![]() That's back-to-back fights that plenty of observers believed he won. He's a character in this story, but it's hard to see him getting a shot ahead of O'Malley.ĭillashaw (lost to men's bantamweight champion Sterling by second-round TKO) Yan, middleweight (lost to O'Malley by split decision) Cejudo walked away a couple years ago as the champ, on a dominant run that included two divisions. ![]() Again, Sterling wants big fights, and this would be one that's easy to sell. He's coming back and obviously wants a shot at the belt. This would feel out of place, and I don't see it happening, but we still don't know what is going to be next for Cejudo. This should be the next title fight at 135 pounds. O'Malley is instantly the biggest fight for him, and the rankings justify it. Sterling wants big fights, because big fights equal big money. And Sterling feels even more like an undisputed champion now, getting the better of one of the best bantamweights of all time.Ĭonvincingly. 1-ranked contender and a former champion. Whether you agree with the scoring of O'Malley's split decision over Yan or not, there's no doubting he proved himself to be elite. UFC president Dana White said the two winners of these fights would square off, and there's no reason to deviate from that after watching them play out. This probably isn't that, but it's a quality, quality matchup.Īljamain Sterling, men's bantamweight champion (defeated TJ Dillashaw by second-round TKO) Sean O'Malley, middleweight (defeated Petr Yan by split decision) Would love to see Oliveira in the biggest fight possible. If Dariush doesn't get a title shot, which doesn't feel likely, this would be a big fight for him, and one Dariush deserves.įrom a rankings standpoint, it makes perfect sense. And I bet he'd even take the fight at 170 pounds, if that's what McGregor demanded. He deserves the attention a megafight against McGregor would bring him. He's already beaten a lot of the obvious opponents you'd book him against next. Oliveira has arguably the most exciting style in the sport right now. If he does come back though, this is the one. He keeps saying he will, but it feels like we're never any closer to him doing so. ![]() ![]() Oliveira is a perfect foe for McGregor, if and when McGregor ever returns. One would think he'll have to get his chance if he continues to win, but it won't be right now.Ĭharles Oliveira (lost by second-round submission to Makhachev) There are just too many big fights ahead of him right now. 12 for UFC 284 and this is the main event.ĭariush is so, so, so deserving of a title fight, but even he seems to know it isn't in the cards - yet. And Volkanovski gets a shot at a second title - in his home country of Australia. Makhachev gets to defend his belt against the No. Well, Makhachev, Nurmagomedov, Volkanovski and the UFC made this one pretty easy. Who should be next: Alexander Volkanovski Islam Makhachev, lightweight champion (defeated Charles Oliveira to win the vacant lightweight title) So what should come next? Let's take a look at what fights could be ahead in 2023. Should the winners fight each other? And how about the losers? A fight between either pair would be must-see. Champion Aljamain Sterling dominated TJ Dillashaw with a TKO victory, while Sean O'Malley escaped with a split decision over Petr Yan. Makhachev entered the fight on a 10-fight winning streak and was set to finalize the plan of his coach and longtime teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former UFC lightweight champion: To win the belt.įor Oliveira, who lost the belt on the scales back in May, this was his first defeat in 11 fights.Įarlier on the card, the bantamweight division took center stage. Islam Makhachev is the new lightweight champion after defeating Charles Oliveria by second-round submission (arm triangle) to win the vacant belt at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday. UFC 280: Who's next for Islam Makhachev, Aljamain Sterling and Sean O'Malley? ![]() You have reached a degraded version of because you're using an unsupported version of Internet Explorer.įor a complete experience, please upgrade or use a supported browser ![]()
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