Today marked the UFC’s first ever event in Liverpool, England, and while the card took a few major hits, it was still an entertaining event. Some fighters did miss weight, and there were a lot of late replacements, but I still thought the card came together nicely. However, with so many big wins and devastating losses, you have to wonder what is next for each of these fighters, and I think I have an idea.
Eric Spicely: Cut from the UFC
After suffering a huge TKO lost and being finished three times in a row in the UFC, it’s more than likely that Spicely will have to part ways with the promotion. While he has had some solid wins in the past, being finished three times in a row in fights where he didn’t mount much offense is just more than the UFC is willing to let slide, and Spicely may not get a renewal of his contract. I hear Bellator is hiring though.
Darren Stewart vs. Marvin Vettori
Darren Stewart picked up his first, and much needed, victory inside the UFC Octagon today, and did so in devastating fashion. He showed the world that he has true power in his hands, and I think he deserves another fight where he can showcase his abilities. Marvin Vettori is an extremely durable fighter who is coming off of a tough loss, and I think both men could use this fight as a stepping stone towards bigger achievements.
Nordine Taleb vs. Alan Jouban
While Nordine Taleb may have been submitted in Liverpool, the fact remains that he knocks people out, and he almost knocked out Claudio Silva a couple of times in their bout. Another fighter that is known for knocking people out is Alan Jouban, and he can always be counted on to bring his best. I think this could be a fun match between two technical strikers, and I can almost guarantee that one of these would be put to sleep.
Claudio Silva vs. Michel Prazeres
Claudio Silva came back after nearly a 4 year layoff to submit Nordine Taleb, and that deserves a shot at a next level opponent. Someone else who is coming off of an impressive submission win is Michel Prazeres, and I feel like this fight could be a battle between two epic jiu-jitsu players. Whether they decide to see who is better on the ground or decide to just stand and strike, this is bound to be an exciting fight, and I would love to see the two similar styles clash.
Jason Knight: Cut from the UFC
Being from Mississippi myself I’m a huge Jason Knight fan, but after three straight losses, we all know what’s coming. Knight is likely to be cut from the UFC even though he lost a controversial decision to Makwan Amirkhani, and despite knocking him down twice in the first round. However, this isn’t to say that Knight can’t work his way back into the promotion. At only 25 years old, if Knight can reel off several straight wins in a lower promotion, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him come back to the UFC with a vengeance.
Makwan Amirkhani vs. Charles Rosa 
While Amirkhani did win his fight, I’m going to frankly say that he shouldn’t have, and I don’t think he should reap the benefits of fighting a tougher opponent. Instead I think Makwan should take on Charles Rosa, someone who actually lost to Jason Knight, just to get his feet back under him. After a solid performance against Rosa, then we can talk about a bigger fight in the future.
Mads Burnell vs. Humberto Bandenay
Mads Burnell lost his fight via submission in the third round, but what was surprising is that he absolutely dominated the fight up until he got caught in a choke. While Humberto Bandenay’s last fight wasn’t nearly as close, I do think these fighters both match up well, and they’re both still coming off of losses. I feel like both fighters have a future in the division, and this one fight could decide what trajectory each man goes on.
Arnold Allen vs. Doo Ho Choi
Arnold Allen had an impressive performance in front of his countrymen today, pulling off a last minute ninja choke for the victory. A performance like that is what gets you a next level opponent, and Doo Ho Choi is exactly that. Allen has excellent range and striking, but compared to Choi’s big power, there’s no telling who will prevail in this would be barn burner.
Craig White vs. Ricky Rainey 
Craig White made his UFC debut against number nine ranked Neil Magny, and while it didn’t go his way, you have to respect him for stepping up on such short notice against a top ten guy. This was undoubtedly too much too soon for the hot prospect that is White, so I would like to see him fight somebody with the same amount of experience. Ricky Rainey also lost his first UFC fight by knockout, yet both of these men are still up-and-comers, and I think a contest against each other could propel the winner towards the top of the division.
Neil Magny vs. Gunnar Nelson
Neil Magny was supposed to fight Gunnar Nelson today instead of Craig White, however an injury pulled him from the bout. Magny doesn’t seem too interested in rescheduling the bout, calling out Kamaru Usman after his fight, but that doesn’t seem like a good matchup considering Usman is on the brink of a title shot. However, a rescheduling of the Nelson fight could give Magny a chance to test his metal against a true top fifteen competitor, and could help to slowly inch him further into the top ten.
Stephen Thompson vs. Robbie Lawler
Although I far from agreed with the decision in the main event, Stephen Thompson still suffered a loss, and has now been removed from title contention for a while. Someone in the same boat is Robbie Lawler, having just lost to Rafael Dos Anjos despite being ranked number three in the division. Having these two fight could determine who will get one more title shot, and there’s a good chance that one of these men will get knocked out in the fight.
Darren Till vs. Kamaru Usman
Darren Till established himself as a true Welterweight title contender with a win over Stephen Thompson, and if it weren’t for the interim title fight happening in June, he would likely be fighting Tyron Woodley next. However, since there is indeed going to be a contender ahead of him, Till can stay busy by trying to keep Kamaru Usman out of title contention as well. I feel like this is the only logical fight for Till next, and since he has admitted that he has problems when fighting wrestlers, this could be an interesting fight to watch unfold.
