The MMA Daily

Following a stunning UFC 278 card, the aftermath has left us with intriguing matches to make. For this article, I’ll be focusing on the losers on the card, with the exception of Luke Rockhold, who retired following a gutsy defeat against Paulo Costa.

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Kamaru Usman

vs. Leon Edwards 3 – Closing in on a record-tying sixteen straight wins in the UFC, with less than a minute left, Usman was flattened by a perfectly timed head kick by Leon Edwards. A stunning moment, that will unquestionable live in mixed martial arts lore forever. Unsure of what his timeline is to return, especially given he suffered a knockout, Usman undeniably deserves an immediate rematch. The question though, is if Edwards takes a fight before Usman is cleared. Which is very possible given the UFC may be returning to the UK in March or April.

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Jose Aldo

vs. the loser of Aljamain Sterling vs. T.J. Dillashaw – Still ranked among the top five of the division, Aldo, regardless of the loss, still is within striking distance of a title shot. At 35 years old and with eighteen years in the game, it’s plausible that the legend could call it a career. However, should he continue, I could see the Brazilian garnering the loser of Aljamain Sterling vs. T.J. Dillashaw. A fight that, with a victory, would catapult him into a title shot.

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Wu Yanan vs. Ji Yeon Kim – Following her fifth loss in six UFC fights, it’s likely that Yanan will be cut. However, should she stick on the roster, a fight against a struggling Ji Yeon Kim would make the most sense.

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Harry Hunsucker vs. Aleksa Camur – After a third straight loss inside the octagon, there is a chance that Hunsucker’s UFC tenure could be at an end. If not, Aleksa Camur, who is 1-2 in the UFC and has less than 10 professional fights would make the most sense.

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Alexandr Romanov vs. Blagoy Ivanov – Despite suffering his first professional defeat, Romanov has time and time, shown that he has the talent to be a threat in this Heavyweight division. What he needs to shore up, is his conditioning. Still ranked in the top fifteen, a fight against a fellow ranked Blagoy Ivanov would be a challenging next fight.

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Leonardo Santos vs. Chris Gruetzemacher – After a third consecutive loss and at 42 years old, it’s probably the end of the road for Santos. However, with an event in Brazil in January of 2023, I could see the Brazilian return for a farewell fight. A good opponent for that could be Chris Gruetzemacher.

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Sean Woodson vs. Melsik Baghdasaryan – Despite being dropped twice and nearly stopped, Woodson managed to take advantage of a point deduction and fight to a draw. Obviously compromised throughout the fight, it’s a testament that he was able to withstand more punishment and never relent. While a rematch doesn’t seem necessary, a fight against Melsik Baghdasaryan would be an exciting striking affair.

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Luis Saldana vs. David Onama – After dropping Sean Woodson multiple times, seemingly fumbling the bag to finish the fight, Saldana elected to throw an illegal knee to a downed opponent. In reality, a few punches would of halted the fight. However, due to the illegal knee, the action was halted and a point was taken away from Saldana. The end result of the fight, a split draw. With that result, Saldana earned half his pay. Which shouldn’t be the case, but it’s the UFC model. Regardless, given his style, a fun fight against David Onama would be pure entertainment.

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A.J. Fletcher vs. Jason Witt – Nearly taking Ange Loosa out in round two, Fletcher succumbed to the war of nutrition. Ultimately dropping his second straight fight in the UFC, Fletcher should get a third stab to make things right. If so, a perfect next fight would be against Jason Witt. A veteran who has dropped two straight and needs to get back on track.

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Francisco Figueiredo vs. Charles Johnson – Attempting to knock off a ranked foe in Amir Albazi, Figueiredo found out that their are levels to the game – as he was submitted in the opening round. With the UFC back in Brazil in January, perhaps he can try to rebound on him soil against Charles Johnson. A fighter who seems like he would relish the opportunity to spoil the night.

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Jay Perrin vs. Fernando Garcia – Valiant in defeat, Perrin is better than his 10-6 record shows. While he may not be of Championship quality, he certainly is exciting and has the skills necessary to win some fights on the biggest stage. An appropriate next fight would be against Fernando Garcia. A fight who unsuccessfully debuted in May of 2022.

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Daniel da Silva vs. J.P. Buys – After three straight losses, it’s very possible that da Silva may of fought his last fight with the UFC. If not, J.P. Buys who has lost three straight as well makes sense in a winner take all fight.