Dec 29, 2012; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Cain Velasquez (top) strikes Junior Dos Santos (bottom) during UFC 155 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Coming into UFC 155, no fighter had more pressure on them than Cain Velazquez. For the newly re-crowned UFC Heavyweight championship, his rematch with Brazilian Junior dos Santos was not only a chance to redeem his knockout loss to the now former champ, but also a chance to protect his legacy. A second loss to dos Santos would likely mean the end of Velazquez’s days of title contender at heavyweight. To make matters worse, Velazquez does not have the ability to drop down to a lightweight class or move up a la Frankie Edgar, Chael Sonnen, or BJ Penn did when they lost two title fights in their respective divisions.

Luckily for Velazquez, he dominated dos Santos from bell to bell, beating down the Brazilian with constant pressure, takedowns, and ground and pound. The 25-minute beat down leaves the door open for a trilogy fight between the consensus top-two heavyweights in the world, but it does not appear that that fight (which likely be held in a stadium) will be up next. Instead Velazquez, a bout with Dutch behemoth Alistair Overeem seems to be the best option available. Assuming Overeem is licensed in Nevada and can beat the formidable Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva on Super Bowl weekend, a bout between the two makes too much sense not to make sometime in 2013.

In the aftermath of UFC 155, here are seven other bouts that should be made.

Junior dos Santos versus Alistair Overeem – Antonio Silva loser

Even with the loss, dos Santos is not too far out of the title picture in the shallow heavyweight division. At worst, “Cigano” is two fights away from getting a chance to get his title back. A win over either Silva or Overeem would put him real close to getting a trilogy fight against Velazquez. He’s simply too good not to get another crack at the title in late 2013 or in early 2014.

Jim Miller versus Rafael dos Anjos

Miller beat Joe Lauzon in what I consider to be 2012’s “Fight of the Year”. The bloody, exhausting 15-minute bout saw Miller get back in the win column after a submission loss to Nate Diaz back in May. While he’s not quite ready to get back into the immediate title picture, he is ready to earn his place back in that discussion. A bout against the surging dos Anjos would be great scrap for both men in early 2013.

Alan Belcher versus Vitor Belfort – Michael Bisping loser

Yushin Okami simply out grappled Belcher on UFC 155’s main card. “The Talent” lost his big chance to become a real contender at 185, and is now back looking for a big win in order to regain his contender status. A bout with either Belfort or Bisping would be a big opportunity for Belcher to get back on the contender path at 185.

Joe Lauzon versus Mark Bocek

Never is Lauzon in a boring fight, and that streak continued at UFC in his bout with Miller. He may never become a real contender, but he’s always going to be in exciting scraps as long he continues fighting. A bout with the aforementioned Diaz has been mentioned, but once he heals from his wounds, I’d like to see him take on Bocek. If he wins there, he will have earned another crack at a Top 10 opponent in the stacked lightweight division.

Dec 29, 2012; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Joe Lauzon during UFC 155 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Erik Perez versus Johnny Bedford

“Goyito” now stands 3-0 at 135 in the UFC, and has the potential to become a real player in the bantamweight division. Still relatively raw, he is not quite ready for the likes of Urijah Faber, Renan Barao, and the other top-level fighters just yet, but he is ready for a step up in completion. Bedford, a tough veteran, is a good step up for Perez, who at 23, is improving in each fight.

Jaime Varner versus Diego Sanchez – Takanori Gomi winner

Varner took home a spilt decision in his grudge match with Melvin Guillard, but he won the fight much clearer than the spilt decision indicates. He wants a rematch with Lauzon, but seeing as the UFC likes to match up fighters who have both won with each other, that bout doesn’t make too much sense. Sanchez and Gomi will throw down in Japan in February, and the winner would make an ideal opponent for the former WEC champ.

Chris Leben versus Alessio Sakara

Leben returned from a long layoff against Derek Brunson on the PPV opener of UFC 155, and he was out grappled en route to a pretty boring decision. Even with the loss, it would be a surprise to see Leben cut considering his long history with the UFC. Matching him up with a striker in his next fight would give him a good opportunity to get back in the win column, and keep his job. Sakara, most recently linked to a bout with Patrick Cote, would be a good opponent for Leben.

Dec 8, 2012, Seattle, WA, USA; Ben Henderson (top) fights Nate Diaz (bottom) during the fourth round of their championship lightweight bout at MMA on FOX 5 at Key Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Coming off of two close and controversial victories over Frankie Edgar, Benson Henderson was in need of a dominant victory to prove himself in the eye of the ever-fickle mixed martial arts fan community. His UFC on Fox 5 opponent, Stockon bad boy Nate Diaz, was a stylistic challenge for the champion on paper. Featuring in your face, high volume boxing and slick, high-level jiu-jitsu, Diaz was on paper a stylistic nightmare for Henderson. But bucking the predictions of a close fight, Henderson went out and smashed Diaz for five rounds, winning by scores of 50-45, 50-45, and 50-43. He not only dominated Diaz with ground and pound, but also dropped Diaz three times in the fight. It was the victory Henderson needed to assert himself as the true king of 155.

