like Marlon Sandro and Mark Hominick, Hioki brings an immediate contender into the UFC’s 145lb division.

If the UFC decides to let Jose Aldo wait on the sidelines until a true number one contender is made, Florian-Hioki would seem to be the ideal bout.

Chad Mendes: Number One Contender's Bout (Version 2)

The only way I can see this fight going down is if Aldo suffers another injury and Hioki decides that the UFC isn’t where he wants to be after all.

Mendes is a nightmare opponent for Florian, a wrestler who can keep him on his back and stifle his submission attempts, so this is an unlikely matchup for Joe Silva to make if he wants to make Kenny a contender at 145.