With UFC 215 in the books, UFC matchmakers Sean Shelby and Mick Maynard have got their work cut out for them in a positive way.
From a close split-decision title defence by their women’s bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes to some dominant victories by highly ranked contenders, the UFC has plenty of options to choose from in the coming months.
In the main event, Amanda Nunes edged out Valentina Shevchenko in a five round fight that had the ringside judges bamboozled. With only the first round unanimously awarded to the champion, the next four stanzas produced completely differing scorecards from the all-important judges before two ultimately decided that the Brazilian should get the nod.
Elsewhere, Raphael dos Anjos’ continued his career revival at welterweight as the former lightweight champion made easy work of the #6 ranked Neil Magny with a first-round submission. Since making the jump up in weight class, RDA has defeated both Tarec Saffiedine and Magny in impressive fashion and the Brazilian now finds himself in the conversation for Tyron Woodley’s next title challenger.
With big wins for Ilir Latifi, Henry Cejudo and Jeremy Stephens on the main card, here are five fights to make for the victors of UFC 215’s PPV event:
Amanda Nunes vs Raquel Pennington
Extending her win streak to six and marking her second title defence, Amanda Nunes has chalked off some big wins on her current run.
Claiming the belt from Miesha Tate at UFC 200 before demolishing Ronda Rousey and sending her into retirement, Nunes has now edged by the unanimous number one contender in Valentina Shevchenko for the second time in her career.
The UFC could possibly run the fight back due to the nature of the result but fan demand for that fight would be low at the moment. Holly Holm also provides an option for Nunes next but with very little in the way of contenders for Cyborg Santos’ featherweight belt, a Holm-Cyborg fight would be a main event worth seeing.
Looking at the current UFC rankings, Raquel ‘Rocky’ Pennington would make the most sense next for Nunes based on a meritocracy standpoint.
If the UFC were to take a page from this writer’s notebook, an all female PPV card headlined by Cyborg-Holm and then Amanda Nunes vs Raquel Pennington in a co-main event spot would be an interesting proposition.
Raphael Dos Anjos vs Robbie Lawler
Looking much healthier at 170 lbs, Raphael dos Anjos has paved himself a fast-track towards the top of the welterweight rankings.
With his pressuring style and well-rounded skillset, RDA could easily be inserted into a title fight against Tyron Woodley.
A better idea, however, would be to give Woodley more time out of the minds of fans and set-up a five round fight between Robbie Lawler and RDA in a title eliminator and a guaranteed barnburner.
Henry Cejudo vs Sergio Pettis
Adopting a bladed stance for the first time, Henry Cejudo looked truly elite against Wilson Reis on Saturday night.
With blistering hand speed and the power to accompany it, Cejudo made his opponent look unworthy to even be in the Octagon with the former Olympic freestyle wrestling gold medalist.
As Demetrious Johnson looks set for a rebooked fight with Ray Borg at UFC 216, Cejudo vs Sergio Pettis would either provide a number one contender fight for Mighty Mouse or a whole new flyweight champion if Johnson were to vacate after breaking the record.
Ilir Latifi vs Jimi Manuwa
Ilir Latifi provided Tyson Pedro with his first career loss at UFC 215 and reminded fans why he is a staple in the light heavyweight rankings.
‘The Sledgehammer’ could easily be placed into another match-up against a rising prospect at 205 lbs but a fight with Jimi Manuwa would give Latifi a just reward and test where he truly lies in the light heavyweight scene.
Jeremy Stephens vs Chan Sung Jung
Jeremy Stephens’ decision to postpone his wedding proved a good one on Saturday as his leg kicks decimated Gilbert Melendez on his featherweight debut.
Stephens is an exciting fighter at 145 lbs and quite remarkably has never been matched up with Chan Sung Jung.
A Korean Zombie – Lil Heathen title eliminator would make excellent viewing.