UFC 138: 5 Possible Fights for Terry Etim

It took Terry Etim just 17 seconds to emerge victorious in his return to the UFC.

Etim came out and initiated the fight with a spinning back kick. His opponent, Edward Faaloloto attempted to clinch but found himself the victim of a quick guillotine choke.

Etim finds himself in the middle of a very packed lightweight division and has some options as to who he gets next.

5. The Winner of Rafael Dos Anjos vs. Gleison Tibau

Etim has fought and lost to both of these men. His last loss came by way of arm bar against Rafael dos Anjos.

His bout with Gleison Tibau saw the Brit thoroughly outwrestled in front of his country men.

Avenging either loss would not only get some measure of revenge for Etim but would also be a win over a middle of the pack lightweight. 

4. Thiago Tavares

Facing against Thiago Tavares would give Terry Etim the chance to face someone who's also coming off a rebound win.

Tavares was floored against Shane Roller but recently bounced back against veteran Spencer Fisher.

Etim's height could allow him to keep his distance and pick apart Tavares at range. It would also be interesting to see if Tavares could implement his ground skills against the lanky fighter.

3. Jeremy Stephens

Even though the UFC tends to match winners with other winners, a fight with Jeremy Stephens could provide to be an interesting stand up battle.

Etim would likely try to stay on the outside while Stephens would try to get inside and unleash the power he has in his hands.

If Etim finds himself on the losing end of a striking battle, don't be surprised if he attempts to use his physical gifts on the ground to submit Stephens.

2. Matt Wiman

"Handsome" Matt Wiman is coming off an impressive fight against Mac Danzig. The pace both men set was surreal as they were constantly engaging each other for the full three rounds.

Wiman's pace would show if Etim is back to full shape after a long layoff. He handled Cole Miller, another lanky lightweight but Etim is a better striker.

Also a fight against Wiman would give Etim a fight against a popular fighter.

1. Cole Miller

A matchup with Cole Miller would provide an exciting fight between two of the 155 lb division's taller fighters.

Miller has the jiu-jitsu, but Etim has the better striking in my opinion. If Cole can get the fight to the ground, fans could be treated to some fast scrambles as two longer-limb fighters avoid each other's submission attempts.

Facing off against Miller could also give Etim a chance to make himself be heard to UFC fans as Miller is never one to shy away from pre-fight trash talk. Etim should take advantage of the free publicity and get his name out there.