Takanori Gomi
Option 1: George Sotiropoulos
Admittedly, this isn’t the greatest match up of styles. However, this is a match that makes sense relative to each fighter’s accomplishments. Gomi’s stoppage of Tyson Griffin was more impressive than the victories over Griffin by such fighters as Evan Dunham, former UFC lightweight champion Sean Sherk, and current UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar. When a fighter has done something better than those three, it can only mean good things.
Likewise, Sotiropoulos remained undefeated in the UFC after beating Kurt Pellegrino. He is nearing a title shot, and a win over the former Pride lightweight champion would move him ever closer, while a victory for Gomi would put the first blemish on Sotiropoulos UFC record and would put an end to any lingering doubt about whether or not Gomi’s back to his Pride form. Doing that would likewise put him on the short list for a UFC lightweight title shot.
Option 2: The winner of Evan Dunham v. Sean Sherk (UFC 119, September 25)
It was hardly an overt gesture, but Gomi’s TKO over Griffin on some level represents a gauntlet being thrown down to both Dunham and Sherk. Both men defeated Tyson Griffin via unanimous decision, and they will face each other next in a match that should put the winner close to if not in a title match. Yet, there Gomi will remain with the knowledge that he stopped a guy in 64 seconds that either of these two near-contenders could not. Giving Gomi an opportunity to prove the value of that MMA math equation would be appropriate and, regardless of whether Dunham or Sherk beats the other, should make for an entertaining fight against Gomi.