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Tom Aspinall vs Sergei Pavlovich – CAVEAT: I'd love to see this fight for the UFC Heavyweight title if/when Jones and Miocic retire after their (supposed) upcoming fight. These are the two highest level young guns in the division, and boy howdy, it's mouth-watering just thinking about it... especially for a vacant title... all the marbles. How good did Tom look tonight, though?!
Marcin Tybura vs Rodrigo Nascimento – Back to defending his ranking spot for Tybura, a notoriously tough opponent for most heavyweights. Nascimento has beaten Tanner Boser and Ilir Latifi back-to-back, and also choked out Don'Tale Mayes in his UFC debut. If he can beat Tybura, he enters the rankings with a pretty impressive 11-1 record... but Marcin is a mountain of a man, and it's no easy task for the Brazilian, unlike it was for Tom tonight!
Julija Stoliarenko vs Mariya Agapova – Stoliarenko walked into the O2 Arena in London and dismantled Molly McCann in no time at all. It was impressive, and she notched yet another armbar, and it was DEEP. Give her Mariya Agapova next, and see if she can finally put a streak together.
Molly McCann vs Mandy Bohm – Poor old Molly... I'm going to put at least part of this down to the immense pressure to perform and create a viral moment for the crowd. Instead, she got finished easily and quickly by an unfancied opponent. The UFC can still rebuild Molly, but guys... ease up on the pressure. Take her to the US, put her on the undercard, and give her someone like Bohm who is coming off a win but is sorta limited.
Nathaniel Wood vs Bryce Mitchell – Wood has worked his way up the ladder nicely, starting at Bantamweight then putting together a three-fight win streak at 145. Give him Bryce Mitchell next, a very talented grappler who either overwhelms Wood, or (perhaps equally likely) we see his deficiencies exposed once more on the feet. Topuria really took Bryce apart, but let's not forget Topuria is an elite, elite contender. This is a better pitched fight at this point for Mr Mitchell.
Andre Fili vs Nate Landwehr – Landwehr is such an easy guy to choose in these matchmaking threads, but I really feel his chaotic, high-pressure style would be interesting against someone like Fili, who prefers a little time and space and has a decent jab and a well-rounded skill set to ensure he's rarely overawed. This could be another back-and-forth battle between two exciting featherweights.
Paul Craig vs Roman Dolidze – Paul Craig made the most of a drop to 185 with a crushing barrage of elbows from mount against the hyper-talented grappler Andre Muniz. That's exactly the statement he needed to make, but could he follow it up against another ranked middleweight after coming so close to retirement in recent years? Roman Dolidze's submission game is just as heavy, but his striking is arguably a higher level – though Craig looked pretty sharp tonight... Two limb-snappers in action.
Andre Muniz vs Jun Yong Park – As Muniz tumbles down the middleweight ranks, 'The Iron Turtle' has quietly amassed a killer record. Call this the intersection: does Muniz he is and always will be ahead, or does the unflappable Korean drown him in deep waters? It's a clash of styles that makes for a really intriguing potential match up, and honestly... it's closer than it might have appeared this time last year, and is a guaranteed springboard for Park to fight a ranked opponent next.
Fares Ziam vs Renato Moicano – Sure, why not? Moicano is ranked #13 after surprising Brad Riddell last time, and his fight with Tsarukyan fell through – Moicano withdrew, and sadly forfeits the opportunity to fight upwards in the rankings. Moicano is hyper-competitive, and has every chance of walking in a sizeable favourite, but Ziam is about as well-versed as anyone working their way up. That's 4 wins in Ziam's last 5, and they share a common opponent now in Jai Herbert – who they both beat.
Jai Herbert vs Ricky Glenn – Two similar fighters who have not had it all their own way by any stretch of the imagination – but two talented guys who are a handful for anyone. Herbert lost to a virtual physical mirror image in Ziam, but Glenn isn't that far off being 6'0 himself. I think Glenn makes this a little dirtier, though, and we'll see if that benefits or hinders Herbert.
Lerone Murphy vs Edson Barboza – Murphy impressed tonight against a really tough and talented opponent in Josh Culibao, and in the third round I saw Josh wilt – which is a huge rarity. Let's see if the technical excellence of Murphy can translate to the veteran striker Edson Barboza. This could be a very tasty fight if Edson can get off on some of his offence early.
