The MMA Daily

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Leon Edwards

vs. Kamaru Usman 3 – With the matchup evened up at 1-1, and due to Kamaru Usman’s long reign in the UFC, it’s only right that a trilogy take place next. The only problem though is, timing. With Usman suffering a clean knockout, it’s to be expected that he needs time off. However, with the UFC targeting a return to the UK in March or April, things could get murky for a trilogy.

vs. Jorge Masvidal – Perhaps the biggest winner based on the result other than Colby Covington, was Jorge Masvidal. Who despite being on a three-fight losing streak, has an outside shot of getting a title shot based on timing and history.

vs. Khamzat Chimaev – In less than a month, Chimaev will face Nate Diaz at UFC 279. With a victory, Dana White already has stated that Chimaev will most likely earn a title shot. Given the nature of Usman getting knocked out and the UFC returning to the UK in early 2023, it’s very possible that the Russian gets a crack at the belt. Even over Masvidal, who at the end of the day, has lost three straight fights.

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Paulo Costa

vs. Robert Whittaker – Pending the former Middleweight Champion can get by Marvin Vettori, this once scheduled bout in 2021, would make a lot of sense to re-book.

vs. winner of Jared Cannonier vs. Sean Strickland – Should Robert Whittaker falter against Marvin Vettori, the next logical fight would be against the winner of Cannonier vs. Strickland.

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Merab Dvalishvili vs. winner of Cory Sandhagen vs. Song Yadong – Picking up the biggest win of his career over Jose Aldo, Dvalishvili moved himself one step closer to a title shot. However, given Marlon Vera’s performances of late, I’m not certain that Dvalishvili being ranked higher will matter in selecting the next title contender. Given that notion, in less than a month, Sandhagen will fight Yadong. The winner, who would be a top five foe, makes sense for the Georgian’s next fight.

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Lucie Pudilova vs. Mayra Bueno Silva – Returning to the UFC in impressive fashion, Pudilova could become a player at Bantamweight in due time. Given her style and finishing prowess, a fight against Silva would be a lot of fun.

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Tyson Pedro vs. Alonzo Menifield – Needing only 65 seconds to dispose of Harry Hunsucker, Pedro has now rattled off two straight since returning from a three-year hiatus. Needing a bump up in competition, a fight against a fellow knockout artist in Alonzo Menifield would be ideal.

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Marcin Tybura vs. Sergey Pavlovich – Scoring an upset victory over the previously undefeated Alexandr Romanov, Tybura has proved that he is a mainstay at 265 pounds. A division, which quite frankly, is in flux. Given the murky title picture and that Curtis Blaydes is likely next for the winner of Cyril Gane and Tai Tuivasa, that leaves Sergey Pavlovich seeking an opponent. Tybura, with six wins in the last seven fights could be that guy.

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Jared Gordon vs. Claudio Puelles – Rebounding with a victory over Leonardo Santos, Gordon has now won four of his last five fights. While still not quite in the mix for ranked foes, a fight against Claudio Puelles, who is on a five fight win streak would be ideal and beneficial for both.

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Ange Loosa vs. Mike Malott – If there is one thing certain, Loosa is not only an entertaining fighter, but he has a hell of a chin. A fun next fight for him could be against Mike Malott, who hasn’t fought since stopping Mickey Gall in April.

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Amir Albazi vs. Tim Elliott – If there was anything clear about Albazi’s return to the octagon, it’s that he is a future contender. What should be next, is a ranked foe. A challenging one too in the form of former title challenger Tim Elliott.

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Aoriqileng vs. winner of Alateng Heili vs. Chad Anheilger – After back-to-back losses, Aoriqileng moved back up to Bantamweight. A wise decision, as he has rattled off two straight wins. Beginning his ascension at 135 pounds, a next progression fight that would make sense is against the winner of Alateng Heili and Chad Anheilger.

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Victor Altamirano vs. Alan Nascimento – Impressively notching his first UFC victory with a stoppage win over Daniel da Silva, Altamirano is ready to climb. A logical next fight, could be against Alan Nascimento, who too just tasted UFC victory for the first time in May.