Matchmaker Monday – UFC Vegas 34

UFC Vegas 34 concluded filled with highlights and unforgettable moments. Now, after the fact, we can break down what’s next for the athletes who competed. Let’s take a closer look!

DISCLAIMER: this is purely opinion based, feel free to disagree!

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Jared Cannonier (14-5) – #3 UFC middleweight

Returning to the ring after a beatdown at the hands of Robert Whittaker, ‘Tha Killa Gorilla’ Jared Cannonier put on a great fight in the main event. Proving once again that he’s a threat in the title picture at 185lbs, his earth-shattering power will continue to be a problem to fellow contenders. I’d like to see Cannonier matched up with the winner of Paulo Costa vs Marvin Vettori in a title eliminator bout in early 2021. Both fights are stylistically fun and create a clear contender in the winner.

Kelvin Gastelum (16-8, 1 NC) – #9 UFC middleweight

Though he made a strong account of himself, Kelvin Gastelum once again fell short in his decision loss to Jared Cannonier. This leaves him at 1-5 in his last 6 bouts. I have no doubts that Gastelum can hang with the elite – as be showed at UFC Vegas 34 – but it’s time for a sustained step-down in competition. Brad Tavares has racked up 2 straight wins, but lies just outside the top ten. A win for both men would be wildly beneficial.

Mark Madsen (11-0) – UFC lightweight

A split decision with over Clay Guida will continue Danish Olympian Mark Madsen on his path up the lightweight ladder. Though the decision may have been disputed by some, there’s no argument that Madsen didn’t look impressive. If their timelines work, I’d love to see a fight between Madsen and Drew Dober. A true striker vs grappler matchup that places the winner in contention for a top 15 spot at lightweight.

Clay Guida (36-21) – UFC lightweight

As he always does, veteran Clay Guida made a great account of himself at UFC Vegas 34. ‘The Carpenter’ is still more than capable of bringing the fight to the younger prospects at 155lbs. John Makdessi picked up an exciting win over Igancio Bahamondes back in April, and a fight with Guida would be fireworks. That would be a guaranteed slugfest.

Parker Porter (11-6) – UFC heavyweight

Improving to 2-1 over the weekend, Parker Porter showed he still has high hopes for his UFC run. The 36 year old picked up a win over Chase Sherman, going all 3 rounds to secure the unanimous decision. A fight with Greg Hardy provides both men with an opportunity to score an important win for advancing their careers. It also has the potential for quick heavyweight KO, and who’s gonna complain about that?

Chase Sherman (15-8) – UFC heavyweight

Dropping to 1-2 in his second stint with the UFC, the road ahead looks rocky for Chase Sherman. In my opinion, however, he still has potential. A fight with Justin Tafa presents an all-action war that will show that the winner is still UFC-quality. Sherman needs an impressive win if he wants to keep his spot at heavyweight.

Alexandre Pantoja (24-5) – #3 UFC flyweight

Quietly becoming one of the top fighters at 125lbs for years now, it seems like people are starting to put respect on Alexandre Pantoja’s name. His submission win over the weekend placed him firmly into the title picture, and it looks as if he’s going to get that opportunity. If Askar Askarov is still injured, I see no reason why we shouldn’t get Brandon Moreno (a man he holds two wins over) vs Pantoja for the title in December.

Brandon Royval (12-6) – #6 UFC flyweight

Though his record in the UFC sits at 2-2, make no mistake, Brandon Royval is one of the best that flyweight has to offer. He has made a very good account of himself in 4 outings against top contenders with a wealth more of high-level experience. A scrap with Rogerio Bontorin later this year or early next year would be a fun fight between well-rounded prospects.

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How would you matchmake these fighters? Do you disagree with my picks? Let me know in the comments!