Josh Culibao vs Jack Shore – Tough defeat for Culibao, who was riding some real momentum and just so incredibly tough to put away. His submission defence was on point, for example, but that's not what he'll be looking to celebrate. Can he outwork Jack Shore? Easier said than done, Shore is another very technically capable and well-rounded opponent, but I'd love to see this play out!
Daniel Marcos vs Adrian Yanez – After Yanez lost to Rob Font I've been thinking he needs to defend his rankings spot, and after Daniel Marcos edged out former top 15 bantamweight Davey Grant by the narrowest of margins, maybe he's the right type of fighter – someone who will engage on the feet, but who could pull a surprise if Yanez isn't at his very best. There's no question it would be a quick ascent for Marcos – but he just beat the guy who tapped Raphael Assuncao, so he's right in the picture for me. Also, Yanez only beat Grant by the same Split Decision scorecard.
Davey Grant vs Julio Arce – Grant saw a 2-fight win streak snapped by the slimmest of margins – can he bounce back, and continue his progress despite being 37 years of age? He's looking pretty timeless at the moment, and I reckon he'd have a good shot at beating Arce – but if not, it would be a heck of a feather in the cap for Julio. Let's go!
Jonny Parsons vs Gabe Green – 'The Sluggernaut' came through tonight against the experienced Danny Roberts, picking up easily the biggest win of his career. I'd like to see him face another hard-headed guy trying to make his way in the UFC in Gabe Green. Green needs to turn it round after losses to Ian Garry and Bryan Battle, but those are two legit fighters – is Parsons? We'll find out a whole lot more here.
Danny Roberts – CUT! Danny Roberts has been around for quite some time, but 3 losses in a row including to a UFC debutant just isn't where it's at. He's had a decent career without beating anyone truly elite, and his chin seems a little bit lightweight if he's not styling on someone.
Joel Alvarez vs Nasrat Haqparast – There's no question about the ability of Joel Alvarez, his only defeats in his pro MMA career coming against tough veterans like Damir Ismagulov and Arman Tsarukyan – both recently ranked. Nasrat has flirted with the top 15 himself, he's another tough, tough veteran who is incredibly tough to finish. If Alvarez really is destined to go higher, he needs to win against this level of opposition – but it won't be easy!
Marc Diakiese vs Christos Giagos – 7-7 in the UFC vs 6-6 in the UFC. Two middle of the pack fighters who will dispatch anyone with a pronounced weakness, but who both struggle against a higher level of opposition. Since neither has any red hot momentum right now, it's a good, fun fight to make. I feel for Marc in particular, who has all the skills, is very athletic, but just can't seem to put it all together.
Mick Parkin vs Karl Williams – Parkin looked great tonight, and is one of the more promising looking prospects based on that performance. I had real questions about whether he'd step up, but he did, and threw a tremendous volume. Karl Williams is a guy that's building his record as well, but he's a bit older, relies a bit more heavily on his wrestling – can he get that game going against Parkin, or does he get picked apart?
Jamal Pogues vs Chris Barnett – Pogues looked like a deer in the headlights in terms of output tonight, but still displayed sharp hands and decent cardio. I'd give him the veteran 'Huggy Bear' next, it's a fight he needs to win if he's to remain at heavyweight – and really, 205 wouldn't look any more attractive either if he loses this.
Makhmud Muradov vs Marc-Andre Barriault – Muradov looked great tonight against a game-but-overmatched Barberena, but can he style on the tough-as-nails cardio monster Barriault? Now a 10-fight UFC veteran, Marc-Andre is building a little bit of momentum with 5 wins in 7, and his style really works for him. It could even be Muradov's kryptonite, unless, as I say, the Uzbek can really work his striking game and stay evasive. A great question for both to answer.
Bryan Barberena vs Eryk Anders – I'm in two minds about Bryan. He's lost 3 in a row, jumped up a weight class, and wasn't really competitive. That said, he's the kind of guy the UFC keep around – a tough veteran who guts it out and keeps fighting. So if they do keep him, Anders really is a fight or go home scenario. Anders is 36, lost 3 of his last 4, just 2 wins in 7, and kinda lucky to be here himself.
Ketlen Vieira vs Irene Aldana II – Aldana R1KO'd Ketlen in 2019, but Vieira has really established herself since, and is considered a higher ranked bantamweight at present. If Aldana can do it again, she can make another run at the belt now that Nunes has retired, but repeating that feat is no easy task. Vieira looked dominant tonight.
