Matchmaker Monday | what’s next after UFC 289?

Now that the dust has settled in Vancouver, it’s time to take a look at what’s next for the winners and losers of UFC 289‘s main and co-main events.

Note: these are purely opinion based, feel free to disgaree!

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(c) Amanda Nunes (23-5) – UFC bantamweight and featherweight champion

The illustrious career of Amanda Nunes has finally come to a close. The double champion finished her run on top of women’s MMA with a shutout decision win against Irene Aldana on Saturday, laying down her titles and gloves in the ring afterwards. Now, there’s nothing more for Nunes to do but enjoy her retirement. The legacy of ‘The Lioness’ will likely never be surpassed.

(#5) Irene Aldana (14-7) – former UFC title challenger

The first promotional title opportunity for Irene Aldana ended in disappointment. The Mexican standout failed to capitalise on the momentum of her fellow natives, but with Nunes’ retirement opening up the championship conversation, she may be back in the title mix sooner rather than later. With Raquel Pennington and Holly Holm likely to be matched up for the vacant belt, I’d like to see Aldana paired with former titlist Julianna Pena. The winner would be right back in line for a crack at gold.

(#1) Charles Oliveira (34-9, 1 NC) – former UFC lightweight champion

Many critics counted Charles Oliveira out in his return bout on Saturday, but he proved that he still deserves to be called one of the best lightweights in the world. His first round TKO win over Beneil Dariush has set up a rematch with reigning champion Islam Makhachev, the only man to have beaten Oliveira in half a decade. The title picture at 155lbs is certainly a bit clustered at the moment, but absolutely nobody is going to object to seeing a killer like ‘Do Bronx’ fighting for a belt. It looks likely that we’ll see this championship rematch at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi.

(#4) Beneil Dariush (22-5-1) – UFC lightweight contender

An eight-fight unbeaten run had Beneil Dariush poised for his first title shot, but after his loss, it may still be some time away. As I mentioned, however, the title mix at lightweight isn’t exactly clear right now. One impressive win could re-insert Dariush into a position to fight for a belt. I can see the UFC going down the route of matching Dariush up with the winner of Jalin Turner vs Dan Hooker, which goes down at UFC 290 in July. I definitely wouldn’t be opposed to it; either fighter would present a unique challenge and make for a great fight.

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Do you agree with my choices? Let us know in the comments below!