The Arena Jaragua in Jaraguá do Sul, Brazil played host to UFC Fight Night 36 on Saturday night and while the prelims delivered no finishes whatsoever for the second event in a row, the main card did provide some sparks.

Gegard Mousasi, the former Strikeforce champ at 205-lbs, had an uneventful return to Middleweight as Lyoto Machida outpointed the Dutchman to what was a fairly lopsided Unanimous Decision victory. Machida used his trademark footwork and unorthodox striking to full effect, and made it difficult for Mousasi to land anything substantial for the duration of the contest. Mousasi landed an illegal up kick in the fourth frame but referee Mario Yamasaki found no reason to award a point deduction.

UFC Fight Night 36: What’s next for the main card winners?

Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza had more reasons to celebrate as he neutralized the wrestling and grinding pedigree of Tristar’s Francis Carmont. Souza was completely dominant in the first round as a figure four lock around Carmont’s waist allowed the Brazilian to control position, and have a few attempts at a Rear-Naked Choke. But Carmont showed great heart and tenacity with his defense, and even came back strong in the second round, perhaps with a renewed sense of urgency, in his attempt to finish the fight. That, along with GSP’s motivational pep talk in between rounds wasn’t enough, however, as in the third and final frame, ‘Jacare’ clearly had the upper-hand and deserved the final judges’ nod.

Elsewhere on the card, Erick Silva got back in the win column after demolishing UFC newcomer Takenori Sato within 52s, while Nicholas Musoke had a come-from-behind performance of sorts in his victory over TUF: Brazil alum, Viscardi Andrade. Charles Oliveira, meanwhile, submitted the always tough Andy Ogle in the main card opener.

So with that, it’s that time again where we at MMASucka.com play “matchmaker” and derive match-ups that could materialize for the main card winners. Sitting on the matchmaker’s armchair is no easy task by any standards so if your solutions differ from ours, state them in the comments section below.

Let’s get started!

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Name: Charles Oliveira (17-4, 1 NC)

Who he should contest next: Dustin Poirier (15-3)

Both fighters are hot prospects in the rapidly improving 145-lbs division and we could very well see either of them with a strap around their waist in the near future. While Oliveira is known for his submission prowess, his stand-up abilities are just as good, which makes this match-up against Dustin Poirier an early “Fight of the Night” candidate. A spot in the contenders’ mix could very well await the winner.

Fighter: Nicholas Musoke (12-2, 1 NC)

Who he should contest next: Adlan Amagov (13-2, 1 NC)

With equal records in the UFC and similar resumes, this match-up makes perfect sense. Amagov and Musoke are of the same age too. Neither combatant are close to a title shot but a win could move the victor further up the Welterweight ladder and where a possible match-up with a top ten opponent could be on the horizon.

Name: Erick Silva (16-4, 1 NC)

Who he should contest next: Winner of Rick Story (16-7) vs. Kevin Gastelum (7-0)

Let’s be frank – neither Nate Loughran or Takenori Sato were ideal match-ups for Erick Silva, who was pretty much a sure-fire favorite when pitted against them. For a fighter of his calibre, he needs a challenge. Whether he is/was a prospect is not the question. With his ability to finish fights and put on flashes of brilliance, he deserves a top opponent.

Rick Story faces Kevin Gastelum at UFC 171 and the winner of that bout should befittingly face Silva next.

Name: Ronaldo Souza (20-3, 1 NC)

Who he should contest next: Winner of Brad Tavares (12-1) vs. Yoel Romero (7-1)

After that impressive victory over Francis Carmont on Saturday night, ‘Jacare’ firmly established himself as a top five Middleweight in the rankings. But with Lyoto Machida on the cusp of a title shot next, it would make sense for the Brazilian to face the winner of Tavares vs. Romero, a match-up that takes place at UFC on FOX 11. If he gets a win, he’ll definitely be in line for a shot at the strap.

Name: Lyoto Machida (21-4)

Who he should contest next: Winner of Chris Weidman (11-0) vs. Vitor Belfort (24-10)



UFC president Dana White said prior to UFC Fight Night 36 that Machida could earn a title shot by beating Mousasi. And after that impressive performance which White gave the Brazilian huge credit for, we may very well see Machida in another title bout soon. Chris Weidman defends his crown against Vitor Belfort at UFC 173, and the winner could be line for a match-up with Machida next.

*Pictures credit: Ultimate Fighting Championship

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