Pannie Kianzad vs Karol Rosa – Karol Rosa sneaked a split decision over Yana Santos, but wasn't rewarded in the UFC rankings – probably because it took place at featherweight. For me, the 145 division is a wasteland, and I'd encourage fighters to drop down. If Rosa does, or is forced to by the closure of that division, then Pannie makes a natural first bout back.
Chris Duncan vs Terrance McKinney – Duncan looked great tonight, and if he gets past the blitz of Terrance McKinney and can avoid takedowns, he's a nightmare opponent for Terrance. Endless cardio, fantastic volume and variety, but that doesn't mean this one is a foregone conclusion – but hopefully what is a foregone conclusion are these things: violence and a finish.
Yanal Ashmouz vs Trevor Peek – Yanal is probably miles better than Peek, but both have a similar frame and durability – can Ashmouz run through Peek and score another finish, or is this one to play more tactically? Either way, I can see Yanal willing to swang and bang, and I'm here for that. One of them bounces back, and fair play to whoever does. I'm taking into account that neither probably reappear in the immediate future, either.
Bruna Brasil vs Victoria Dudakova – Brasil bounced back with a solid two round display against the touted Bannon, and I'd like to see her face Dudakova next. A similar test to the Istela Nunes one that ended so painfully last time out, but Brasil definitely a step up in class. Brasil has good striking, particularly counter, and while she's not the best wrestler, is definitely better at it than Nunes. Book it.
Shauna Bannon vs Melissa Martinez – Invicta vs Combate Global, let's go! Both lost their UFC debut, but neither looked horrible, let's see who bounces back here. Should be a fun stylistic bout, too, could be sneaky fun, but only if Bannon can stop some of the takedowns coming her way.
Jafel Filho vs Alessandro Costa – I don't usually pick all-Brazil fights unless there's a specific show for it, but this one just makes too much sense. Both are 1-1 in the UFC, both are extremely capable finishers for the Flyweight division, and we'd get absolute action here in my opinion. With Costa having fought in Mexico a bunch before entering the UFC, it's no surprise these two never met on the regionals – they weren't even fighting on the same continent! Which nation produced the better prospect?
Daniel Barez vs Charles Johnson – Despite folding pretty quickly, that was an exciting debut for Barez, and I'd like to see him face another exciting fighter who happens to be on a 2 fight losing streak – Charles Johnson is a pretty dangerous guy, and should have a reasonable chance here. May the best man win.
Marcin Tybura vs Rodrigo Nascimento – Back to defending his ranking spot for Tybura, a notoriously tough opponent for most heavyweights. Nascimento has beaten Tanner Boser and Ilir Latifi back-to-back, and also choked out Don'Tale Mayes in his UFC debut. If he can beat Tybura, he enters the rankings with a pretty impressive 11-1 record... but Marcin is a mountain of a man, and it's no easy task for the Brazilian, unlike it was for Tom tonight!
Julija Stoliarenko vs Mariya Agapova – Stoliarenko walked into the O2 Arena in London and dismantled Molly McCann in no time at all. It was impressive, and she notched yet another armbar, and it was DEEP. Give her Mariya Agapova next, and see if she can finally put a streak together.
Molly McCann vs Mandy Bohm – Poor old Molly... I'm going to put at least part of this down to the immense pressure to perform and create a viral moment for the crowd. Instead, she got finished easily and quickly by an unfancied opponent. The UFC can still rebuild Molly, but guys... ease up on the pressure. Take her to the US, put her on the undercard, and give her someone like Bohm who is coming off a win but is sorta limited.
Nathaniel Wood vs Bryce Mitchell – Wood has worked his way up the ladder nicely, starting at Bantamweight then putting together a three-fight win streak at 145. Give him Bryce Mitchell next, a very talented grappler who either overwhelms Wood, or (perhaps equally likely) we see his deficiencies exposed once more on the feet. Topuria really took Bryce apart, but let's not forget Topuria is an elite, elite contender. This is a better pitched fight at this point for Mr Mitchell.
Andre Fili vs Nate Landwehr – Landwehr is such an easy guy to choose in these matchmaking threads, but I really feel his chaotic, high-pressure style would be interesting against someone like Fili, who prefers a little time and space and has a decent jab and a well-rounded skill set to ensure he's rarely overawed. This could be another back-and-forth battle between two exciting featherweights.
