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Editorial – UFC Kansas City: What’s Next – 6 great fights to make after this weekend’s action in Missouri

UFC Kansas City was packed full of great fights, with some big, ranking-impacting results. Here are six fights to make after this weekend.

UFC Kansas City was Max Holloway’s night. ‘Blessed’ came out of this weekend’s affairs as the King of Kansas City. After a gruelling affair against Englishman, Arnold Allen, who was previously unbeaten in the UFC, the Hawaaian edged the contender on the scorecards. It should be noted, however, that it was far by less than ‘Blessed’s’ usual runaway victories. Some fans are even asserting that it is Allen who was the rightful winner, showing the competitive nature of the enthralling bout.

In this piece, we look at potential match-ups for some of the big winners, and unfortunate losers that fought this weekend.

UFC Kansas City post-fight matchmaking

Max Holloway

UFC Kansas City was a blessing in disguise for ‘Blessed’.

The former long-reigning king of the division showed that just because he can’t quite get the strap off of Alexander Volkanovski’s waist, that doesn’t make him anyone’s stepping stone. Arnold Allen gave him all that he could handle, but it was the vintage volume from Holloway that sealed his victory.

“Blessed” is now calling for a fight with ‘The Korean Zombie’ Chan-Sung Jung. This makes little sense rankings-wise, but with the losses to Volkanovski, Holloway has very little in the way of fresh opponents.

Allen is a better win than ‘The Korean Zombie’ these days, so this would be more fan service than anything else. What could be guaranteed is that the fight would be one for the ages. Former foe Volkanovski is calling for Holloway to make the move to lightweight, although his previous bout against Poirier at 155 may be discouraging.

Elsewhere, the winner of Josh Emmett vs Ilia Topuria could be another option, with the winner surely forcing Volkanovski to fight them.

Arnold Allen

The eight-year, ten-fight unbeaten streak inside the UFC has come to an end for Arnold Allen. He can hold his head high though, having had an extremely competitive fight against one of the very best fighters the division has ever seen.

Periods of low-volume striking probably cost the Englishman, who came on strong in the fifth round, but it was too little, too late. It showed many watching that although he may not be number one yet, Allen is most certainly in the top five featherweights in the company.

A rematch with Calvin Kattar would make sense, although he may be out til early 2024, with an injury from their original fight. In the meantime, Brian Ortega appears to be the logical choice. Ranked third and fourth respectively, this could headline, or co-main event the UFC Fight Night heading to London in July.

Edson Barboza

Edson Barboza is one of the deadliest strikers to ever grace the octagon, and once again at UFC Kansas City, it was the ever-lethal knees of the Brazillian that ended the bout. Looking as comfortable as he ever has, he peppered his opponent Billy Quarantillo with hard, stiff kicks. For the closing sequence, Barboza deployed a knee, with his back to the cage, and rendered “Billy Q” defenseless.

At 37, he is no spring chicken. He has fought most of the divisions elite, which often leaves just dangerous newcomers. Sodiq Yusuff is the name that makes the most sense. It would be an exciting match-up that would force Yusuff to sink or swim, and Barboza a chance to show, once again, that he is lethal to any fighter at 145lbs.

Ion Cutelaba

The UFC’s resident madman came out on top this weekend. Former heavyweight Tanner Boser felt the power of the Moldovan madman at UFC Kansas City as he broke a three-fight loss streak by way of knockout by way of TKO in the first round, using his fists frantically to pound Boser to the canvas.

Modestas Bukauskas makes sense and should be a fun affair between two of Europe’s premier 205-pounders. Bukauskas is currently on a three-fight win streak, with his most recent being over Tyson Pedro. The pairing makes sense, possibly on the UFC London card that is upcoming.

Pedro Munhoz

The foil for many an up-and-comer, Pedro Munhoz delivered once again this weekend, much to the disappointment of Chris Gutierrez. After dropping his opponent in the first round, Munhoz looked like the better fighter in the pairing. Despite his streaky form on the record books, Munhoz is still in the realms of the elite.

Umar Nurmagomedov would be interesting. The 16-0 prospect needs a test of this magnitude, and Munhoz is exactly the type of fighter to let us know what the young Russian is made of.

Bill Algeo

Bill Algeo gave a good account of himself in Kansas City, well at least inside the cage.