There are two names being floated out there for Henderson’s next opponent: Anthony Pettis and Gilbert Melendez. Pettis, who handed Henderson his lone loss in the last sixteen fights at WEC 53, fights Donald Cerrone next month at UFC on Fox 6. Provided he wins that fight, I think Pettis is right fight to book. Not only would that fight be a sellable rematch for the UFC to sell, but as you may remember, Pettis landed the infamous “Showtime Kick” to seal his victory in that fight. In my opinion, that is the clear fight to book at this time.

Here are give other bouts to book in the aftermath of UFC on Fox 5.

Rory MacDonald versus Carlos Condit

MacDonald asked for this fight in his post fight interview with Joe Rogan after beating down BJ Penn for three rounds, and I cannot think of one good reason not to book this fight. MacDonald is undefeated since losing to Condit at UFC 115, while Condit elevated his status as an elite welterweight to its highest point ever by becoming the UFC interim welterweight champion. Neither was Top 5 in their original bout, but now it’s pretty hard to argue that either man is not top five at this point. MacDonald wants it, Dana White says he is interested in it, so as long as Condit agrees to it, I think we’ll see this fight in early 2013. If not Condit for MacDonald, a bout with Dong Hyun Kim would make a lot of sense based on where they are in the division.

Dec 8, 2012, Seattle, WA, USA; Rory MacDonald (right) fights B.J. Penn, during the second round of their welterweight bout at MMA on FOX 5 at Key Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Alexander Gustafsson versus Jon Jones – Chael Sonnen winner

Preferably, I’d like to see Gustafsson fight one more time before getting a title shot to avoid a long layoff, but I’m not sure there is anyone out there who makes sense for him. With his win over “Shogun” Rua, he has earned his spot at the top of the division, and career wise it makes sense for him to wait. The only downside is that he will have to wait at least six months for his shot, and that is assuming everyone comes out healthy of the Jones-Sonnen fight.  One intriguing option is this: if Dan Henderson is hurt still as rumored, plug in Gustafsson against Lyoto Machida at UFC 157. Another is Rashad Evans, assuming he beats Antonio Rogerio Noguiera at UFC 156.

Nate Diaz versus Diego Sanchez

Diaz has nothing to be ashamed of in losing to Benson Henderson. He fought hard with an injured eye, and there are still plenty of fights out there for him at 155. He should start by battling Sanchez, who is set to return to 155 after a run at 170 pounds. I love this fight for it’s potential scrambles, wild striking exchanges, and mean mugging stare downs. Both of these TUF veterans come to scrap every time out, and if you remember the Nick Diaz – Sanchez bout from The Ultimate Fighter 2 Finale, you’ll know that this one has “Fight of the Night” written all over it.  I’d love to see this headline a FUEL TV or FX card sometime in early 2013.

Dennis Siver versus Cub Swanson

After a mildly successful run at 155, Siver looks like a new man at 145. After beating Diego Nunes, Siver smashed the always-game Nam Phan on the prelims of UFC on Fox 5. At this point, I’m ready to see him take a step up in competition, and find out if he is legitimate contender material. A matchup against Swanson, who has won three straight fights by TKO or KO, would be a good litmus test for Siver. The winner of this bout would be in prime contention to get a big name at 145, and could be within a fight or two of getting a title shot.

Yves Edwards versus Rafael dos Anjos

Both Edwards and dos Anjos are coming off of impressive victories at an interesting time for the lightweight division. Edwards won via first round knockout over Jeremy Stephens at UFC on Fox 5, becoming the first man to KO “Lil’ Heathen”. dos Anjos most recently dominated Canadian grappler Mark Bocek for three rounds at UFC 154, and is in need of a big name for his next bout. Both of these fighters have the ability to succeed wherever the fight takes place, and with both coming off of wins, a bout between would be a good addition to a early 2013. A backup bout for Edwards would be Josh Thomson, whom Edwards beat via head kick KO way back in 2004 at UFC 49.

Dec 8, 2012, Seattle, WA, USA; Alexander Gustafsson (blue trunks) fights Mauricio Rua during their light Heavyweight bout at MMA on FOX 5 at Key Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Mauricio “Shogun” Rua versus Glover Teixeira – Quinton “Rampage” Jackson loser

To be frank, the “Shogun” we see fighting now is not the same “Shogun” from his days in PRIDE. He looks shower, a little worn down for his many wars, and just not in shape. He’s still competitive, but one has to wonder if his days near the top of 205 are done. In his recent fights against Dan Henderson, Brandon Vera, and Jones, we have seen “Shogun” endure severe physical punishment. If he is in shape, I still like him against top-level guys at 205. A good gauge of where Rua stands would be a bout against the loser of the Teixeira – Jackson bout at next months UFC on Fox 6 card, particularly if it were Jackson.