Paul Craig vs Roman Dolidze – Paul Craig made the most of a drop to 185 with a crushing barrage of elbows from mount against the hyper-talented grappler Andre Muniz. That's exactly the statement he needed to make, but could he follow it up against another ranked middleweight after coming so close to retirement in recent years? Roman Dolidze's submission game is just as heavy, but his striking is arguably a higher level – though Craig looked pretty sharp tonight... Two limb-snappers in action.
Andre Muniz vs Jun Yong Park – As Muniz tumbles down the middleweight ranks, 'The Iron Turtle' has quietly amassed a killer record. Call this the intersection: does Muniz he is and always will be ahead, or does the unflappable Korean drown him in deep waters? It's a clash of styles that makes for a really intriguing potential match up, and honestly... it's closer than it might have appeared this time last year, and is a guaranteed springboard for Park to fight a ranked opponent next.
Fares Ziam vs Renato Moicano – Sure, why not? Moicano is ranked #13 after surprising Brad Riddell last time, and his fight with Tsarukyan fell through – Moicano withdrew, and sadly forfeits the opportunity to fight upwards in the rankings. Moicano is hyper-competitive, and has every chance of walking in a sizeable favourite, but Ziam is about as well-versed as anyone working their way up. That's 4 wins in Ziam's last 5, and they share a common opponent now in Jai Herbert – who they both beat.
Jai Herbert vs Ricky Glenn – Two similar fighters who have not had it all their own way by any stretch of the imagination – but two talented guys who are a handful for anyone. Herbert lost to a virtual physical mirror image in Ziam, but Glenn isn't that far off being 6'0 himself. I think Glenn makes this a little dirtier, though, and we'll see if that benefits or hinders Herbert.
Lerone Murphy vs Edson Barboza – Murphy impressed tonight against a really tough and talented opponent in Josh Culibao, and in the third round I saw Josh wilt – which is a huge rarity. Let's see if the technical excellence of Murphy can translate to the veteran striker Edson Barboza. This could be a very tasty fight if Edson can get off on some of his offence early.
Josh Culibao vs Jack Shore – Tough defeat for Culibao, who was riding some real momentum and just so incredibly tough to put away. His submission defence was on point, for example, but that's not what he'll be looking to celebrate. Can he outwork Jack Shore? Easier said than done, Shore is another very technically capable and well-rounded opponent, but I'd love to see this play out!
Daniel Marcos vs Adrian Yanez – After Yanez lost to Rob Font I've been thinking he needs to defend his rankings spot, and after Daniel Marcos edged out former top 15 bantamweight Davey Grant by the narrowest of margins, maybe he's the right type of fighter – someone who will engage on the feet, but who could pull a surprise if Yanez isn't at his very best. There's no question it would be a quick ascent for Marcos – but he just beat the guy who tapped Raphael Assuncao, so he's right in the picture for me. Also, Yanez only beat Grant by the same Split Decision scorecard.
Davey Grant vs Julio Arce – Grant saw a 2-fight win streak snapped by the slimmest of margins – can he bounce back, and continue his progress despite being 37 years of age? He's looking pretty timeless at the moment, and I reckon he'd have a good shot at beating Arce – but if not, it would be a heck of a feather in the cap for Julio. Let's go!
Jonny Parsons vs Gabe Green – 'The Sluggernaut' came through tonight against the experienced Danny Roberts, picking up easily the biggest win of his career. I'd like to see him face another hard-headed guy trying to make his way in the UFC in Gabe Green. Green needs to turn it round after losses to Ian Garry and Bryan Battle, but those are two legit fighters – is Parsons? We'll find out a whole lot more here.
Danny Roberts – CUT! Danny Roberts has been around for quite some time, but 3 losses in a row including to a UFC debutant just isn't where it's at. He's had a decent career without beating anyone truly elite, and his chin seems a little bit lightweight if he's not styling on someone.
Joel Alvarez vs Nasrat Haqparast – There's no question about the ability of Joel Alvarez, his only defeats in his pro MMA career coming against tough veterans like Damir Ismagulov and Arman Tsarukyan – both recently ranked. Nasrat has flirted with the top 15 himself, he's another tough, tough veteran who is incredibly tough to finish. If Alvarez really is destined to go higher, he needs to win against this level of opposition – but it won't be easy!
Marc Diakiese vs Christos Giagos – 7-7 in the UFC vs 6-6 in the UFC. Two middle of the pack fighters who will dispatch anyone with a pronounced weakness, but who both struggle against a higher level of opposition. Since neither has any red hot momentum right now, it's a good, fun fight to make. I feel for Marc in particular, who has all the skills, is very athletic, but just can't seem to put it all together.
