We witnessed an incredible card on Saturday, including a devastating knockout, high level really close decisions, and even a few upsets to the bookies odds. In this reading, I am going to state the most likely matchups following UFC 299.
C “Sugar” Sean O’Malley – Sean O’Malley provided one of the best title performances in the last few years, his striking was on another planet to his opponent, with a 50-45 scorecard of utter dominance, I think the next step for O’Malley is to fight Merab Dvalishvili. A nightmare matchup for both of them. I think this fight makes the most sense, as Merab deserves the chance at the title.
#5 Marlon “Chito” Vera – Chito was unfortunately no where near O’Malleys level in the stand-up, bar a few great shots. With keeping his ranking at 5, The Ecuadorian and Petr Yan, would be a fantastic 5 round main event at the apex. Both of the fighters paths have never crossed, yet, and I think this fight makes the most sense at the present time.
#3 Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier – being the underdog in a fight with a guy 9 spots below you is unheard of in the UFC, and Dustin certainly knew that was a mistake that he was going to prove, which he did, knocking out Benoît Saint Denis out in the second round. Theres no one more deserving in the sport than Dustin Poirier to get another crack at gold. I would love him to fight Islam Makhachev later on this year.
#12 Benoît “God of War” Saint Denis – The fiercely avoided frenchman also proved that he is top 10 fighter in the lightweight division. There is no shame to lose to Dustin. I think the next step for him is to defend his ranking against Diego Ferreira.
Michael Venum Page – An outstanding debut for MVP against one of the baddest dudes in the entire roster. There is a lot of excitement behind this guy and I can fully see why. With being 36 years old and still fit as a fiddle, the fight that makes the most sense for page is Stephen Wonderboy Thompson. Co main event in UFC Manchester in July. A high level chess match of beautiful striking.
#13 Kevin “Trailblazer” Holland – with the rankings being out on Tuesday, he is not going to be a ranked fighter. With over 20 UFC fights in the last 4 years. I think a bout between him and Randy Brown would be a violent war. Kevin accepts the first fight he takes, which proves he is a complete stud.
#4 Gilbert “Durinho” Burns – with being up on the scorecards he got caught with a beautiful knee and that was all she wrote after that landed. Burns has been on top of the welterweight rankings for quite some time now, fighting the best of the best. He will drop down in the rankings and I Imagine a matchup with Sean Brady would be next for the brazillian.
#11 Jack Della Maddalena – an impressive win over a savage in Burns, with slick boxing, and overcame adversity in this fight, he made a bold callout stating he wanted to fight Shavkat Rakhmanov. Its tough getting this guy a fight since he is heavily avoided. I think this is the next fight for him, and it is guaranteed fireworks.
#4 Petr “No Mercy” Yan – Following a 3 fight losing streak with 2 of the fights ending in a split decision that could of went his way. Yan is back in the winning column, and proved he is still an exceptional talent. I believe this is the renaissance of Yan, and I would love to see as stated above, a fight with Chito Vera.
#7 Song “The Kung Fu Kid” Yadong – If he didn’t get taken down in the last minute of the final round, Yadong could of won this fight. With him still being 26 years old The Kung Fu Kid has insanely scary potential still, and a future champion. The next possible fight for Song would be Jonathan Martinez. This fight would be insane. And it is another high level matchup.
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