(ALSO SEE: Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for Jorge Masvidal and UFC 251’s key losing fighters?)
After every event, fans wonder whom the winners 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 251’s key winning fighters.
Those included Kamaru Usman (17-1 MMA, 12-0 UFC), who successfully defended his welterweight title against Jorge Masvidal (35-14 MMA, 12-7 UFC) by unanimous decision in the headliner at Flash Forum in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the still featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski (22-1 MMA, 9-0 UFC), the new bantamweight champ Petr Yan (15-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC), as well as former champ Rose Namajunas (9-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC) and top prospect Amanda Ribas (18-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC).
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Amanda Ribas
Should fight: Winner of Carla Esparza vs. Marina Rodriguez at UFC on ESPN 14
Why they should fight: Ribas lived up to the heavy betting odds that were placed upon her going into her matchup with Paige VanZant by delivering a dominant performance that ended in a first-round submission.
Ribas appears to have all the attributes to be a big star in the UFC. She has largely had her way with all her opponents so far, and the matchup with VanZant was clearly one to help her shine off a known commodity. She did that in every way.
The Brazilian moved up to the women’s flyweight division for the fight specifically, but she’ll drop back down to strawweight where she does her best work for the next fight. Ribas could fight anyone in the top 15 it would be a compelling bout. Ribas called her shot, though, mentioning the winner of the July 25 bout between former champ Esparza (16-6 MMA, 7-4 UFC) and unbeaten Rodriguez (13-0-2 MMA, 2-0-2 UFC) as a fight of interest.
Rose Namajunas
Should fight: Zhang Weili
Why they should fight: Namajunas’ revenge over Jessica Andrade didn’t come easy, but she got the job done with a thrilling split decision win over the woman who took the UFC strawweight title from her in May 2019.
Namajunas took a long break after that nasty slam knockout to Andrade, and even contemplated retirement during that time. She said her head is finally in a good place, though, and that helped her get through a tough fight against Andrade.
It’s evident at this point that Namajunas should be fighting for the belt next. She could’ve easily got a fight with champ Weili (21-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC) without this win, but the fact she avenged her most recent loss and is now has momentum, there’s no doubt that’s the fight.
Petr Yan
Should fight: Aljamain Sterling
Why they should fight: Yan’s seven-fight UFC tenure has resulted in a championship belt as he outlasted and stopped Jose Aldo by fifth-round TKO to claim the vacant bantamweight strap.
At only 26, the future is bright for Yan. He’s nothing short of sensational and a complete fighter, but he’s in arguably the deepest division in the sport. If Yan can put together a run against the contenders that are creeping on the horizon, he will be able to etch quite a legacy for himself.
We know who the first man up is, though, and that’s very clearly Sterling (19-3 MMA, 11-3 UFC). “The Funkmaster” has won five in a row and solidified his opportunity with a quick submission of Cory Sandhagen at UFC 250. Hopefully it happens soon.
Alexander Volkanovski
Should fight: Winner of Chan Sung Jung vs. Brian Ortega
Why they should fight: Volkanovski’s title defense against Max Holloway was somewhat controversial, but the fact remain he’s up 2-0 in their series and at this point that fight can’t be run back a third time.
It was a closely contested fight over five rounds, but it seemed the majority of the public felt Holloway won. The majority of the judges had it for Volkanovski, though, and that’s why he got the split decision.
For now, Volkanovski can move on to a new chapter of his title reign at 145 pounds. There’s a bevy of fresh opponents on the table for him, and it seems like two key fights coming up are Jung (16-5 MMA, 6-2 UFC) vs. Ortega (14-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) and Zabit Magomedsharipov vs. Yair Rodriguez, although neither have been made official.
It would be in Volkanovski’s best interest to see how those matchups play out of if they get booked, but it would seem the “Korean Zombie” vs. Ortega matchup has the higher stakes at this point. Ideally, that matchup would produce Volkanovski’s next foe.
Kamaru Usman
Should fight: Gilbert Burns
Why they should fight: Watch the video above to see why Usman should fight Burns (18-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC) next in his third welterweight title defense.