Mick Parkin vs Karl Williams – Parkin looked great tonight, and is one of the more promising looking prospects based on that performance. I had real questions about whether he'd step up, but he did, and threw a tremendous volume. Karl Williams is a guy that's building his record as well, but he's a bit older, relies a bit more heavily on his wrestling – can he get that game going against Parkin, or does he get picked apart?
Jamal Pogues vs Chris Barnett – Pogues looked like a deer in the headlights in terms of output tonight, but still displayed sharp hands and decent cardio. I'd give him the veteran 'Huggy Bear' next, it's a fight he needs to win if he's to remain at heavyweight – and really, 205 wouldn't look any more attractive either if he loses this.
Makhmud Muradov vs Marc-Andre Barriault – Muradov looked great tonight against a game-but-overmatched Barberena, but can he style on the tough-as-nails cardio monster Barriault? Now a 10-fight UFC veteran, Marc-Andre is building a little bit of momentum with 5 wins in 7, and his style really works for him. It could even be Muradov's kryptonite, unless, as I say, the Uzbek can really work his striking game and stay evasive. A great question for both to answer.
Bryan Barberena vs Eryk Anders – I'm in two minds about Bryan. He's lost 3 in a row, jumped up a weight class, and wasn't really competitive. That said, he's the kind of guy the UFC keep around – a tough veteran who guts it out and keeps fighting. So if they do keep him, Anders really is a fight or go home scenario. Anders is 36, lost 3 of his last 4, just 2 wins in 7, and kinda lucky to be here himself.
Ketlen Vieira vs Irene Aldana II – Aldana R1KO'd Ketlen in 2019, but Vieira has really established herself since, and is considered a higher ranked bantamweight at present. If Aldana can do it again, she can make another run at the belt now that Nunes has retired, but repeating that feat is no easy task. Vieira looked dominant tonight.
Pannie Kianzad vs Karol Rosa – Karol Rosa sneaked a split decision over Yana Santos, but wasn't rewarded in the UFC rankings – probably because it took place at featherweight. For me, the 145 division is a wasteland, and I'd encourage fighters to drop down. If Rosa does, or is forced to by the closure of that division, then Pannie makes a natural first bout back.
Chris Duncan vs Terrance McKinney – Duncan looked great tonight, and if he gets past the blitz of Terrance McKinney and can avoid takedowns, he's a nightmare opponent for Terrance. Endless cardio, fantastic volume and variety, but that doesn't mean this one is a foregone conclusion – but hopefully what is a foregone conclusion are these things: violence and a finish.
Yanal Ashmouz vs Trevor Peek – Yanal is probably miles better than Peek, but both have a similar frame and durability – can Ashmouz run through Peek and score another finish, or is this one to play more tactically? Either way, I can see Yanal willing to swang and bang, and I'm here for that. One of them bounces back, and fair play to whoever does. I'm taking into account that neither probably reappear in the immediate future, either.
Bruna Brasil vs Victoria Dudakova – Brasil bounced back with a solid two round display against the touted Bannon, and I'd like to see her face Dudakova next. A similar test to the Istela Nunes one that ended so painfully last time out, but Brasil definitely a step up in class. Brasil has good striking, particularly counter, and while she's not the best wrestler, is definitely better at it than Nunes. Book it.
Shauna Bannon vs Melissa Martinez – Invicta vs Combate Global, let's go! Both lost their UFC debut, but neither looked horrible, let's see who bounces back here. Should be a fun stylistic bout, too, could be sneaky fun, but only if Bannon can stop some of the takedowns coming her way.
Jafel Filho vs Alessandro Costa – I don't usually pick all-Brazil fights unless there's a specific show for it, but this one just makes too much sense. Both are 1-1 in the UFC, both are extremely capable finishers for the Flyweight division, and we'd get absolute action here in my opinion. With Costa having fought in Mexico a bunch before entering the UFC, it's no surprise these two never met on the regionals – they weren't even fighting on the same continent! Which nation produced the better prospect?
Daniel Barez vs Charles Johnson – Despite folding pretty quickly, that was an exciting debut for Barez, and I'd like to see him face another exciting fighter who happens to be on a 2 fight losing streak – Charles Johnson is a pretty dangerous guy, and should have a reasonable chance here. May the best man win.
