(ALSO SEE: Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for UFC 250’s winning fighters?)
After every event, fans wonder whom the losing fighters will be matched up with next.
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 248’s most notable fighters.
Those fighters include Felicia Spencer (8-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC), who lost a unanimous decision to Amanda Nunes (20-4 MMA, 13-1 UFC) in the women’s featherweight headliner at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, as well as Raphael Assuncao (28-7 MMA, 12-4 UFC), Cory Sandhagen (12-2 MMA, 5-1 UFC) and Eddie Wineland (24-14-1 MMA, 6-8 UFC)
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Eddie Wineland
What’s next: Time off
Why: Former WEC bantamweight champ Wineland took one of the toughest losses of his career when he was flattened in highlight-reel fashion by top prospect Sean O’Malley.
Wineland hasn’t been very active in recent years after fighting since 2003, but he shows up every so often and will certainly take a notable fight if it’s presented to him. After the way in which he lost to O’Malley, though, it’s hard not to wonder if, at 35, he will be keen to come back.
The manner in which Wineland lost definitely warrants a good amount of time off. He shouldn’t be fighting anytime soon after taking a knockout like that, and thus it’s pretty difficult to decide a fight that would make sense for him. He’s still a very talented fighter, though, and would be worthy of a top-20 foe if he decides to return to the octagon.
Cory Sandhagen
Should fight: Dominick Cruz
Why they should fight: Sandhagen suffered the first blemish of his career, and it came in tough fashion when he was steamrolled by Aljamain Sterling in the first round to squash his immediate title hopes.
Sandhagen still has a very bright future, and he’s almost certain to get another big fight on the heels of this.
Earlier this year, Sandhagen was in the work for a matchup with former longtime champ Cruz (22-3 MMA, 5-2 UFC), who ended up fighting Henry Cejudo for the title at UFC 249 in May and falling short. Cruz claims he’s going to try to work his way back up, and a matchup with Sandhagen makes sense.
Raphael Assuncao
Should fight: Cody Stamann
Why they should fight: Assuncao is now in the toughest spot of his career after suffering a brutal knockout against Cody Garbrandt, extending his slide to three consecutive fights.
The Brazilian is still a player in the bantamweight division despite his rough times, and if he’s still dedicated to continue in the fight game, there’s relevant matchups that remain in his weight class.
Assuncao’s going to need to take some time off after that nasty finish, and Stamann (19-2-1 MMA, 5-1-1 UFC) is another fighter who competed at UFC 250 but needs time off, but for very different reasons.
Stamann got a solid win over Brian Kelleher just weeks removed from the tragic loss of his 18-year-old brother. He said he’s going to need some time to greave before returning, but wants a big fight when he comes back. Assuncao fits the bill.
Felicia Spencer
Should fight: Leah Letson
Why they should fight: Watch the video above to see why Spencer should fight Letson (5-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) next after her title-fight loss.
