UFC on FX 5: Browne vs. Silva Main Card Recap

The thunderous right hand.
Photo via Josh Hedges

The UFC delivers again. This event was yet another fantastic card on their small scale that introduced promising fighters, new title contenders, and hometown favorites prevailing in victory. Let's take a look at some of those bouts and some possible matchups for both the winners and losers.

Josh Neer vs. Justin Edwards: This fight came as the biggest surprise to myself and many others. Neer was a huge favorite heading into this fight, and understandably so. Edwards was only 1-2 in his UFC career with his only win being over Jorge Lopez. Edwards really had something to prove. He went out there and backed Neer right up. Neer had to go for a takedown but ended up sticking his head right into a guillotine. Edwards cranked it and choked Neer unconscious at only 45 seconds into the fight. It was surprising and very impressive.

Possible matchups for Edwards: With this win, Edwards has become a very exciting prospect. A win like that over a guy like Neer can give you a huge step in your career. Kyle Noke, who is also coming off of a 45 second upset win over Charlie Brenneman, should face off with Edwards in a battle of exciting fighters to watch.

Possible matchups for Neer: Now with two losses in a row in which he was put to sleep in the opening frame, Neer may very well be released following this fight. If he isn’t, a fight with Chris Clements, who is coming off of a loss to Matt Riddle would be a fun loser goes home fight.

John Dodson vs. Jussier Formiga: Although this fight wasn’t the explosive, crazy brawl we hoped for, it was a beautifully fought fight. Whatever Dodson’s gameplan was coming into this fight, it worked to a ”T”. Dodson was in and out landing nice hooks to Formiga and some solid kicks. Because of Dodson’s speed, Formiga wasn’t able to land anything. Eventually in the second round, after already dropping him before, Dodson landed a huge left hook that put Formiga on his butt. A few punches of ground and pound and Dodson became the number one contender at 125 pounds.

Possible matchups for Dodson: Before this fight, Dana announced that the winner would be the first to challenge Demetrious Johnson for the flyweight title. With Dodson having won the fight and becoming a title challenger, the first ever defense of the belt could be the fastest paced fight of all time. I am very excited to say the least.

Possible matchups for Formiga: The fight didn’t exactly go as planned for the Brazilian. Even though he lost this fight, he is still a top-5 flyweight in MMA. Another fighter who is almost a top-5 is Yasuhiro Urushitani and he will be fighting John Lineker. The winner should fight Formiga to get right back into title contention.

Jake Ellenberger vs. Jay Hieron: Both these guys really underwhelmed me in their performances on Saturday. Jake was very timid in attacking and Hieron followed suit. It almost felt like a 15 minute feeling out sparring session. Ellenberger ended up taking the decision, but I would not have argued if Jay won. Ellenberger was just not himself in this performance.

Possible matchups for Ellenberger: Just because you were finished in your last fight, which was a potential number one contenders match, doesn't mean you stop doing what got you there! Chael Sonnen has it right. Whatever got you to where you are doesn't mean you should change it up. Ellenberger needs to go back to what he did before he fought Hieron. Josh Koscheck was his original opponent at UFC 151 but Koscheck was injured and 151 was cancelled. The fight with Koscheck still makes perfect sense.

Possible matchups for Hieron: Despite the fact that he overwhelmed me, it was still impressive that he did arguably win over a top-10 welterweight. He says he still wants a big test but I don't think he is just ready. A fighter looking to become a top contender is Seth Baszynski. The winner between those two would deserve a top-10 or top-15 opponent.

Travis Browne vs. Antonio Silva: Silva seemed to be the better fighter right when it started. Browne tried to throw some pizzazz but it was to no avail. Silva continue to pepper him with some leg kicks and at one point, Browne's knee seemed to have buckled. Silva took advantage of it and pushed him into the fence and landed one the biggest right hands that I have ever seen. It literally looked like he snapped Travis' neck. Browne fell to the ground and Silva landed a few more shots that eventually secured him the first round TKO win.

Possible matchups for Silva: Bigfoot looked awesome in this fight. Even though Browne's knee buckled half way through the first round, Silva still dominated every moment of the fight before hand. With this win, he has become one of the top guys in the UFC. Stefan Struve also pulled off a knockout-upset victory a week ago. A fight between the two could be a number one contenders match for Struve and a win could catapult Silva into a number one contenders match.

Possible matchups for Browne: This is only the first loss for Browne in his entire career. He is still one of the most promising fighters in MMA today. A man in a similar position as him is Stipe Miocic. Two promising facing off heavyweights is always entertaining.