UFC 137: 5 Matches To Make After the Event

At UFC 137, Nick Diaz proved that he was worth all the trouble he caused leading up to the event by picking up an impressive victory over B.J. Penn.

Originally expected to fight Georges St-Pierre for the welterweight title, Diaz was removed from the bout after missing multiple press conferences.

Veteran heavyweights Cheick Kongo and Roy Nelson also picked up important wins at UFC 137. Kongo stifled the up-and-coming Matt Mitrione, while Nelson knocked out Mirko Filipovic and brought an end to the Croatian's legendary career.

With another exciting event in the rear-view mirror, it's time to look ahead at what match-ups may result from UFC 137. Here are five of the most intriguing bouts that should or will come out of Saturday's fights.

Donald Cerrone vs. Anthony Pettis

With a win over Dennis Siver, Donald Cerrone is now in the hunt for a lightweight title shot.

Fighters like Clay Guida and Ben Henderson are closer to the front of the line for that bout with champion Frankie Edgar, but a matchup between Cerrone and Anthony Pettis could put the winner within one victory of a championship fight.

Stylistically, the matchup would produce a very exciting fight regardless of where it takes place. Both fighters are dangerous whether standing or on the ground.

The bout would also give an excellent indication of how much Cerrone has really improved since the WEC merged with the UFC.

Hatsu Hioki vs. Bart Palaszewski

Highly-ranked featherweight Hatsu Hioki was unimpressive in his UFC debut, though the Japanese fighter was able to walk away from UFC 137 with a split decision-victory over George Roop.

Despite the unspectacular performance, Hioki remains a top 145-pound fighter.

With his knockout win over Tyson Griffin, Bart Palaszewski is looking to solidify himself as a featherweight contender.

Since they should both be ready to fight again at around the same time, a bout between Palaszewski and Hioki could set one fighter apart from the pack of 145-pound contenders.

Cheick Kongo vs. Roy Nelson

Both winners of pivotal matchups at UFC 137, Cheick Kongo and Roy Nelson are looking to make one final run at a heavyweight title shot. Both fighters are in their mid-30s but have remained competitive against the best in the division.

By slimming down for his fight with Mirko Filipovic, Roy Nelson showed his dedication to improving and made a serious statement to the few heavyweights ranked above him.

Nelson appeared slightly quicker and more agile than he had in the past.

B.J. Penn vs. Gray Maynard

In his post-fight interview with UFC commentator Joe Rogan at UFC 137, B.J. Penn stated he would retire as a result of his loss to Nick Diaz.

Penn has hinted at retirement in the past and returned, though.It seems very possible that Penn will return for another fight.

If Penn does elect to return to the Octagon, a final run at the lightweight belt would be his most likely course of action. If that is the case, Penn may meet another elite fighter coming off a loss.

Since both Penn and Maynard have failed to beat current lightweight champion Frankie Edgar in two title fights, they will likely need some luck to earn a title shot in the division. However, the winner of this bout would be at the front of the line for a championship fight if Edgar were to lose his belt.

Nick Diaz vs. Georges St-Pierre

While it might not be fair to Carlos Condit, the UFC made the right decision to re-book Nick Diaz's fight with welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre. Not only is this the fight that St-Pierre wants, but it is the fight that fans wanted to see from the beginning.

Condit is one of the top welterweights in the world. However, with a win over B.J. Penn, Nick Diaz is the more deserving contender. There will be plenty of hype heading into this blockbuster matchup.

Let's just hope Diaz shows up to the press conferences this time.