After a wild UFC Fight Night 85: “Hunt vs. Mir” event, MMAmania.com ponders what is next for the main card winners who picked up victories last Saturday night (March 19, 2016) on FOX Sports 1 inside the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Brisbane, Australia
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) put on a wild evening of mixed martial arts (MMA) in Brisbane, Australia last Saturday night (March 19, 2016), as UFC Fight Night 85: “Hunt vs Mir” provided fight fans with several jaw-dropping moments throughout the event.
Mark Hunt battled Frank Mir in the main event of the evening, with the “Super Samoan” earning yet another walk-off knockout, finishing the former Heavyweight kingpin in just three minutes (highlights here). The victory was Hunt’s seventh inside the Octagon, and earned him a $50,000 bonus check for “Performance of the Night.”
The co-main event featured arguably the craziest fight of the year thus far, as Neil Magny somehow managed to survive an early onslaught from Hector Lombard en route to savagely beating down the Australian fan-favorite for a third round finish.
Check out the highlights here.
With that quick recap of last night’s marquee bouts, it’s now time to play matchmaker with our “Next Matches To Make.”
Winner: Mark Hunt
Who Should He Fight Next: Cain Velasquez
Trying to guess a Heavyweight fight is essentially impossible with the division nearly always in a state of flux, but I think it is safe to say Mark Hunt vs. Cain Velasquez could headline a UFC pay-per-view (PPV) later this year.
With Velasquez scheduled to return to training this month following yet another surgery — and his title shot stolen away from him by Stipe Miocic and UFC brass — the former Heavyweight kingpin will have to fight a top contender before earning a shot at gold.
With Hunt riding a two-fight winning streak following his incredible finish over Frank Mir, and nearly every other top ranked Heavyweight already scheduled for a fight, I don’t see why the “Super Samoan” wouldn’t battle Velasquez next.
Hunt has never been one to back away from a challenge, and while Velasquez would undoubtedly be his stiffest test to date, you can hardly count out the heavy-handed Kiwi.
Winner: Neil Magny
Who Should He Fight Next: Tyron Woodley
If Welterweight wasn’t so ridiculously stacked, I’d demand UFC brass give Neil Magny a title shot right away.
The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) veteran was never supposed to have a great UFC career, let alone become a legitimate contender in the 170 pound division, but in 2016 that is exactly where he belongs.
Magny is unquestionably a top 10 Welterweight, and deserves another crack at a top five fighter after his unbelievable comeback against Hector Lombard in Australia.
Magny can never be counted out in any fight, and even with the odds so severely stacked against him, the 28-year old has managed to pull off 10 victories in his last 11 fights, all within a two year span.
Neil Magny vs. Tyron Woodley.
Book it.
Winner: Jake Matthews
Who Should He Fight Next: Joe Duffy
Speaking of stacked divisions…
The Lightweight division is littered with bonafide stars, a plethora of upcoming prospects, several veteran gatekeepers, and is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing categories in all of MMA.
Jake Matthews was a hefty underdog heading into his Brisbane battle against fellow prospect Johnny Case, but after an exemplary performance that was capped off by a third round submission victory, it is time to strongly consider Matthews as the next big thing at 155 pounds.
At merely 21-years old, UFC brass should absolutely give “The Celtic Kid” a massive push in his home country of Australia, as he has superstar qualities written all over him.
I say give Matthews a main event slot at the next Australian event, potentially against fellow exciting prospect Joe Duffy.
Winner: Dan Kelly
Who Should He Fight Next: Scott Askham
Personally, I’d like to see Dan Kelly retire.
While I know this is highly unlikely, it really seems like a wonderful opportunity for the 38-year old former Olympic Judoka.
Kelly may be 4-1 inside the Octagon, but he has been a part of some horrendous fights, including his three round affair against Antonio Carlos Junior in Brisbane. Had the fight gone to decision, nobody would be clamoring to see Kelly fight again anytime soon.
But alas, Kelly managed to show off his old man strength, savagely beating down Carlos Junior early in the third round to pull off the victory.
Considering how the fight went, the victory will likely remain the best moment of Kelly’s MMA career, and would be a great way to say goodbye to the sport at the top of the mountain.
Instead, Kelly will probably be fed someone like Scott Askham, and risk being brutally finished.
Winner: Steve Bosse
Who Should He Fight Next:
The Light Heavyweight division is a crapshoot, so trying to guess Steve Bosse’s next opponent is quite difficult.
The former hockey enforcer picked up his first career UFC victory last night, likely ending James Te Huna’s career with a vicious straight right hand that knocked him out cold.
As for what’s next, Bosse could potentially face the winner of Igor Pokrajac vs. Jan Blachowicz.
Winner: Bec Rawlings
Who Should He Fight Next: Randa Markos
With her second straight victory in the Women’s Strawweight division, Bec Rawlings has earned her right to fight a ranked contender next, and I think Randa Markos would provide quite the challenge for “Rowdy.”
Even with her limited talents inside the Octagon, you can’t discount Rawlings’ heart, tenacity, and will to win her fights.
Considering how Markos shares very similar attributes, I would suspect a fight between the two to be a bloody and exciting affair.
For complete results from UFC Fight Night 85: “Hunt vs. Mir,” including play-by-play updates click here.