With Pettis and Gil already set for the next championship fight, what is next for Bendo? I think the only logical fight is Khabib, any other thoughts?
Do not give him Khabib. You don't want to knock off Khabib on the title list. Give Benson, Rafael Does Anjos. Give Khabib, TJ Grant.
Khabib makes the most sense considering that's who Benson meant to call out and he just owned the other half of the hurtin sambo lovers
I'm pretty sure TJ Grant is functionally retired. Kinda like everyone making pretend matchups with Nick Diaz, I wonder if folks couldn't save some time and frustration by giving it a rest.
I have a great feeling they're gonna make Bendo vs RDA next. I think they're protecting Khabib and his undefeated record to sell it in the Pettis/Melendez winner, and Bendo being an active fighter is gonna fight RDA, who's also had a great run in the UFC so far, both just fought the other night, and both have several common opponents.
I don't think you can put Benson into a #1 contenders fight until after Pettis loses the belt, he's already 0-2 against AP. Not sure if you can market a title shot where the challenger has already lost to the champ twice.
Khabib.....Bendo beat almost everyone else, or they arent worthy to fight him. Love that he finished the fight on Saturday.
To avoid killing Khabib's prospect status, I would nominate RDA. A good stay busy fight that keeps one or both away from the title, which is, I hate to say it, kinda what people want right now. Otherwise, can TJ Grant ever recover?