Having impressively submitted TJ Brown in the second round with a rear-naked choke, he unleashed his inner Colby Covington. After removing his gloves, and appearing to be about to retire, Algeo then cut a promo on the crowd in attendance at UFC Kansas City, stating :

“Listen, I would never retire in a dump like Kansas City,” Algeo told the crowd at T-Mobile Center. “I look around here and all I see is a bunch of Croc-wearing’, Uber Eats drivin’, Bud Light drinkin’ … sons of guns. I ain’t never retiring! Woo!”

Taking the WWE merger to heart, Algeo matches up well with recent 145lb debutant Jack Shore, in what would be a stiff test for both men.

Clay Guida looks to have his next bout lined up already, with Dana White reportedly unhappy at the old-timer’s fake retirement. Lucie Pudilová will be fighting the Kansas City judges, as some truly awful judging handed her an eighth professional loss.

Who do you think Max Holloway should take on next?

Dana White Predicts Makhachev vs Volkanovski To Break UFC’s All-Time PPV Record

UFC President Dana White is no stranger to hosting incredibly successful mixed martial arts events, especially with cash cows such as former two-division champion Conor McGregor, former heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar, and former bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey, amongst others. But, he believes our upcoming pay-per-view event going down next weekend at UFC 284 could shatter […]

But, he believes our upcoming pay-per-view event going down next weekend at UFC 284 could shatter those records.

White stated the following early this morning at the UFC Vegas 68 post-fight press conference:

“I don’t (think) it’s ever happened, the no. 1 and no. 2 pound-for-pound (fighting one another). I mean it’s just a monster fight and you know, just the gate alone out of there is going to be an MSG-type (of) gate. And the pre-buys for the pay-per-view is beating all the fights of its type and it is probably going to break the record for pay-per-view in Australia and New Zealand, the UFC all-time record, which was Conor and somebody.

“But it’s looking like it’s going to break that record. It’s a monster fight.”

Top 10 UFC PPV Records of all-time

10. Amanda Nunes vs Ronda Rousey (UFC 207) – 1.1 million buys

10. Ronda Rousey vs Holly Holm (UFC 193) – 1.1 million buys

9. Brock Lesnar vs Shane Carwin (UFC 116) – 1.16 million buys

8. Miesha Tate vs Amanda Nunes (UFC 200) – 1.2 million buys

7. Eddie Alvarez vs Conor McGregor (UFC 205) – 1.3 million buys

6. Jose Aldo vs Conor McGregor (UFC 194) – 1.4 million buys

5. Conor McGregor vs Nate Diaz (UFC 196) – 1.5 million buys

4. Brock Lesnar vs Frank Mir II (UFC 100) – 1.6 million buys

3. Nate Diaz vs Conor McGregor II (UFC 202) – 1.65 million buys

2. Dustin Poirier vs Conor McGregor III (UFC 264) – 1.8 million buys

1. Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Conor McGregor (UFC 229) – 2.4 million buys

White saying UFC 284 will break all pay-per-view records may be a bit of a stretch, considering neither UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, nor UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is a big draw.

That being said, this is perhaps the highest level match up the UFC has ever put on.

We have Makhachev, who’s 23-1 (12-1 UFC) as a professional that comes into the bout on an 11-fight win streak in the UFC’s most stacked division, then we have Volkanovski, who’s 25-1 (12-0 UFC) as a professional coming into the bout on a 22-fight win streak.

Makhachev just submitted Charles Oliveira to claim the title, a 3rd-degree black belt in BJJ with the most submission wins in UFC history, as well as the most submission wins in both the UFC’s featherweight and lightweight divisions.

Volkanovski on the other hand is a well established champion that’s gone 3-0 against Max Holloway, as well as defeating the likes of former longtime champion Jose Aldo and one of the greatest fighters ever to had never won a belt, Chad Mendes.

Volkanovski was also a multi-time champion before joining the UFC at featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight, and he also went 4-0 as an amateur, where he held a middleweight title.

So, we’ve got those two facing one another for the lightweight title, and we have an interim featherweight title clash between no. 2 ranked Yair Rodriguez and no. 5 ranked Jose Emmett, as well as the returns of Jack Della Maddalena, Jimmy Crute, Tyson Pedro, and many more.

We should all thank Mr. White and his team for putting this fight together, what an event this is touted to be!

Is Dana White right, does UFC 284 take the no. 1 spot on all-time PPV sales?

