(ALSO SEE: Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for UFC 238’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 238’s most notable fighters.
Those fighters include Marlon Moraes (22-6-1 MMA, 4-2 UFC) and Jessica Eye (14-7 MMA, 4-6 UFC), who both fell short by stoppage in their respective title fights on Saturday’s card at United Center, as well as Donald Cerrone (36-12 MMA, 23-9 UFC), Tai Tuivasa (10-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC) and Pedro Munhoz (18-4 MMA, 8-4 UFC).
Pedro Munhoz
Should fight: Marlon Moraes
Why they should fight: Munhoz was unable to solidify himself as the top contender in the bantamweight division, but even with his unanimous decision loss to Aljamain Sterling in a thrilling fight, doesn’t see his stock drop much in the weight class.
The Brazilian didn’t have an answer for Sterling’s volume and unorthodox style, however, he certainly had his moments. Munhoz has been in the UFC for some time, but there are still a number of fresh names for him to fight at 135 pounds, and a matchup against a fellow Brazilian would be especially compelling.
Prior to the event Munhoz said he forecasted wins for himself and Moraes that would set up a title showdown in their home country this fall. Both men came out on the losing end, though, and while it wasn’t the circumstances they originally anticipated, it would still be a huge fight at 135 pounds.
Tai Tuivasa
Should fight: Augusto Sakai
Why they should fight: After an undefeated start to his career na d quick surge up the UFC heavyweight division, Tuivasa now finds himself in a place of wonderment after suffering a unanimous decision loss to Blagoy Ivanov to mark his second consecutive defeat.
His first career loss came to Junior Dos Santos in December by knockout, and he said leading up to his matchup with Ivanov that he’s taken training more seriously since and would apply a more patient approach. For the most part he stuck to that, and he had some solid moments. Unfortunately Ivanov is ridiculously tough and Tuivasa was unable to put him away.
The upside for Tuivasa is that he just turned 26 and seems to have loads of potential. The outcome with Ivanov could ultimately be a minor bump in the road when looking at the big picture, but only time will tell. After some time off to continue tightening his approach, Tuivasa should return when the UFC visits Australia in the fall with a lesser-ranked name like Sakai (13-1-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC), who is coming off a win over ex-champ Andrei Arlovski in April.
Donald Cerrone
Should fight: Loser of Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Dustin Poirier at UFC 242
Why they should fight: Cerrone wanted desperately to continue fighting against Tony Ferguson after suffering an orbital fracture and making the mistake of blowing his nose, but for his own physical safety there’s no way that could happen and the end result was a TKO defeat by doctor’s stoppage that will serve as a pretty significance setback for “Cowboy.”
It seemed like a win over Ferguson would’ve put Cerrone over the hump and got him a shot against the winner of September’s lightweight title unifier between Nurmagomedov (27-0 MMA, 11-0 UFC) and Poirier (25-5 MMA, 17-4 UFC). Instead, though, he’s looking at what will likely be a long and painful recovery process that is going to force him to take real time off.
That’s not going to make Cerrone happens, but that’s what he needs right now. His absence will allow some key 155-pound fights to play out, and when he’s healthy can jump right back in the mix. Cerrone definitely would’ve preferred the winner of the upcoming title fight, but a clash with the losers, perhaps in December, would be a huge fight for the weight class and one that could bring Cerrone right back to the doorstep of challenging for UFC gold.
Jessica Eye
Should fight: Antonina Shevchenko
Why they should fight: Watch the video above to see why Eye should fight the other Shevchenko (7-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) sister next.
Marlon Moraes
Should fight: Pedro Munhoz
Why they should fight: Watch the video above to see why Moraes should fight Munhoz next.
For complete coverage of UFC 238, check out the UFC Events section of the site.
