Matches to Make After UFC 198

Fabricio Werdum now has firsthand knowledge of the volatile nature of the Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight crown. Werdum in his first defense of the title was on the receiving end of a violent one-punch knockout from Stipe Miocic in the UFC 198 headliner on Saturday at Arena da Baixada in Curitiba, Brazil. It concluded 2:47 into round one, with an unconscious Werdum coming to rest at the base of the cage. No man has successfully defended the heavyweight championship more than twice in the 23-year history of the UFC. Miocic was the beneficiary of an overzealous champion. After fighting at a measured pace at the start, Werdum, for reasons known only to him, charged at the Strong Style Fight Team standout and walked into a counter right hook from the backpedaling challenger. The concussive impact of the blow immediately separated Werdum from his senses and quieted a stunned crowd of more than 40,000, a vast majority of them staunch “Vai Cavalo” supporters. In a flash, albeit a brilliant one, Werdum’s reign atop the division was over. In wake of UFC 198 “Werdum vs. Miocic,” here are five matches that ought to be considered:Stipe Miocic vs. Alistair Overeem: If history tells us anything, Miocic would be wise not to take his spot on the throne for granted. The 33-year-old Independence, Ohio, native already has a number of worthy contenders nipping at his heels, including Overeem, Cain Velasquez and Junior dos Santos — one of two men to defeat him. Miocic has rattled off three …

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