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Opinion | 10 Fights That Have To Be Made in 2023

The UFC has shut up shop for 2022 with UFC Vegas 66 drawing a close of the promotion’s events for the year. Nassourdine Imavov and Kelvin Gastelum will kick-start 2023 for the UFC with the pair scheduled to meet at a UFC Fight Night on January 14th. A month hiatus from the promotion and with […]

A month hiatus from the promotion and with a majority of MMA stopping during the festive period, gives us fight fans plenty of time to speculate on what we would like to see in 2023.

Top 10 UFC Fights To Make In 2023

Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou

This matchup comes as a no-brainer really. Jon Jones’ hiatus from the sport has seen the former light-heavyweight champion out of action since his narrow victory over Dominic Reyes at UFC 247 in February 2020.

Meanwhile, his potential opponent, current UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou has also been side-lined after undergoing surgery to repair an issue with his knee following his victory over former teammate, Ciryl Gane, at UFC 270.

Considered by many the greatest mixed martial artist of all time, Jones could cement that crown should he make a successful entry to the heavyweight division. What better way to do that than by taking on one of the hardest hitters the sport has ever seen and the current division champion?

Valentina Shevchenko vs. Zhang Weili

Valentina Shevchenko has long reigned as the queen in the women’s flyweight division, overcoming any challenger who has been thrown her way. Given the UFC seems reluctant to book a matchup including her and Amanda Nunes once again, why can’t Zhang Weili be considered a worthy new opponent?

Zhang was successful in reclaiming her strawweight championship title following her victory over Carla Esparza and given the 33-year-old has already expressed interest in this matchup why not allow these two elite mixed martial artists to share the octagon together for the first time?

Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman 3

Kamaru Usman reigned supreme at the top of the welterweight division after he dethroned Tyron Woodley back at UFC 235. Five consecutive title defenses followed for the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ following his acquisition and he was on route to secure a sixth until Leon Edwards landed what many considered the knockout of the year, stopping Usman dead in his tracks.

It seems only fitting for both men that they should share the octagon for a third time, for Edwards a chance to remove any doubt from those who still may that he is the real deal. For Usman, it is a chance to reclaim the welterweight title which he successfully defended for so long.

Michael Chandler vs. Conor McGregor

Action-packed. That is what you can expect should Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler meet inside the octagon. Whilst speculation still surrounds whether the Irishman will ever return inside the octagon, it has been made explicitly clear by Michael Chandler that he would be honored to be the man to welcome him back.

Chito Vera vs. Sean O’Malley 2

The only man to defeat Sean O’Malley, Chito Vera has recently been scheduled to fight fellow bantamweight contender Cory Sandhagen in February in what can only be considered a title eliminator.

This works perfectly in my plan. In an ideal world, Vera defeats Sandhagen whilst Sean O’Malley gets the call to face current division champion, Aljamain Sterling. O’Malley gets the job done and then towards the end of 2023, we get to see this feud ignited once again in a battle for the 125-pound championship.

Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya 2

Technically the second fight of the two inside mixed martial arts but as I am sure you all know this would be the fourth time the two men compete against each other. Pereira seems to be the kryptonite of the ‘Last Stylebender’ having dethroned the former middleweight champion in the final rounds of their main event matchup at UFC 281.

For Pereira, what better first defense to make than to beat the man who has long reigned at the top of the division? In Adesanya’s case, it is only right that he has a chance to reclaim his previously held title having been just minutes away from retaining it in the pair’s UFC 281 meeting.

Khamzat Chimaev vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov

Khamzat Chimaev and Shavkat Rakhmonov are two of the most highly regarded fighters currently on the UFC roster. Chimaev made an explosive entry to the promotion and has since coined himself as a title challenger at 170 pounds. For Rakhmonov, his ascension in the UFC has been somewhat quieter however that may change after his January 14^th matchup against Geoff Neal. 16 fights resulting in all finishes against a man who has only seen the judges’ scorecards once in his career, both destined for the pinnacle of the welterweight division, sign me up.

Arnold Allen vs. Max Holloway

This may come from a British bias as I just want to see Arnold Allen get a shot at the featherweight title. Now, what better way for him to do that than by taking on former title holder, Max Holloway, to earn himself the chance? Allen has been on fire since signing for the promotion winning all of his matchups whilst Holloway had defeated all potential contenders during his reign as the featherweight champion before being taken off of the perch of the division by widely considered pound-for-pound number one, Alexander Volkanovski.

