Matches to Make After UFC Fight Night 236

The Ultimate Fighting Championship put on its second card of February in the UFC Apex. The middleweight main event between Jack Hermansson and Joe Pyfer was the highlight, with a new contender emerging. While it won't steal any discussion away from the Super Bowl this weekend, UFC Fight Night 236 left mixed martial arts fans with plenty to talk about after the 14-fight card.

Here are five bouts to make after UFC Fight Night 236.

Jack Hermansson vs. Ikram Aliskerov

Hermansson derailed the hype train of Pyfer in the main event by taking “Bodybagz” to deep waters and dominating the last three rounds. A battle against another highly-touted prospect would make sense for what’s next. Enter Ikram Aliskerov, who is 2-0 inside the UFC and has only been defeated by Khamzat Chimaev. The 15-1 Russian prospect could turn into a true contender with a win, while Hermansson would graduate from his current gatekeeper role by pouring cold water on another streaking fighter. It’s a fight with plenty of stakes and one that could main event a fight night card.

Dan Ige vs. Edson Barboza

Ige made a statement by viciously knocking out Andre Fili in the co-main event. Up next for “50K” should be another featherweight contender. A rematch against Barboza is the fight to make as "Junior" was on the wrong end of a split decision in their first meeting in 2020. Since the setback, which was Barboza’s debut in the division, the Brazilian has looked rejuvenated while picking up wins against the likes of Sodiq Yusuff and Billy Quarantillo. This is one rematch with a lot of intrigue and both fighters would like a more definitive ending.

Ihor Potieria vs. Rodolfo Vieira

Potieria came up short against the scale but prevailed over Robert Bryczek. If he's to stay in the middleweight division, a fight against fellow UFC Fight Night 236 winner Vieira would make sense to see where both are at. Potieria has never been submitted, which would be one "0" that "The Black Belt Hunter" would be interested in taking. Vieira is riding a three-fight win streak and has set a record with four arm-triangle choke wins inside the Octagon.

Gregory Rodrigues vs. Andre Muniz

Rodrigues impressed yet again with a third-round TKO win at the expense of Brad Tavares. Up next for “RoboCop” should be fellow Brazilian Muniz. “Sergipano” recently broke a two-fight losing streak by defeating Jun Young Park and posts impressive wins over Uriah Hall, Eryk Anders and Ronaldo Souza on his resume. It’d be an interesting match that could be dangerous on the feet or ground.

Michael Johnson vs. Vinc Pichel

Now back in the win column after winning a unanimous decision over Darrius Flowers, Johnson will look for a stiffer test in his next outing. Fellow UFC veteran Pichel would make for a fitting opponent for “Da Menace.” Pichel is looking to rebound from a loss to Mark O. Madsen, but “From Hell” was previously on a three-fight win streak. Since both fighters have knockout power, it’d be quite the fun fight for as long as it lasts.