UFC 134 Results: 5 Fights Rousimar Palhares Should Take Next

Rousimar Palhares came closer to finishing Dan Miller than the likes of Michael Bisping, Demian Maia, Chael Sonnen and Nate Marquardt.

It was a raucous first round, a dominating second round and conservative third round.

During the first and second rounds, Herb Dean came very close to jumping in to save Miller, but Miller once again displayed his durability.

It is a big win for Palhares as he can now ride some momentum after a mental gaffe let to a disappointing loss against Nate Marquardt three fights ago.

As Palhares moves forward to look for this third win in a row, what kind of competition does he get matched up against?

These are the top five fights Palhares should take next. 

5. Winner of Tom Lawlor vs. Chris Weidman

Rousimar Palhares has yet to be tested by an elite wrestler and the winner of the Lawlor vs. Weidman matchup could be lined up right in his sites.

Both Weidman and Lawlor need to be tested by a submission specialist like Palhares on their ascent up the ranks as well.

4. Jared Hamman

Jared Hamman just recently announced himself to the middleweight division with a stirring come-from-behind victory over C.B. Dollaway.

The 6'3'' Hamman would make for an interesting physical matchup against the 5'8'' Palhares.

3. Winner of Alan Belcher vs. Jason MacDonald

Alan Belcher is making his anticipated return to action in a few weeks against fellow veteran UFC middleweight Jason MacDonald.

Whoever proves victories in that battle would be wise to take a big matchup against the dangerous Palhares.

2. Loser of Brian Stann vs. Chael Sonnen

Chael Sonnen vs. Brian Stann is supposed to be a No. 1 contender match.

The loser of the matchup will still very much be in the limelight and will represent a big step up in competition.

1. Yushin Okami

In the headliner at UFC 134, Yushin Okami suffered a crushing defeat to champion Anderson Silva and received the first TKO/KO of his career since 2003.

Palhares would be no softball if Okami wants to reaffirm his status in the division and it would represent a key matchup for the surging "Toquinho."