A chance for Holloway to get back into the winning column following his tough stint and for Allen a win over a legend like Max almost certainly guarantees you competing for the gold in your next matchup.

Tom Aspinall vs. Stipe Miocic

Tom Aspinall similarly to Allen has been on fire since joining the promotion until he, unfortunately, suffered a severe injury in his headline clash with Curtis Blaydes at UFC London. Still, considered by many as one of the better prospects in the heavyweight division why not let him return (once he is ready) and compete against the former champion, Stipe Miocic, who hasn’t been seen inside an octagon since his defeat to Francis Ngannou?

Jiri Prochazka vs. Glover Teixeira 2

One of the greatest fights to take place this year I would not turn down the chance to see these two men compete against each other one final time. Whilst Teixeira is coming toward the end of his career that was not evident in his back-and-forth war with Prochazka back in the summer. All could play out perfectly provided the Brazilian can secure the title in his home country when he faces Jamahal Hill for the vacant belt.

Provided Jiri Prochazka can return from his shoulder injury in a timely manner, win or lose, would there be a more fitting way for Teixeira to call a day on his career than by competing against the man not only who took his title from him, but was also so close to beating.

Are there any fights I have missed off of my ‘fights to make’ list that you would like to see? If so, leave them in the comments below.

Opinion | Fights to make after UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Strickland

UFC Vegas 66 concluded the year for the UFC with the promotion taking a break over the festive period and returning in mid-January. Middleweight contenders headlined the card as they looked to end their years on a high and set themselves up for a promising 2023. For the final time this year, let us put […]

For the final time this year, let us put on our matchmaking caps and suggest what could be next for the winners from UFC Vegas 66.

Jared Cannonier

Jared Cannonier etched out an extremely close decision victory in the main event of the evening. Two judges scoring the bout in his favor was enough to see the former title challenger secure a victory.

With a large portion of the top middleweight contenders either having recently fought or being scheduled to fight, Cannonier may have to look down the rankings for his next opponent. Next for Cannonier, I would like to see him take on a rising contender and undefeated UFC fighter, Dricus Du Plessis.

Arman Tsarukyan

Arman Tsarukyan took down one of the highly-rated new contenders in the lightweight division with his victory over Damir Ismagulov. Tsarukyan is a highly touted prospect himself and I would not be opposed to seeing him jump the ladder and fight one of the higher-ranked lightweights in the division. That is why for his next matchup I would like to see him take on former title contender, Michael Chandler.

Amir Albazi

Amir Albazi scored a late KO victory at UFC Vegas 66 to see off short-notice opponent Alessandro Costa. For his next matchup, I would like to see him take on the man one spot above him in the rankings at the time of writing, Matt Schnell.

Alex Caceres

Alex Caceres delivered a perfectly executed head kick to dispatch Julian Erosa inside the first round. I would like to see Caceres get a shot at someone in the rankings and who better than for him to take on the always-game 14th-ranked Edson Barboza?

Drew Dober

Drew Dober delivered dynamite in his final outing of 2022 as he knocked out fan-favorite Bobby Green. Dober himself made this call extremely easy for me when he asked for Jalin Turner, and I believe he should be granted his wish early in the new year.

Micha? Oleksiejczuk

Micha? Oleksiejczuk made quick work of Cody Brundage as he picked up his second finish since dropping down to middleweight. The Poland native called for Chris Curtis in his post-fight interview and similarly to Drew Dober that is a fight I can fully get behind.

Fights To Make Following UFC Vegas 66

Cory McKenna

Cory McKenna scored a decision victory over Cheyanne Vlismas in the 7^th matchup of the evening. Two victories in 2022 to close out her year should see her earn a shot at someone with a number next to their name. Next for McKenna, I would match her up against 13th-ranked strawweight, Emily Ducote.

Matthew Semelsberger

Matthew Semelsberger knocked down Jake Matthews three times in their bout en route to his unanimous decision victory at UFC Vegas 66. For his next fight, I would like to see him take on a man he shared the card with who will be looking to bounce back from a defeat in Bryan Battle.

