After every event, fans wonder whom the winners will be matched up with next.
And with another night of UFC action in the rearview mirror, it’s time to look forward, put on a pair of Sean Shelby and Mick Maynard’s shoes, and play UFC matchmaker for UFC on ESPN+ 7’s most noteworthy winning fighters.
Those winners include Alistair Overeem (45-17 MMA, 10-6 UFC), who defeated Aleksei Oleinik 57-12-1 MMA, 6-3 UFC) by first-round TKO in the heavyweight headliner, as well as main card winners Islam Makhachev (17-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC), Sergei Pavlovich (13-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) and Roxanne Modafferi (23-15 MMA, 2-3 UFC)
Roxanne Modafferi
Should fight: Liz Carmouche
Why they should fight: Once again Modafferi was counted out of winning, and once again she left the octagon a winner after upsetting Antonina Shevchenko by unanimous decision in one of the finest performances of her career.
After more than 15 years in the sport as a professional, Modafferi is still finding ways to improve. She used a well-executed strategy to hand Shevchenko, the sister of UFC champ Valentina Shevchenko, her first career loss. Modafferi said her goal is to position herself for another chance at UFC gold, and if she ever gets there, there’s a nice storyline in place with “The Bullet.”
The victory over Shevchenko alone won’t get her there, though. But another big one could. Fellow ex-title challenger Carmouche (13-6 MMA, 5-4 UFC) has been doing good work in the women’s flyweight division and is beginning to pick up some steam in her own career after a victory over Lucie Pudilova at UFC on ESPN+ 3 in February moved her to 4-1 in her past five bouts.
A matchup between Modafferi and Carmouche could potentially serve as a title eliminator, and while “Roxy” would likely be an underdog once again, there’s no doubt she would relish the role for the opportunity.
Sergei Pavlovich
Should fight: Justin Willis
Why they should fight: After getting a tough draw in opponent with Overeem in his octagon debut in November, Pavlovich got a much more reasonable matchup with Marcelo Golm for his sophomore UFC effort and was able to give a better impression of what he’s all about.
It only lasted 66 seconds, but Pavlovich completely outclassed Golm and picked up the knockout victory to rebound from his first and only career loss against “The Reem.” At 26, the Russian has the potential to be among the leaders in the next wave of UFC heavyweight contenders, he just needs to build himself up against some more reputable competition.
Willis (8-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) is coming off a one-sided loss to Curtis Blaydes this past month where he was largely exposed on the mat, but Pavlovich comes with a far greater striking threat, which “Big Pretty” would likely welcome. Pairing them would create high odd for a stoppage, and if Pavlovich got the win, he could possibly become a ranked heavyweight.
Islam Makhachev
Should fight: Gregor Gillespie
Why they should fight: With five victories in a row that were largely dominant, Makhachev’s unanimous decision victory over Arman Tsarukyan prove she’s ready for a serious step up in competition.
It was a “Fight of the Night” effort that saw two 30-27 scorecards go in his favor, which while fun, never left Makhachev in any sense of serious danger. His next opponent needs to be more capable taking him there, and while there’s no shortage of killers in the lightweight division, the Russian deserves someone with a number next to their name.
Gillespie (13-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) has a perfect career record and is riding an impressive six-fight winning streak in the octagon. He’s made it clear he’s willing to fight any name thrown his way, and with a grappling-heavy skillset on his side, “The Gift” would be a compelling matchup for Makhachev that could help elevate the winner to the next level.
Alistair Overeem
Should fight: Alexander Volkov
Why they should fight: Watch the video above to see why Overeem should fight Volkov (30-7 MMA, 4-1 UFC) next after his main event triumph.
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