I wouldn't exactly call Lauzon, Pellegrino, and Stevenson lower tier fighters. All are solid mid-level fighters, much like Sotiropoulos is right now. I wouldn't consider Sotiropoulos a top fighter, not yet anyways. Of his last three opponents that I listed, when the fight took place, the only one not exactly at Sotiropoulos' level would probably be Lauzon, but he earned it through exciting fights and was beating Sotiropoulos in the first round then got tired before round two began. But I don't really agree with Siver in this fight, it's a step back, but then again who really is there for him to fight? All the fighters in contention for the title are booked right now, so I guess this is fine for now. Like MPH said, after this fight they can easily match him up with Florian/Dunham winner or Edgar/Maynard loser.