Nov 17, 2012; Montreal, QC, Canada; Johny Hendricks reacts after knocking out Martin Kampmann (not pictured) during first round action of their Welterweight bout at UFC 154 at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-US PRESSWIRE

Georges St. Pierre and Carlos Condit put on an instant classic at UFC 154. Their fight, though largely dominated by GSP, saw both men bloodied and bruised at the end of 25 minutes.  At the press conference, GSP showed up with an ice bag for his face, which was mostly bruised from his bout. In his reign as welterweight champion, this was the most damage GSP had taken since his upset loss to Matt Serra at UFC 69. But he came out victorious, looking as dominate (and healthy) as ever.

Meanwhile, in the co-main event, Johny Hendricks laid out Martin Kampmann with his signature left hand, which is quickly becoming the most feared punch in MMA outside of Dan Henderson’s H-Bomb. His knockout of Kampmann was almost identical to his 12-second victory over perennial contender Jon Fitch at UFC 141. At this time, Hendricks is the number one contender – but it appears that the UFC will look to book the Anderson Silva – St. Pierre super fight instead of giving Hendricks his shot at the title. But in my opinion, I think St. Pierre – Hendricks is the bout to book.

Hendricks said post fight that GSP had never fought anyone like him – and I believe that to be true. Hendricks, a two-time national champion wrestler in college, has the best credentials of anyone GSP has faced in terms of wrestling. Also, as mentioned above, he has one shot knockout power that few, if any, at welterweight can match. I’m sure I am in the minority, but I feel GSP-Hendricks is the way to go at this moment.  If Hendricks stuffs GSP’s takedows, we could be in for a real barnburner on the feet. Let Silva fight Michael Bisping (if he beats Vitor Belfort) or the winner of Chris Weidman – Tim  Plus, if GSP stays at 170 for the foreseeable future, we may get to see his grudge match against a certain Stockon bad boy who is set to come off of suspension in February.

Here are five other bouts to book in the aftermath of UFC 154.

Matt Riddle versus Dan Hardy

Riddle cut amazing promo for a bout with Hardy after UFC 149 and again after UFC 154. He’s an exciting fighter who seems to be improving every fight out, and I think he has earned a step up in competition. A bout with the resurgent Hardy, who is coming off a dominant decision win over Amir Sadollah, makes too much not sense to book at this point. I think it would it would be a great way to open the UFC on Fox 6 card in January or even as opening fight on a major PPV card. I can’t see this fight being anything other than exciting.

Carlos Condit versus Martin Kampmann

Both men lost at UFC 154, albeit in different ways. Condit proved that he was a top-flight welterweight in his loss to St. Pierre, and almost finished the champ in round three while Kampmann got separated from his senses . Both men, however, are now back in the pack of a very crowded welterweight division, and will need a big win if they want to make a another run at the top. These two should be booked for a rematch sometime in 2013, with the winner in prime position to get back in the title picture at 170. If not this bout, a match up with the aforementioned Nick Diaz would make a lot of sense for  either Condit or Kampmann.

Ivan Menjivar versus TJ Dillashaw

Menjivar took UFC rookie Azamat Gashimov’s arm home with him on the prelims of UFC 154, and he set himself up for some fun bouts at 135. I have my doubts about Menjivar as serious contender at bantamweight, but at the very least, he will provide stern tests for young fighters. That is where is Dillashaw comes in. The 26-year old Team Alpha Male product is currently injured, but when he is healthy, a bout between these two would give the victor a chance to get a Top 10 opponent in a bantamweight division currently in flux. The battle between Dillashaw’s smothering too game and Menjivar’s sneaky good jiu-jitsu game would be a fun stylistic match up for an FX or FUEL TV main card.

Rafael dos Anjos versus TJ Grant – Matt Wiman

dos Anjos put forth his best UFC performance against Mark Bocek by stifling the Canadian’s every offense move. He has had his highs and lows in his UFC career, but he appears to be finally putting together. Currently on a three fight winning streak, dos Anjos is that territory right above the mid-tier, but he not quite a contender. The winner of the Grant-Wiman, which takes place at UFC on Fox 6 in January, will be on the same level as dos Anjos in the lightweight pecking order. The winner of this potential bout could get a crack at the top levels at 155, which in the UFC, is incredibly deep and could get even deeper soon if Gilbert Melendez and/or Eddie Alvarez make their way to the UFC.

Darren Elkins versus Clay Guida – Hatsu Hioki winner

Elkins was impressive in his UFC 154 victory over Steven Siler, battering his opponent with takedowns and ground and pound for majority of three rounds. At 4-0 at 145, he is need a bigger name, and one that could force him to fight on the feet. The winner of Guida – Hioki would not only give Elkins a Top 10 foe, but also take him out of comfort zone. Guida would likely be able to defend his takedowns, and Hioki was the jiu-jitsu game to threaten Elkins off of his back for the first time 145. Either way, a bout with either of these two men would give us a real read on what Elkins ceiling is as a featherweight contender.