UFC 229 has been slated to host what many are calling the greatest fight in UFC history, and it proved to be a historical night. Many of the organization’s top fighters had the privilege of sharing the cage with one another, yet it is a shame that each bout could not have two winners. With so many excellent talents and prospects completing their latest venture, there are many resilient men and women left without fights, so I think I have a few logical suggestions for the next step of everyone on the main card.
Felice Herrig vs. Angela Hill
Felice Herrig lost what I thought was a very close and controversial decision tonight, and I think that she deserves a veteran opponent. It doesn’t get much more veteran than Angela Hill. Although they both competed on the same season of The Ultimate Fighter, they have surprisingly never fought each other, and I think it is only a matter of time before they share the cage with each other.
Michelle Waterson vs. Alexa Grasso
Michelle Waterson picked up a second straight career win tonight, and immediately complained about how she isn’t in the title discussion. However, she simply hasn’t earned her way to a title shot. A fight against someone ranked below her, such as Alexa Grasso, would help to build her towards the title, and I’m sure that this particular match-up would grant a lot of viewers.
Alexander Volkov vs. Blagoy Ivanov
Alexander Volkov put on a masterful performance against Derrick Lewis tonight, all the way up until he got knocked out. While he still showed promise in this bout, almost every other top fighter in the division is already matched up, so I think bouncing back against someone like Blagoy Ivanov could benefit him. This could give Volkov a chance to establish another win streak, and if Ivanov wins, then he’s immediately in title contention.
Derrick Lewis vs. Daniel Cormier
Derrick Lewis pulled off the greatest comeback I have ever seen tonight, and I think that warrants a title shot. Of course everyone is talking about Daniel Cormier fighting Brock Lesnar, but as that fight hasn’t been officially announced yet, I wouldn’t be surprised if Lewis got his shot instead. This is a fighter who has beaten the who’s who of the division, and now is the exact right time for him to get his shot.
Ovince Saint Preux vs. Misha Cirkunov
Ovince Saint Preux lost a very clear decision to Dominick Reyes, but he still managed to make it to the final bell. Saint Preux is somebody that has fought everybody in the division, but matching him up against another perennial contender in Cirkunov could be a fun fight. Both men are on a downswing in their careers, so both of them trying to bounce back against each other could prove to be an all out war.
Dominick Reyes vs. Ilir Latifi
Dominick Reyes put on a masterful performance against Ovince Saint Preux, and he proved that he belongs in the top of the division. I truly believe that he is ready to be prepped for the title, and going through Ilir Latifi would be a good start. This is an interesting clash of styles, and everyone loves a good striker vs. grappler match-up.
Anthony Pettis vs. Justin Gaethje
Anthony Pettis put on a true show in his fight against Tony Ferguson, but ultimately threw in the towel due to a broken hand. However, we still saw a glimpse of the old Pettis tonight, and I think someone who could really bring out the dog in him is Justin Gaethje. This would be an all out war, and it could truly be one of the best main events of next year.
Tony Ferguson vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov
Tony Ferguson put on a masterful performance against Anthony Pettis tonight, and that really warrants a title shot. While Khabib’s future may be in limbo right now, this is the logical fight to make next, and both men showed in the Octagon why they are champions. I don’t think that Khabib will be stripped, but even if he is, this is the fight that everyone has wanted to see.
Conor McGregor vs. Tyron Woodley
Despite losing his return fight, Conor McGregor is still the biggest MMA star in the world, and chances are he will get another immediate title shot. McGregor has talked about going up to challenge Tyron Woodley for his belt for years now, and it might be time to do just that. Although he got submitted and sucker punched in the same night, Conor is sure to come back stronger than ever, and this just may be the weight in which to do it.
