After the conclusion of UFC 296, significant revelations emerged within the featherweight, flyweight, and welterweight divisions. Leon Edwards and Alexandre Pantoja showcased dominance in their title defenses across five grueling rounds. Paddy Pimblett secured yet another victory, while Shavkat Rakhmonov stunned by submitting Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson, marking Thompson’s first submission defeat. Josh Emmett’s thunderous KO and Cody Garbrandt’s remarkable comeback added to the event’s excitement. Now, let’s explore the potential paths ahead for each of these fighters.
1. Leon Edwards vs Belal Muhammad
Leon Edwards asserted his welterweight dominance at UFC 296’s main event. However, Belal Muhammad, despite a style some deem unexciting, boasts a remarkable ten-fight unbeaten streak, making a strong case for a deserving shot at the title. The unfinished business between Edwards and Muhammad, stemming from their first fight’s interruption due to an eye poke, adds fuel to the potential rematch. While it might not promise fireworks, resolving this bout becomes essential to pave the way for rising contenders like Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Garry in the division.
2. Colby Covington vs Stephen Thompson
Colby Covington and Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson faced unexpected setbacks in their recent fights, both ending up on the losing side. Despite Wonderboy’s commendable performance against Shavkat, the fight concluded within two rounds. Although Wonderboy sits lower in rankings and suffered a loss against a higher-ranked opponent in Shavkat, there are compelling reasons for a matchup with Colby. Firstly, Thompson accepted a challenge against the division’s formidable force in Shavkat, and secondly, Colby himself called him out, laying the foundation for a potential rivalry. Given the recovery time both might require after their respective battles, scheduling a fight night main event in late April or May of 2024 could be fitting.
3. Shavkat Rakhmonov vs Kumaru Usman
Shavkat Rakhmonov and Kamaru Usman, despite belonging to the same camp, previously expressed willingness to face off under exceptional circumstances. Presently, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Rakhmonov boasts an impressive finishing streak while Usman’s stock rose following his recent performance at UFC 294. Despite a couple of recent losses, Usman showcased his resilience against Khamzat in a higher weight class, accepting the fight on short notice. If Rakhmonov’s foot injury heals promptly, scheduling their clash for UFC 300 seems viable. Otherwise, it could be a fitting featured fight for either UFC 301 or 302
4. Alexandre Pantoja vs the winner of Amir Albazi vs Brandon Moreno
The flyweight division boasts several contenders vying for the top spot, but no one has stamped their authority recently. Amidst this, Amir Albazi’s contentious win over Kai Kara France and Brandon Moreno’s recent loss against Alexandre Pantoja highlight the uncertainty. Meanwhile, Manel Kape’s victory over a short-notice opponent adds to the mix. The outcome of the Brandon Moreno vs. Amir Albazi bout carries weight in determining the next challenger for Pantoja’s title. If Moreno triumphs, a matchup aligned with Mexican Independence Day could be fitting. Conversely, an Albazi win might set the stage for a Fight Night event in Saudi Arabia.
5. Paddy Pimblett vs Bobby Green
Paddy Pimblett is riding high on a five-fight win streak, although there’s contention about his victory against Jared Gordon. Despite perceptions, his record stands undefeated in the UFC. Expressing interest in facing a ranked opponent, a matchup with the 14th-ranked Bobby Green appears plausible. A Fight Night main event in April seems suitable, allowing ample time for recovery as Pimblett sustained a cut in his recent bout, while Green endured a brutal knockout against Turner in his last fight.
6. Josh Emmett vs Giga Chikadze
Josh Emmett’s lightning-fast victory over Bryce Mitchell left him unscathed, displaying a stunning knockout with the first punch. Despite the impressive win, it’s crucial to note that Mitchell stepped in on short notice as a replacement for Giga Chikadze, who held a higher ranking. With major matchups like Volkanovski vs. Topuria, Ortega vs. Rodriguez, and others already booked, a fitting next step would be to schedule Emmett against Giga Chikadze. Originally slated to face Emmett at UFC 296, this matchup could serve as a featured fight alongside Paddy Pimblett vs. Bobby Green on the same card.
7. Cody Garbrant vs Dominick Cruz 2
Cody Garbrandt’s two consecutive victories have brought him back into contention. While his recent opponents may not have been top-tier, his status as a former champion warrants a step up in competition. A rematch with Dominick Cruz, a legendary figure whom Garbrandt has previously defeated, presents an enticing option. Although Garbrandt expressed interest in facing Deiveson Figueiredo, Figueiredo’s number 8 ranking might pose a significant leap. A showdown between Garbrandt and Cruz could potentially reinstate Garbrandt within the top 10 rankings, making UFC 300 a fitting stage for this anticipated rematch.
8. Bryce Mitchell vs Alex Caceres
Following a devastating KO loss, Bryce Mitchell could be facing a recovery period of 4-5 months. While he has established himself as a deserving top-12 featherweight, his recent performances have shown a decline in form. On the other hand, Sodiq Yusuff, despite a loss to Barboza, maintains a number 12 ranking and displayed promising moments in his last fight. Arranging a matchup between Mitchell and Yusuff in late May or June would allow ample time for both fighters to prepare after recent challenges.
