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Matchmaker Monday – UFC 267
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VM StaffWith the dust settled after UFC 267, it’s time to look at what’s next for the winners and losers from the latest journey to Abu Dhabi.
DISCLAIMER: this is purely opinion based, feel free to disagree!
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(c) Glover Teixeira (33-7) – UFC light-heavyweight champion
After 20 years in the sport, Glover Teixiera can finally call himself the best light-heavyweight on the planet. Taking out Jan Blachowicz in the second round, the 42 year old proved he can still put the best of the best away. Confirming it himself in the cage, contender Jiri Prochazka is next in line for a cracking at Teixiera’s newly minted belt. This will truly be the old guard vs the new wave.
(#1) Jan Blachowicz (28-9) – former UFC light-heavyweight champion
Having fallen short in his bid to collect a second title defense, it wasn’t an easy night for Poland’s Jan Blachowicz. Nevertheless, he remains one of the strongest forces at 205lbs, with power in both hands that were briefly on display. If Blachowicz is aimed on getting back to the title, a title eliminator with Magomed Ankalaev would get the fans excited.
(ic) Petr Yan (16-2) – interim UFC bantamweight champion
Once again showing his power in an instant classic bout, Petr Yan can call himself a UFC champion again. Though it was for an interim title, many still see the Russian as the best 135lb fighter on Earth. I don’t want to see any other fighter except champ Aljamain Sterling opposite Yan in his next outing. It’s the fight the world wants, and the one to unify the titles.
(#3) Cory Sandhagen (14-4) – UFC bantamweight contender
Making a strong account of himself in a losing effort, Cory Sandhagen’s stock has done nothing but rise in 2021. Having only lost in the UFC to the top 3 bantamweights in the title discussion, he remains one of the very best contenders at 135lbs. I don’t think anyone could say no to a 5-round fight with Merab Dvalishvili, which would produce fireworks.
(#5) Islam Makhachev (21-1) – UFC lightweight contender
It’s time to start looking at Islam Makhachev as a true title threat. The manner in which he ran through Dan Hooker proved that he belongs with the elite at 155lbs. If the promotion truly want to see Makhachev’s potential, I’d like to see him in there with the winner of Justin Gaethje vs Michael Chandler. The winner of Makhachev vs Gaethje/Chandler would be the clear number-one contender.
(#6) Dan Hooker (21-11) – UFC lightweight contender
Even though he came up short at UFC 267, everyone must respect Dan Hooker. Taking the fight on short notice was a move very few would be brave enough to go with. Depending on his timeframe for a return, I think a fight with Rafael dos Anjos makes a lot of sense. A main event with Hooker and RDA is a guaranteed barnbruner.
(#5) Alexander Volkov (34-9) – UFC heavyweight contender
Collecting his 3rd win in his last 4 fights, Alexander Volkov simply cannot be moved from the upper echelon of the heavyweight division. With a win over Marcin Tybura under his belt, there isn’t too many opponents that stick out for ‘Drago‘. Due to the majority of top 10 being booked up, perhaps a fight with the rising Sergei Pavlovich could be done in a return to Russia.
(#9) Marcin Tybura (22-7) – UFC heavyweight contender
Having his 5-fight win-streak snapped over the weekend, Marcin Tybura is in a sticky spot at heavyweight. As I said with Volkov, not too many stick out for his next bout, especially with a lot of fights being booked. A rematch with Augusto Sakai makes sense for the division’s landscape, and that’s my pick.
Khamzat Chimaev (10-0) – UFC welterweight contender
Wow. What else is there to say except – wow. Khamzat Chimaev proved his worth with a smashing performance against Li Jingliang, and he wants to fight everybody next. If the UFC is truly as eager to push him as they were when they matched him up with Leon Edwards, I think Chimaev could get a top 5 opponent. Gilbert Burns is looking for a fight, and I have no doubts that he’d answer the call to fight ‘Borz‘.
(#11) Li Jingliang (18-7) – UFC welterweight contender
Though his momentum may have been halted, Li Jingliang still deserves to be talked about in the top 15 discussion at welterweight. No names spring off the page as a clear fight to make for ‘The Leech‘, but every fight he’s in is a fun one. Throw him in with a fellow contender in Muslim Salikhov and watch all hell break loose.
(#7) Magomed Ankalaev (16-1) – UFC light-heavyweight contender
With his winning-streak now stood at 7, Magomed Ankalaev put on one of the best performances at UFC 267. Solidified as a top contender now, I think it’s time that we see him against top 5 competition. Though some might see this as rushing him, a title eliminator with former champion Jan Blachowicz makes sense to me. It’s time to see if Ankalaev can truly hang with the elite at 205lbs.
(#8) Volkan Oezdemir (17-6) – UFC light-heavyweight contender
Now dropping two-straight to Jiri Prochazka and Magomed Ankalaev, it’s time for Volkan Oezdemir to look at his spot in the division. He is beginning to lose more than he wins in recent times, and he has to break that chain. Another guy who’s found himself like that is Johnny Walker. Who would say no to that fiery matchup?
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How would you matchmake these fighters? Do you disagree with my picks? Let me know in the comments!
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