(ALSO SEE: Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for UFC 242’s 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 242’s key winning fighters.
Those included Khabib Nurmagomedov (28-0 MMA, 12-0 UFC), who defended his lightweight title against Dustin Poirier (25-6 MMA, 17-5 UFC) by third-round submission in the main event at The Arena in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, as well as Paul Felder (17-4 MMA, 9-4 UFC), Islam Makhachev (18-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC), Curtis Blaydes (12-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) and Joanne Calderwood (14-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC).
Joanne Calderwood
Should fight: Lauren Murphy
Why they should fight: Calderwood got the big win she’s needed in the women’s flyweight division in a competitive split decision over Andrea Lee, who came into the fight undefeated inside the octagon. The win shouldn’t put her at the front of the queue to fight Valentina Shevchenko, but she’s certainly not far off, either.
After beating a highly ranked contender, there isn’t much room for Calderwood to move up because she’s already fought many of the best in her class. Murphy (11-4 MMA, 3-4 UFC) is a name who is coming off a winning performance, though, and she could be a fitting foe for “JoJo,” who said post-fight that she hopes to stay active moving forward.
Curtis Blaydes
Should fight: Winner of Derrick Lewis vs. Blagoy Ivanov at UFC 244
Why they should fight: The grappling arsenal of Blaydes was once again on full display as he completely owned Shamil Abdurakhimov en route to a second-round TKO and his second consecutive win. “Razor” may not be the most exciting fighter in the world, but he knows what he does best and he sticks with it. And few people can stop it.
“Razor” has hit roadblocks when he’s faced the very elite at heavyweight, but he’s proving himself worthy of another try. At just 28, Blaydes has a tremendous amount of process for his division, and it’s time to see if he can finally advantage to the next level. A matchup with the winner of Lewis (21-7 MMA, 12-5 UFC) vs. Ivanov (18-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC), who fight at UFC 244 on Nov. 2 in New York, would give him the chance to make that happen.
Islam Makhachev
Should fight: Gregor Gillespie
Why they should fight: Makhachev stacked another win on his near-perfect record when he defeated a game Davi Ramos by unanimous decision, and now the Russian has won six consecutive fights in the lightweight division and has earned the opportunity to get a top-15 opponent in arguably the deepest division in the sport.
Although it’s not the most fan-friendly style at times, Makhachev is consistently dominating solid competition and has only slipped up once in 19 career fights. Someone who has been doing the same – although with more finishing ability displayed and no losses – is Gillespie (13-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC). Both men are on a similar trajectory at 155 pounds, and it’s time to match them up to see who takes the next step.
Paul Felder
Should fight: Loser of Donald Cerrone vs. Justin Gaethje at UFC on ESPN+ 16
Why they should fight: Felder avenged his loss to Edson Barboza by the skin of his teeth, picking up a split decision to push his winning streak in lightweight competition to five consecutive fights.
After the win, Felder called out all top-five names in the division, and he given his streak and positive standing with the UFC brass, he may just get it. Two of those names throw down next weekend at UFC on ESPN+ 16 when Cerrone (36-12 MMA, 23-9 UFC) fights Gaethje (20-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC). The winner of that contest will be flirting with title shot territory, but the loser seems like the perfect matchup.
Felder has said he would prefer not to fight friend and former training partner Cerrone, so if it goes that way then perhaps he would have to look at alternative options. However, if he wants to get where he wants to be in his career, he just have to put his relationship with “Cowboy” aside.
Khabib Nurmagomedov
Should fight: Tony Ferguson
Why they should fight: Watch the video above to see why Nurmagomedov should fight Ferguson (25-3 MMA, 15-1 UFC) next for his third lightweight title defense.
