Matchmaker Monday | what’s next after UFC Jacksonville?

The UFC made a grand return to Jacksonville, Florida over the weekend. Now that the stacked night of fights has come to a close, it’s time to look at what’s next for the winners and losers of the event’s biggest stars.

***

(#9) Ilia Topuria (14-0) – UFC featherweight contender

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Georgia’s Ilia Topuria put on a spectacular showing at UFC Jacksonville. In his first step into elite competition, Topuria shined bright and showcased a skillset that could easily lead him to a world title. Fans are backing him to be the next challenger for the featherweight title, and I’d have to agree with them on this one. The winner of the championship unification bout between Alexander Volkanovski and Yair Rodriguez seems like a logical fight for Topuria. I don’t think there’s any need for another top five opponent; give ‘El Matador’ a shot at gold.

(#5) Josh Emmett (18-4) – former UFC title challenger

Though he was on the wrong side of a lopsided decision, Josh Emmett gained many new fans after his spirited effort on Saturday. At 38 years old and riding a two-fight skid, it seems that his title hopes are dwindling, but he is still a very entertaining combatant with the ability to change a fight in a flash. Once Arnold Allen is ready to return to the cage, I think a fight with he and Emmett would make sense. The winner would see themselves in the title picture again. Plus, it’s a great clash of styles.

(#11) Maycee Barber (13-2) – UFC flyweight contender

It may have taken a few more years than she had initially predicted, but Maycee Barber is finally coming into her own as a top contender. The Team Alpha Male fighter is now high-tailing her way into the top ten at flyweight with a five-fight win-streak in tow. Her win over Amanda Ribas also showed that she’s more than willing to get into a dog fight. I like the look of a fight with Katlyn Cerminara (née Chookagian), who currently sits at sixth in the rankings. ‘The Future’ is looking like she could be a real title threat at 125lbs.

(#9) Amanda Ribas (12-4) – UFC strawweight and flyweight contender

It was a hard-fought performance from Amanda Ribas in Jacksonville, but not enough to earn the win. For as beloved as Ribas is, I think it’s time for her to move back down to 115lbs. Since her permanent move to flyweight in 2022, she’s gone 1-2. She’s still ranked at strawweight, currently sitting in the #11 spot. Tabatha Ricci put on a strong showing on Saturday night and is deserving of a step up in competition; why not book these two against one another at strawweight?

(#13) Brendan Allen (22-5) – UFC middleweight contender

On a full camp, Brendan Allen believes that he can get the better of any middleweight in the world. Whether that’s the case or not, the Louisiana native is piling together a resume that is setting him up to be a top contender at 185lbs. After his win in Florida, he called for a title eliminator with former title challenger Jared Cannonier. In all honesty, I have no issue with that fight. Allen deserves a shot at showcasing his skills against an elite fighter and Cannonier needs one more win before getting another championship opportunity. What’s most important, however, is getting Allen the purple shorts that he wants!

Bruno Silva (23-9) – UFC middleweight contender

There hasn’t been a dull moment with Bruno Silva in the two years he’s been signed with the UFC. His promotional record might not reflect his level of ability, but fans know that the Brazilian will be fireworks every time he steps into the cage. With Silva now being 1-3 in his last four, it’s time for him to defend his spot outside the top fifteen. Roman Kopylov have been doing solid work for the last few years and deserves a shot at a higher ranked opponent. I think these two would light up any arena they’re placed into.

***

Who do you want to see these fighters take on? Let us know in the comments below!