Matchmaker Monday | what’s next after UFC 280?

The MMA leader’s return to Abu Dhabi at UFC 280 brought some of the best showcases of the year. Now that it’s all said and done, it’s time to look at what’s next for the stars.

DISCLAIMER: this purely opinion, feel free to disagree!

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(c) Islam Makhachev (23-1) – UFC lightweight champion

The plan of the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was completed at UFC 280. Islam Makhachev smashed his way to victory, submitting lineal champion Charles Oliveira to claim the vacant lightweight title. The Dagestani’s pound-for-pound elite status is now undeniable. In order to solidify his status as the world’s very best, Makhachev and his coaches have one person in mind. That man happens to be reigning featherweight champion and pound-for-pound king Alexander Volkanovski. Both men have agreed to a February showdown in Australia, with the lightweight title on the line. It’s a no-brainer.

(#1) Charles Oliveira (33-9, 1 NC) – former UFC lightweight champion

All the momentum was at the back of the former champion to reclaim his title, but it wasn’t Charles Oliveira’s night. Regardless of the loss and the snapping of his win streak, the Brazilian is eager to return to the title picture. Seeing that he seems willing to fight any comers, there was another lightweight on the card that makes sense for Oliveira. The dangerous Beneil Dariush picked up a big win on the main card, and it makes sense that the winner of an Oliveira/Dariush fight would be in line for a title fight. ‘Do Bronx’ would appear to be on a warpath back to the title, so this one makes a lot of sense.

(c) Aljamain Sterling (22-3) – UFC bantamweight champion

Claiming his second title defense at UFC 280, bantamweight king Aljamain Sterling is compiling one of the best resumes in the division’s history. His second round TKO of TJ Dillashaw made it eight on the trot – an all-time divisional best – and the champion is ready to keep defending. Former double-champ Henry Cejudo was one name out of Sterling’s mouth, but I think Sean O’Malley made enough noise on the undercard to earn the shot. This would be a high-profile fight and an interesting stylistic matchup for ‘Funkmaster’.

(#2) TJ Dillashaw (18-5) – former two-time UFC bantamweight champion

A reoccurring shoulder injury plagued TJ Dillashaw throughout training camp and led to his downfall in the co-main event. His bid to win back the title ultimately ended in defeat, but the toughness shown earned the respect of his detractors. It’s clear that Dillashaw will be on the sidelines for the foreseeable future, but when he decides to return, a rematch with Dominick Cruz would make a whole pile of sense. Both men are former champions, seemingly in twilight of their respective careers. It’s time to run that one back.

(#11) Sean O’Malley (16-1, 1 NC) – UFC bantamweight contender

Is there anybody who walked out of UFC 280 as a bigger winner than Sean O’Malley? All the odds were stacked against him, but showed immense toughness and skill, preserving and earning a close split decision. Many are still arguing over the controversial nature of the decision, but I think that the time is now for O’Malley. A title opportunity with champion Aljamain Sterling is sure to get fans excited, as well being a cracker of a fight. ‘Suga’ backed up all the talk, and I think he deserves a chance at the belt.

(#1) Petr Yan (16-4) – former UFC bantamweight champion

On paper, former champ Petr Yan has gone 1-3 in his last 4 fights. When those losses are examined, two have come by split decision in close bouts – including his recent bout with O’Malley – and one was a disqualification. The Russian is still one of the best in the world and made it a very hard night for his opponent at UFC 280. To get back to the title he once held, Yan is going to need an emphatic rebounding win. I, personally, like the look of contender Merab Dvalishvili. It’s a clash of styles between two top five fighters, with the winner moving closer to the belt.

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

A 17-month break from the Octagon was snapped by Beneil Dariush on this past Saturday, and what a performance it was. The Iranian-American did more than enough to remind people that he deserves his place in the title picture, displaying improved striking and superb takedown defense. It feels, to me, that Dariush is only one win away from a title shot. Throw him in against former champion Charles Oliveira to see who will move closer to the title. It’s sure to be a grappler’s delight, if this ends up being what the promotion goes with.

(#8) Mateusz Gamrot (21-2, 1 NC) – UFC lightweight contender

It’s fair to say that Mateusz Gamrot made a good account of himself in a losing effort at UFC 280. The Pole showed that he belonged at the highest level, and this is certainly not the end of his run. There are a whole host of matchups that could be next for Gamrot, but I would like to see him paired with Jalin Turner. Both men are highly touted prospects that deliver fireworks everytime out.

(#6) Manon Fiorot (10-1) – UFC flyweight contender

Five wins in a row, including her clean sweep against Katlyn Chookagian at UFC 280, have put Manon Fiorot at the forefront of flyweight title contention. The Frenchwoman may still be one win away from a shot at the belt, given the current state of the 125lb title picture. Another flyweight on a win streak that’s coming off of a major win is Mexico’s Alexa Grasso. It makes sense that these two will throw down in a title eliminator.

(#1) Katlyn Chookagian (18-5) – former UFC flyweight title challenger

The unbeaten run of contender Katlyn Chookagian came to a halt over the weekend, but it’s untrue to say that she isn’t still one of the division’s best. A win over a big name at flyweight will push the former title challenger back into contention, and there are plenty of names to choose from. Scottish-Australian Casey O’Neill is one of the promotion’s finest prospects, so why not pair them up? A win for Chookagian puts her back in the mix. A win for O’Neill vaults her to the top. ‘Blonde Fighter’ should be calling for this fight, in my opinion.

(#5) Belal Muhammad (22-3, 1 NC) – UFC welterweight contender

Who could’ve foreseen a standing TKO win for Belal Muhammad? The Palestinian-American improved his run to eight fights unbeaten with the win at UFC 280, and has reminded fans that he is a force at welterweight. He is aiming high, and I think he should be rewarded with such. Should the great Khamzat Chimaev be unbooked in early 2023, this fight makes too much sense to not make. The winner of that matchup would be definitely next in line for a crack at the championship, meaning it would establish a much-needed number one contender. Book it, Dana!

(#8) Sean Brady (15-1) – UFC welterweight contender

It was a tough night at the office for Sean Brady. Losing his undefeated record, win streak and momentum in just one night serves as a bitter reminder of how cruel this sport can be. Never a quitter, however, we can expect to see the Philedelphian turn around in the near future. A step down in competition from the top five Muhammad is in order, but his next opponent should, ideally, still be in the top ten. Vicente Luque is a name that sticks out to me. Both men are well rounded and are sure to bring their A game.

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Who made the biggest mark at UFC 280? Who would you match these fighters up with? Let us know in the comments!