Said Nurmagomedov

Said Nurmagomedov was able to secure a ninja choke over Saidyokub Kakhramanov after being dominated in the opening round of their UFC Vegas 66 matchup. Having just earnt a ranking himself it is time for him to attempt to ascend up the bantamweight table and therefore I would like to see him take on ‘El Guapo’, Chris Gutierrez.

Rafa Garcia

Rafa Garcia battled through a cut artery to secure himself a victory over Hayisaer Maheshate at UFC Vegas 66. Despite the bout being contested at a catchweight after Maheshate missed the 155-pound limit. I believe Garcia’s gutsy performance should earn him a crack at someone in the rankings. Dan Hooker currently sits 11^th in the rankings and would make for a fascinating opponent for the 28-year-old.

Rinat Fakhretdinov

Rinat Fakhretdinov set a record for the most control time in a 3-round fight as he cruised to a decision victory over Bryan Battle. This man has all the makings to cause serious problems in the welterweight division. Given his dominant performance, I would like to see him too face someone in the rankings, and believe Li Jingliang would make for an excellent opponent.

Manel Kape

Manel Kape styled on David Dvorak and was unlucky to not secure a finish in the cards’ second bout of the evening. A threat from all areas Kape has looked better with every outing since signing with the UFC. 30-fight veteran Tim Elliot is without a scheduled matchup, and I feel would be a fine choice of an opponent as Kape looks to ascend the flyweight division in 2023.

Sergey Morozov

Sergey Morozov opened the card at UFC Vegas 66 and called upon his wrestling to secure a decision victory over Journey Newson. Back-to-back victories to close out 2022 for Morozov. Next for the Kazakhstan native should be Montel Jackson as the two men both look to etch themselves closer to a spot in the bantamweight rankings.

That concludes the final ‘fights to make column’ of 2022. As always be sure to let me know whether you agree or disagree with any of the matchups I have suggested. Leave your opinion in the comments below and also share what you thought of UFC Vegas 66 itself.

We shall return to play matchmaker in the new year following the promotions opening card which will see Nassourdine Imavov attempt to take down former title challenger, Kevin Gastelum.

Opinion | Fights to make following UFC 282: Blachowicz vs. Ankalaev

UFC 282 delivered for the most part a very enjoyable and entertaining card. Ten finishes in the opening ten matchups had everything set nicely for the co-main and main event to send off the UFC’s final pay-per-view of the year on a high. However, as we should expect by now, this was never going to […]

Although the final two matchups did not quite live up to expectations, there are still matches to be made following them. So let us review UFC 282 and see what lies next for those who emerged victorious on the night.

Jan Blachowicz & Magomed Ankalaev

It seems only right to pair these two gentlemen up once again following their draw in the main event of UFC 282. Provided both men have escaped from their bout with relatively tame injuries and are looking to return around a similar time let us see two of the top contenders in the division fight each other again to establish who should be up in contention for the next title shot.

Paddy Pimblett

Now like most of the MMA community, I feel it should be Jared Gordon I am matchmaking for next, as opposed to the now 4-0 UFC lightweight, Paddy Pimblett. However, the Scouse-star got the nod on the judges’ scorecards and therefore shall be moving forward with my matchmaking plans.

The former Cage Warriors champ should be taking a step up in competition next. Therefore, I would like to see Pimblett matched up with the No.10 ranked lightweight contender, Jalin Turner.

Santiago Ponzinibbio

Santiago Ponzinibbio looked well on his way to a decision defeat against Alex Morono. However, in the final round, ‘The Argentine Dagger’ landed a devastating right hand, quickly followed up with a flurry of strikes to claim a TKO victory.

I was a big fan of Ponzinibbio’s original opponent, Robbie Lawler, and therefore would have no complaints should the two be matched up once again.

Dricus Du Plessis

Dricus Du Plessis broke the hearts of many Darren Till fans when he locked in a rear-naked choke to submit the ‘Gorilla’ in the third round. Du Plessis remains undefeated in the promotion and has already established himself as a top contender in the middleweight division.

The South African called for a top-ten opponent next and he deserves nothing less. That is why for his next matchup I would like to see him take on 9th-ranked Jack Hermansson.

Ilia Topuria

In what was widely considered one of the most intriguing and high-level fights on the card, Georgia’s Ilia Topuria turned in an almost flawless display at UFC 282. There is no doubt in my mind that Topuria will contend for a featherweight title in the future, and I can imagine it to occur sooner rather than later. I believe he is deserving of a crack at the top five and therefore would like to see him take on fellow contender, Arnold Allen.

