Matches To Make After UFC 308 | UFC Betting Sites

UFC 308: Topuria v Holloway — Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

UFc 208 went down yesterday (Sat., Oct. 26, 2024) inside Etihad Arena on “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi, UAE, which saw Ilia Topuria defeat Max Holloway via spectacular knockout (highlights) to retain his Featherweight title. In the co-main event, Khamzat Chimaev made quick work of Robert Whittaker by submitting him in the very first round (see it again here).

Winner: Ilia Topuria

Who He Should Face Next: Should be Diego Lopes, will likely Volkanovski rematch

Now that Topuria has Holloway in his rear-view mirror, his next challenge will likely come against Lopes, who actually traveled to Abu Dhabi as the official backup for the main event championship fight. Lopes is currently ranked No. 3 in the division, and is riding five-fight win streak. Alexander Volkanovski did storm the cage and asked for the rematch, which Topuria seemed almost pressured into saying yes just because he was there and in the moment, but the man is coming off a brutal knockout loss to “El Matador” already. That loss was preceded by a knockout loss to Islam Makhachev in a Lightweight title fight. Lopes is the rightful owner to the next title fight at 145 pounds, but according to Dana White, “The Great” will more than likely get his rematch.

Winner: Khamzat Chimaev

Who He Should Face Next: Dricus du Plessis vs Sean Strickland winner

While Sean Strickland is adamant he is next in line to face division king, Dricus du Plessis, Chimaev should be next. If Dana White insists on giving Strickland his chance to retain his title, then Chimaev will undoubtedly get the winner sometime in 2025. But right is right, and “Borz” has more than proven he deserves to cut the line thanks to his destruction of “The Reaper.”

Winner: Magomed Ankalaev

Who He Should Face Next: Alex Pereira title fight

I don’t understand why Dana White seems to have an issue with Magomed Ankalaev. He did him dirty by not giving him another chance to win the interim Heavyweight title following his spit draw against Jan Blachowicz in 2022 by giving the title fight to Jamahal Hill, instead. After knocking out Johnny Walker, once again he was passed over in favor of Khalil Rountree in the championship line. Coming into his fight against Aleksandar Rakic, he was told he would get a title shot ONLY if he was impressive in victory. I mean, why put so many stipulations on this man to get a title shot? He is 19-1-1-1, 11-1-1-1 inside the Octagon, and went toe-to-toe with a proven striker in Rakic, defeating him via unanimous decision. What more does he need to do to get the title fight?

Winner: Shara Magomedov

Who He Should Face Next: Roman Dolidze

After his knockout win over Armen Petrosyan (see it here), “Bullet” called for a fight against former Middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya, which on papers seems like a good matchup. Unfortunately for Magomedov, I don’t think it’s one “The Last Stylebender” will be accepting anytime soon seeing as how the Dagestani-born fighter isn’t even ranked in the Top 15 at the moment. Plus, “Bullet” simply isn’t there yet. That said, I’d like to see him face Dolidze, who is currently ranked No. 9 in the division. Dolidze is coming off a technical knockout (TKO) win over Kevin Holland (injury), and I doubt he’d pass up the chance to hand “Bullet” his first defeat.

Winner: Lerone Murphy

Who He Should Face Next: Josh Emmett

Murphy improves his record to 15-0-1 thanks to a hard-fought win over Dan Ige. With seven straight wins inside the Octagon in his back pocket, Murphy could be nearing a spot in the Top 10. If he doesn’t get there next week, perhaps a win over Emmett, is what will get him over the hump. Emmett is currently ranked No. 8 in the division and was last seen knocking out Bryce Mitchell in Dec. 2023.

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