Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returned to the hurt business tonight (Sat., Jan 27, 2018) for UFC on FOX 27 inside Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, which featured a Middleweight fight that saw Ronaldo Souza knockout Derek Brunson in the headlining bout.
In the co-main event, Andre Fili defeated Dennis Bermudez via split decision in a very close fight (recap here) in the Featherweight division.
Winner: Ronaldo Souza
Who He Should Fight Next: Chris Weidman
“Jacare” got back on the winning track in impressive fashion by knocking out Derek Brunson in the very first round, just like he did five years ago. The win reminded everyone just what he brings to the table, which isn’t just a submission game. After Luke Rockhold and Yoel Romero do the dance at UFC 221 on Feb. 10, 2018, we still have to wait and see if current champion Robert Whittaker will be able to fight after suffering a serious case of staph infection. That will give Souza more time to instill himself in the title picture. Meanwhile, Weidman is eager to get back to the big dance, as well, so let Ronaldo and Weidman duke it out and allow them to make a case for a shot at the strap sometime in the summer.
Winner: Andre Fili
Who He Should Fight Next: Mirsad Bektic
Why not? Both men came up with a win in Charlotte, and both like to let it all hang out on the feet. Mirsad collapsed Godofredo Pepey with a devastating body shot in the very first round, so he could be looking for a quick return. Fili, meanwhile, had to do a bit more work to collect his second straight win. “Touchy” will have some inside knowledge, too, as his teammate Darren Elkins was the first and only person to hand Mirsad a defeat. If Fili can do the same, expect bigger and better things for him moving forward, starting with a spot on the top 15.
Winner: Gregor Gillespie:
Who He Should Fight Next: Rashid Magomedov
Gillespie just can’t stop winning. The undefeated fighter move his record up to 11-0, including going four for four inside the Octagon after taking out Jordan Rinaldi. A fight against Rashid sounds fun, as the Russian-born fighter can provide a stiff test for Gregor. He hasn’t competed since last April, so once he returns, taking in Gillespie would be a good challenge, and allow him to up his rep in the Octagon by taking his “0.”
Winner: Drew Dober
Who He Should Fight Next: Joseph Duffy
Duffy just can’t seem to get his momentum going inside the Octagon. He is coming off a loss to James Vick in what was his first fight under his new UFC contract. Dober, meanwhile, has now own two in a row following his win over Frank Camacho. I’d like to see Dober and Duffy bang it out. Both men have yet to taste the flavor of being ranked in the top 15, so a win for either of them will get them closer. I get it, Duffy is coming off a loss while Dober is on a two-fight win streak, but at the end of the day, Duffy still has somewhat of a bigger name in the game than Drew. So if Dober can get the “W,” he can expect an increase in eyeballs for his next contest.
For complete UFC on FOX 27: “Jacare vs Brunson 2” results and play-by-play updates click here.