Fights To Make Following UFC 282

Raul Rosas Jr

The 18-year-old star boy delivered on his promotional debut as many had anticipated when he submitted Jay Perrin in the very first round. You can expect the UFC to take a slower approach with Rosas Jr given his age and allow him to grow inside the promotion. Brian Kelleher would make a good opponent for Rosas Jr as he aims to bounce back from a two-fight losing skid, both coming via submission.

Jairzinho Rozenstruik

‘Bigi Boy’ returned to winning ways after he delivered a blitzing 23-second knockout of Chris Daukaus. Having already fought many top contenders and fallen short, Rozenstruik finds himself in a bit of a peculiar position. However, there is one man who he has not fought, and would create fireworks should they fight – that man being Tai ‘Bam Bam’ Tuivasa.

Edmen Shabayzan

Similarly to ‘Bigi Boy,’ Edmen Shaybayzan returned to the winning column, snapping a three-fight losing streak. A highly touted prospect when he first joined the promotion, Shabayzan is looking to get his career back on track following his UFC 282 victory. Therefore, next for Edmen, I would like to see him take on Jacob Malkoun.

Chris Curtis

Chris Curtis emerged victorious in the battle of heavy hitters when he knocked out Joaquin Buckley in the second round of their UFC 282 prelim matchup. Four wins from five have landed Curtis just inside the top fifteen of the middleweight division. Given most of the contenders already have been scheduled for early 2023 should Curtis wish to continue his ascent up the middleweight rankings he should look to take on Brazil’s Andre Muniz.

Billy Quarantillo

Billy Quarantillo simply does not know how to be involved in a boring fight and this sentiment was fitting following his TKO victory over Alexander Hernandez. Next for Billy Q is a man who would bring the same type of fire that he does already. Nathaniel Wood looked excellent in his most recent outing, and I feel these two would match up extremely well.

TJ Brown

TJ Brown notched his tenth submission victory this past weekend at UFC 282 when he dispatched Erik Silva in the final round. Three victories in his last four outings have Brown finding some stronger form inside the promotion. For his next test, I would like to see him take on experienced featherweight, Andre Fili.

Cameron Saaiman

Another debutant and another victory, Cameron Saaiman extended his undefeated record to 7-0 this past weekend following his TKO victory over a short-notice opponent, Steven Koslow. Next for Saaiman, I would like to see him take on Chad Anheliger.

Be sure to share your thoughts on my selections and leave suggestions in the comments on whom you would like to see the winners from UFC 282 face next.

Jared Cannonier and Sean Strickland will close out 2022 for the UFC as the two middleweight contenders both look to return to winning ways and set themselves up for an exciting 2023.

Opinion | Fights To Make After UFC Orlando: Thompson vs. Holland

UFC Orlando certainly delivered a fantastic card. A heavy hitter in the heavyweight division emerged as a potential title contender following another first-round finish. A legend of the sport rolled back the clock with a striking masterclass in the main event to reinstate himself as a contender in the welterweight division. Fresh faces also established […]

Let us take a look at all of those who emerged victorious from the entire UFC Orlando card and plot where their next fights should take place again.

Stephen Thompson

Stephen Thompson and Kevin Holland provided a captivating end to a truly fantastic card in the main event of UFC Orlando. Despite being just shy of forty, Thompson rolled back time to deliver a striking masterclass on his way to a TKO finish over Kevin Holland.

Now as everyone knows, Stephen Thompson does not fair well when facing up against opponents with strong wrestling/grappling. Therefore, it seems only right that his next matchup should take place against an opponent we know for certain will be looking to stand and bang with him. Jorge Masvidal could well be that man, currently unbooked and looking to get back to winning ways in 2023!

Rafael Dos Anjos

Despite his title interest being long gone as he nears the end of his brilliant career. Rafael Dos Anjos showed he still has talent in abundance as he simply outclassed Bryan Barberena on his way to a second-round submission victory.

Now for RDA, he made this one very easy for me when he went to callout out Conor McGregor during his post-fight interview. McGregor expressed an interest in competing at 170-pound when he does return and provided, he will be back inside the octagon in early 2023, this matchup seems very fitting for both men.

