UFC on Versus 4 Results: Three Fights to Test Rich Attonito at Welterweight Next

After suffering the first loss of his UFC career to Dave Branch in December 2010, Rich Attonito decided to drop from middleweight to welterweight for a fight against Daniel Roberts.

After picking Roberts apart and wobbling him multiple times, Attonito probably should have been able to finish the fight at UFC Live on Versus 4. Nonetheless, it was still a strong performance from Attonito.

With a decision win over Roberts, Attonito earned himself at least a couple more fights with the UFC. So, let's take a look at who Attonito might meet in his next Octagon appearance.

Tony Ferguson

Considering the UFC is probably looking to build up both of these former The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) participants rather than tear one of them down with a loss, this matchup is probably the least likely to be booked out of the three listed.

Still, Attonito would provide an excellent test for the Season 13 TUF winner if the UFC is unable to grant Ferguson his request of a fight with Amir Sadollah.

Claude Patrick

Claude Patrick is also coming off of a win over Daniel Roberts in his last fight, but has not been given a new opponent yet.

Since Patrick dominated Roberts to approximately and equal degree as Rich Attonito, let's have the two square off for a chance at a step up in competition.

A fight with Patrick instead of Ferguson assures that the UFC won't send another TUF alumnus on the way to being released from the organization.

Matt Brown

Like Rich Attonito, Matt Brown also came away with a victory in a must-win fight at UFC Live on Versus 4. Since Attonito and Brown are at similar skill levels and on the same recovery schedule following the event, it seems almost ideal to have them fight each other next.

With both fighters coming away from their fights relatively unscathed, each would be able to make a quick turnaround and look to take another step forward in the deepening welterweight division.

Sean Smith is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report MMA. For the latest insight and updates on everything MMA, you can follow Sean on Twitter here.