When it comes to the UFC Heavyweight division, someone who is etched in the record books is Cain Velasquez. The legend himself made his return tonight against the heaviest power puncher in the world Francis Ngannou, and the entire card was exciting. I think I know who each main card competitor should go up against next, and I hope you enjoy!
Myles Jury vs. Tyler Diamond
Myles Jury was dealt a close decision loss tonight, and that makes it two in a row after his dominant fall to Chad Mendes. However, Jury is still an excellent fighter, and could easily turn himself around. I think a fight against someone like Tyler Diamond could be a good opportunity to bounce back, and Diamond would have the opportunity to put a big name on his resume.
Andre Fili vs. Cub Swanson
Andre Fili managed to upset the heavy favorite Myles Jury tonight, and has put together a nice win streak for himself. Someone who is desperate for a win is Cub Swanson, and this fight could give Fili his much deserved opportunity against a ranked opponent. This could be an interesting crossroads fight, and I would love to think that the winner is right back at the top of the heap to face Max Holloway.
Bryan Barberena vs. Kyle Stewart
Bryan Barberena was one half of what has to be the fight of the night from this UFC card, and could have easily won a judge’s decision if he were able to survive just 10 more seconds. However, his chin didn’t hold up all the way, and sadly he was setback. Kyle Stewart is a prospect who lost very convincingly in his debut, but I think that he would be willing to strike with Barberena, and that’s what the fans want to see.
Vicente Luque vs. Demian Maia
Vicente Luque proved tonight why he is one of the best Welterweight prospects in the UFC, and called for a top 10 opponent directly after knocking out Bryan Barberena. I think that Luque deserves this opportunity, and someone that could be a perfect fight for him is Demian Maia. Maia has reached a rough patch in his career, yet is ranked number 8 in the division, and has as much of a chance to submit Luque as Luque does to knock him out.
Alex Caceres: Cut
While Alex Caceres did win a fight not that long ago, he has essentially been the biggest joke on the roster for years, and does not deserve a place in the UFC. I cannot recall a time when Caceres won more than one fight in a row, but he has consistently gone on extensive UFC losing streaks. It is about time for him to fight somewhere else, and I wish him the best in his future endeavors.
Kron Gracie vs. Chas Skelly
Kron Gracie, a member of the legendary family that invented MMA, made an extremely successful UFC debut in Phoenix tonight. However, his career is still young, and I think that he needs to be brought up slowly. Someone like Chas Skelly who has been around forever and fought everybody would be a viable measuring stick for him, and could show everyone that he really does belong in the UFC.
Cortney Casey vs. Mackenzie Dern
Cortney Casey has always been a journeyman fighter at best, and tonight she lost yet another fight against a serious contender in Cynthia Calvillo. It seems that no one wants to sign a contract against Mackenzie Dern, but I would love to see her keep climbing the Strawweight ladder by picking up a win against someone like Casey. Hopefully this fight will show the UFC that Cortney does not belong there, and I would be surprised to see it get out of the first round.
Cynthia Calvillo vs. Tatiana Suarez
Cynthia Calvillo has been in the title picture since her UFC debut, and called out another top contender in Tatiana Suarez after her win tonight. I personally think that is an excellent fight to help clear the division up, and both girls have an equal chance to win this fight. This will likely establish the next contender for the belt, and I wouldn’t know where to start when it comes to making a prediction.
James Vick vs. Nik Lentz
James Vick lost a pretty clear decision to Paul Felder, and likely lost the ranking next to his name. Someone who has been winning fights in the UFC for forever is Nik Lentz, who picked up a win on the prelims. This fight makes a lot of sense as far as timing goes, and I think that it is a toss up as to who will walk away with a victory.
Paul Felder vs. Donald Cerrone
Paul Felder managed to dismantle James Vick tonight, and finally got a top 10 ranking. Being an all-action fighter, there are many fun matchups to be made in the Lightweight division, but one that stands out to me is against Donald Cerrone. While they are personal friends, I don’t think that will stop them from fighting each other, and this is bound to be the fight of the year.
Cain Velasquez vs. Andrei Arlovski
Cain Velasquez fell in only 26 seconds to Francis Ngannou, and I for one thought this was a predictable outcome. Cain is entirely too old and withered down to fight the new breed of competitors, and should be nowhere near the title. I think a fight against fellow former Heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski could help to decide which man should retire, if Velasquez doesn’t make that call himself.
Francis Ngannou vs. Daniel Cormier
Francis Ngannou has gotten back to his winning ways with two back to back decapitations of Curtis Blaydes and Cain Velasquez, and I think that knocking out Cormier’s best friend and training partner should be enough to grant him a title shot. Cormier has been said to have three fights left in the UFC, and with two of those confirmed to be Brock Lesnar and Jon Jones, I think that Ngannou deserves the other spot. I do not know who else is more deserving of the title shot, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it scheduled fairly soon.