Matheus Nicolau

Matheus Nicolau announced himself as a serious contender following his finish over the always-game Matt Schnell at UFC Orlando. It seems only right that Nicolau should get a crack at the top five in the flyweight division since he has built up an impressive four-fight winning streak. Provided he is willing to wait for Brandon Royval to recover from his injury I can only expect fireworks should these two eventually meet inside the octagon.

Sergei Pavlovich

We may have a serious contender in the heavyweight division in Sergei Pavlovich. Two back-to-back first-round finishes have seen him shoot up to the 5th-ranked spot in his division. Next for Pavlovich needs to be a fellow top-five contender. Given that the two were previously scheduled to fight, I’d like to see the Russian test himself with the former interim heavyweight champion, Cyril Gane.

Roman Dolidze

Roman Dolidze may have had one of the best years for a fighter following his three-fight finishing streak to cap off 2022. A short-notice bout in which many did not have him favored has now landed him in the top ten of the middleweight rankings following his finish over Jack Hermanson. Let us continue to move him up the rankings and give him a matchup against veteran fighter, Derek Brunson.

Eryk Anders

Eryk Anders took advantage of what many would consider a too-soon turnaround for Kyle Daukaus. Anders snapped a two-fight skid as he picked up a 2^nd round TKO at UFC Orlando. Next for Anders comes a test in fellow hard hitter in Marc Andre Barriault.

Phillip Rowe

Phillip Rowe overcame adversity on his way to a third-round TKO over Niko Price in the headline prelim of UFC Orlando. Following this win, Rowe has gone 3/3 in his last three outings with all of his victories coming via finish. I’d like to see Rowe take on Khaos Williams in his next matchup as a final test before attempting to make his way up the welterweight rankings.

The Fresh Prince Philip Rowe makes it three in a row!

[ @PhillyFreshMMA | #UFCOrlando ] pic.twitter.com/1FiEu8M03I

— UFC (@ufc) December 4, 2022

Fights To Make Following UFC Orlando: Thompson vs. Holland

Angela Hill

Angie ‘Overkill’ Hill and fights going to a decision is something that goes hand in hand. Fortunately for the 37-year-old this time the decision was in her favor. Hill was able to neutralize any threat coming from Ducote en route to her 15^th professional victory. Next for Hill should be a matchup moving upwards in the strawweight rankings and that comes in the form of Amanda Ribas.

Clay Guida

Clay Guida secured an impressive victory as he entered an MMA octagon for the 60^th time. As he has recently confirmed that retirement is not in his plans for any time soon, his 61^st professional bout should take place against Australia-born, Jamie Mullarkey.

Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson made his experience count en route to his decision victory over Marc Diakese. Bouncing back from his defeat to Jamie Mullarkey, let’s see if Johnson can make it two on the bounce should he get the next matchup I would like for him, which is the winner of Bobby Green vs Drew Dober.

Jonathan Pearce

Jonathan Pearce put on a beatdown of Darren Elkins on his way to score his fourth consecutive victory in a fight in which he most certainly could have secured himself a finish. I believe it is time for Pearce to take a step up in competition and face former Olympian, Mark O. Madsen who will be looking to return to winning ways after suffering his first professional defeat back in November.

Natan Levy

Israel’s Natan Levy made it two wins in a row to end his 2022 on a high following his decision victory over Genaro Valdez at UFC Orlando. Levy has shown a solid skillset on the ground to neutralize his opponents. Therefore, I would like to see him face a man who has nearly half of his victories via submission and comes in the form of ‘The Smile Killer’, Fares Ziam.

Francis Marshall

Francis Marshall made good on his promotional debut after securing a second-round finish against Marcelo Rojo. Marshall is only 23 years old and has plenty of time to develop himself as a fighter. It will be interesting to see how well he can do in the sport. Next for him should be a man he shared the card with, 38-fight veteran, Darren Elkins.

Yazmin Jauregui

Similarly, to Marshall, Jauregui delivered in the opening bout of UFC Orlando to extend her undefeated record to 10-0. For Jauregui’s next test I would like to see her matched up with a wrestler and therefore my final selection comes in the form of Sam ‘Sampage’ Hughes.

That concludes this round of the ‘Fights To Make’ Column from UFC Orlando. We shall return following the conclusion of the highly anticipated card coming that is UFC 282.

Be sure to let me know if you agree or disagree with any of the choices I have gone with. As well as let me know your thoughts on the UFC Orlando card as a whole.