Winner: Brendan Allen
Who He Should Face Next: Dricus du Plessis
Since Allen stepped in on short notice to do UFC a solid, it’s time to reward him with a big fight that could catapult him into the championship picture should he pass the test in the form of “DDP.” Of course, du Plessis is coming off a one-sided loss at the hands of Khamzat Chimaev, so he also needs a big win to get back in the title hunt. It’s a good test for both men, and for Allen, a win over a former world champion gets him on the fast track to his first-ever shot at a world title.
Winner: Mike Malott
Who He Should Face Next: Daniel Rodriguez
After winning his third straight fight, Malott is eyeing spot in the Top 15, and the bigger fights that come with being ranked. As far as what could be next for him, perhaps a showdown against “D-Rod” is in order. Rodriguez’s last win was also over Holland and he, too, is on a three-fight win streak just like Malott. The winner of this fight gets closer to a spot in the Top 10.
Winner: Aiemann Zahabi
Who He Should Face Next: Deiveson Figueiredo
Zahabi secured his seventh straight win inside the Octagon, defeating Marlon Vera via split decision (robbery?). Zahabi can expect to move up at least one spot in the rankings, which will set him up nicely for a showdown against “Daico,” who is back on track after defeating Montel Jackson (also via split decision) just last week. It’s a good matchup for both men, as Figueiredo can rise a bit further by stopping the Canadian’s momentum, while a win for Zahabi over a former world champion will only do big things for his career.
Winner: Manon Fiorot
Who She Should Face Next: Natalia Silva
Fiorot returned to the win column thanks to first round technical knockout win over Jasmine Jasudavicius to improve to 8-1 under UFC’s banner. I wouldn’t mind seeing her go up against Silva next to see who gets the next shot at the strap. Silva is currently ranked No. 1, while Fiorot sits behind her at No. 2. Silva is currently on a seven-fight win streak, so it may take some work to convince her to accept the bout since she probably feels she’s deserving of the next title fight.
Winner: Charles Jourdain
Who He Should Face Next: Marcus McGhee
Jourdain secured his second straight victory after choking out Davey Grant in the first round (see it again here). It’s a nice little run for “Air,” who had previously lost two straight before turning it around for himself. After the fight, he called for a showdown against McGhee and I, for one, am not mad at the move, since McGhee is coming off a unanimous decision defeat at the hands of former Bantamweight champion, Petr Yan. Prior to that, he was scorching hot with six straight wins, so this matchup just seems like a lot of fun.
