Joe Silva’s Shoes: What next for TUF Brazil 3 Finale’s winners?

The second half of the UFC’s weekend doubleheader took place in Sao Paulo, where another international season of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series came to an end.

The TUF Brazil 3 Finale was the victim of many changes, but at the end of the night, heavyweight contender Stipe Miocic (12-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) stood strong after recording an effortless first-round knockout of Fabio Maldonado (21-7 MMA, 4-4 UFC)

Outside of the main event, two new “TUF” winners were crowned in Antonio Carlos Jr. (4-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) and Warlley Alves (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC). Longtime veteran Demian Maia (19-6 MMA, 13-6 UFC) also picked up a win, and in one of the more surprising results, Robert Peralta (18-4 MMA, 4-1 UFC) got his hand raised in the main-card opener.

After every event, fans wonder whom the winners will be matched up with next. And with another night of UFC action in the rearview mirror, it’s time to look forward, put on a pair of Joe Silva’s (and Sean Shelby’s) shoes, and play UFC matchmaker.

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ROBERT PERALTA
Should fight: Diego Brandao
Why they should fight: The storyline here sells itself.

Peralta just beat one Brazilian “TUF” winner in Rony Jason, so it would be fitting for him to fight the other 145-pound winner from the country in Brandao (19-9 MMA, 4-2 UFC).

Brandao has run into some bad luck of late with two consecutive last-minute fight cancellations.

Hopefully, though, that streak will come to an end and he can try to achieve what Jason could not.

DEMIAN MAIA
Should fight: Ryan LaFlare
Why they should fight: Maia overwhelmed UFC newcomer Alexander Yakovlev to snap the first two-fight losing streak of his career and keep his name relevant in the welterweight division.

The 36-year-old hasn’t performed at his best in recent fights, and while age may be a factor, his domination of Yakovlev proved there’s still something left in the tank.

If Maia wants to return to the welterweight title discussion, he needs to defeat one of the UFC’s rising middleweight stars, and LaFlare (11-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) is just that.

LaFlare was recently forced out of a scheduled fight with Gunnar Nelson at the UFC’s upcoming event in Ireland. If he can return to the octagon in time to meet Maia, he’d have a chance at the signature win that would take him to the next level in the division.

WARLLEY ALVES
Should fight: Sean Pierson
Why they should fight: Alves has yet to display his full set of skills after fighting above his natural weight class on his way to the “TUF: Brazil 3” middleweight crown.

With a drop to welterweight planned, Alves will be able to show off his full array of talents, which is a scary thing considering the dominant nature of his victory over Marcio Alexandre Jr.

Alves has received high praise from his “TUF” coach, Chael Sonnen, for several weeks. The Brazilian showed why with a third-round submission victory. At only 23 years old, he has the chance to transform into something special if developed properly.

Matching him with a middling 170-pound fighter like Pierson (14-6 MMA, 4-2 UFC) is the right start. The Canadian has quality grappling with respectable standup to back it up. His style could present challenges to a growing fighter like Alves. A win for either man would go a long way in proving he’s ready for the next level of UFC competition.

ANTONIO CARLOS JR.
Should fight: Steve Bosse (11-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Why they should fight: Much like his fellow “TUF” winner Alves, heavyweight tournament winner Carlos Jr. will drop to his natural fighting weight of 205 pounds. Also similar to Alves, Carlos Jr. is young in the game at just 24 and showed glimpses of potential that indicate a bright future.

The Brazilian is still very much a work in progress; however, his ground game is extremely solid. In a light heavyweight division with few grappling standouts, that one skill could be enough to capture a few wins until he sharpens his weaknesses.

If the UFC wants to let Carlos Jr. develop the right way, matching him up with a striker like Bosse (11-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) would make for a classic clash of styles. Bosse had his UFC debut postponed due to injury, but once he returns, a debut fight against Carlos Jr. would test how well rounded he really is.

STIPE MIOCIC
Should fight: Junior dos Santos
Why they should fight: Miocic kept his status as a top heavyweight contender with a quick finish of Maldonado is his second UFC main event.

The 31-year-old was supposed to fight Dos Santos (16-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) before “Cigano” got injured and was replaced by Maldonado just a few weeks out from the fight. Miocic did the UFC a solid by taking on an opponent who provided no upside other than a paycheck, and in return, the UFC should grant him the potentially career-changing opportunity to fight Dos Santos.

While a timetable for Dos Santos’ return to the octagon from an injured hand is unknown at this time, it’s likely that Miocic would be willing to wait for a fight with the former heavyweight champion.

For complete coverage of the TUF Brazil 3 Finale, check out the UFC Events section of the site.