In the UFC's much-anticipated return to San Diego, California. UFC Fight Night: Cruz vs. Vera featured a card with not the biggest names but delivered in the brightest of lights. Establishing what truly is a UFC caliber fighter.

MW Bruno Silva vs MW Gerald Meerschaert

In a classic striker versus wrestler matchup, Bruno Silva versus Gerald Meerscharet was an interesting matchup considering both men share opposite weaknesses: Meerscharet on the feet and Silva on the ground. However, once both men got inside the octagon, Meerscharet proved he was the striker. In what was nearly the best performance of his career, Meerscharet defeated Bruno via submission, earning his ninth career submission victory in the UFC.

What is next?

Bruno Silva: Now on a two-fight losing streak, opponents next for Silva include Jacob Malkoun, Nick Maximov, or Andre Petroski.

Gerald Meerschaert: The ideal opponent to pair with Meerscharet next is Edmen Shahbazyan or Brad Tavares.

WBW Priscila Cachoeira vs WBW Ariane Lipski

Originally scheduled to be on last week's Santos versus Hill card, Priscila Cachoeira against Ariane Lipski was realistically only ending in three scenarios: either woman wins by decision, Lipski wins via submission, or Cachoeira TKO/KO's Lipski if the fight stayed on the feet. 

Fast forward to fight night, the third scenario would materialize once the bell rang as the women stood face to face brawling with reckless abandonment. Ultimately backfiring for Lipski as she was the first the fall and absorbed powerful ground strikes forcing the referee to end the fight.

What is next?

Priscila Cachoeira: Earning a statement victory, Cachoeira's next opponents should be Montana De La Rosa, Karine Silva, Natalia Silva, or J.J Aldrich.

Ariane Lipski: Opponents next for Lipski include Juliana Miller or Jasmine Jasudavicius.

LHW Devin Clark vs LHW Azamat Murzakanov

Riding the momentum of a TKO victory, Devin Clark entered Fight Night looking to introduce Azamat Murzakanov to the UFC Light Heavyweight division. However, it was Azamat who introduced himself to Devin Clark. After hitting him with a flurry of combinations, the match ended on a third-round TKO after Azamat landed a mean body shot that dropped Clark forcing a referee stoppage.

What is next?

Devin Clark: Fights next for Clark include Alonzo Menifield, Maxim Grishin, or Nicolae Negumereanu.

Azamat Murzakanov: Potential light heavyweights next for Murzakanov include Michal Oleksiejczuk, Da Un Jung, or Jimmy Crute.

SW Yazmin Jauregui vs SW Iasmin Lucindo

Garnered to be a surprise main card addition, Yazmin Jauregui versus Iasmin Lucindo introduced audiences to the future of the UFC Strawweight division. The fight was electric, demonstrating precision, volume, and technical striking at an exhilarating pace.

For Jauregui, I found myself comparing her to a female version of Brandon Moreno with her technical striking, heart, and ability to take one solid counter and land multiple of her own.

For Lucindo, although she was not victorious, the positives I took from her performance were that she had a close first round, great striking, and exhibited a tough chin.

What is next?

Yazmin Jauregui: Potential opponents for the promising Jauregui include Piera Rodriguez, Sam Hughes, Vanessa Demopoulos, and Cory McKenna.

Iasmin Lucindo: In an impressive yet losing performance, fights to make next for Lucindo include Montserrat Ruiz, Maria Oliveira, or the winner of Diana Belbita versus Loma Lookboonmee. 

MW Nate Landwehr vs MW David Onama

An early contender for the UFC Fight of the Year, Nate Landwehr versus David Onama was pure insanity from start to finish as both men showcased savagery and a never quit mentality. 

In the first round, Onama nearly found an early stoppage after dropping Landwehr. In the second round, the tide began to turn as Onama's lack of cardio began to be exposed due to Landwehr turning up the pressure through volume striking and takedowns, securing a 10-8 round. In the third round, madness ensued with Onama relentlessly going forward and Landwehr entertaining the masses that is the UFC San Diego audience.

The fight ended with a roaring crowd and both athletes earning the UFC Fight of the Night bonus. 

What is next?

Nate Landwehr: Fights to make next for Landwehr include Bill Algeo, Billy Quarantillo, or Josh Culibao.

David Onama: Although Onama won a Fight of the Night bonus, his cardio significantly needs work, so to test him again, matchups against Steven Peterson, Lucas Almedia, or Tucker Lutz make sense.

#5 FW Marlon “Chito” Vera” vs. #8 FW Dominick Cruz

Marketed as the bantamweight legend versus a hungry lion, Dominick Cruz versus Marlon "Chito" Vera showcased the rise of a future champion and the fall of a veteran. In the first, Cruz won the overall round with striking and a takedown. However, Vera knocked down Cruz with a left hook in that same round after Cruz attempted a leg kick. In the second, Vera continued his slow start allowing Cruz to find his angles leading to several blitzing combinations to the head and body of Vera. 

Moving on to the third, Vera found an opening of his own dropping Cruz with a right hook near the cage while Dominick continued the blitz and maneuver strategy. Finally, in the fourth round is where Marlon "Chito" Vera landed a head kick TKO, shocking not only the crowd but the announcer's table. Vera proved he is someone you do not want to mess with in a five-round fight.

What is next?

Marlon Vera: After this highlight finish against the legendary Dominick Cruz, Vera's confidence should be at an all-time high. With the statement victory, he's earned an opportunity at the winner of Aljo versus T.J. for the UFC Bantamweight title. If Marlon is not offered a title shot, the best matchups for him include the winner of Yan-O'Malley, the winner of Aldo-Dvalishvili, or the winner of Sandhagen-Yadong. 

Dominick Cruz: Cruz looked like the fresher fighter, winning Rounds One and Two. However, I believe Cruz should consider retirement because of his legacy, questionable chin, and established job with the UFC commentary team. If he were to continue fighting, I would like Cruz against Rob Font, the loser Cory versus Song, the loser of Jose Aldo versus Merab Dvalishvili, or Frankie Edgar.

Thumbnail and photos by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC