As the echoes of UFC 297’s thunderous battles fade, the aftermath reveals intriguing narratives and potential storylines that could reshape the landscape of several fighters’ careers. Each clash inside the Octagon has left its unique mark, presenting opportunities for redemption, defining moments of resilience, and pathways to championship glory. Let’s delve into the takeaways from this event, exploring the future matchups that could lead fighters to redemption and pave their way to the pinnacle of their divisions.
Dricus du Plessis vs Israel Adesanya: A Clash of History and Heat
The recently crowned middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis, and the two-time former champion, Israel Adesanya, share a history filled with animosity. With a pre-existing rivalry and Dricus publicly calling out Izzy, the time seems ripe to arrange the fight that was initially expected at UFC 293, before the Strickland matchup. Both fighters boast significant name recognition, and considering Adesanya’s extended break from the Octagon, this bout becomes even more compelling. While a rematch with Strickland is an option, the potential showdown between Dricus and Izzy promises a more captivating narrative, fueled by Dricus’ direct challenge and Dana White’s expressed interest. Additionally, given that Strickland hasn’t defended the title, an immediate rematch might be perceived as premature.
Sean Strickland vs Jared Cannonier: Resolving Controversy and Building Toward the Title
Jared Cannonier, fresh off a recent victory over Vettori, finds himself recovering from an injury and holds a prior win against Sean Strickland. While some fans debate the legitimacy of that win, it’s documented, and with Cannonier’s notable performance, he positions himself as a strong contender. Considering Cannonier’s previous loss to Adesanya, a matchup against Strickland provides an opportunity to address any lingering controversy. This proposed clash can serve as a stepping stone toward the title picture. With both fighters eyeing redemption and a chance at the championship, a featured pay-per-view bout between Strickland and Cannonier at UFC 300 or 301 could be a compelling addition to the timeline, building anticipation for the ultimate showdown with the middleweight title on the line at the same card.
Raquel Pennington vs Juliana Pena: The Quest for Bantamweight Supremacy
Raquel Pennington secured an impressive decision win in her recent bout, underlining her dominance in the bantamweight division post-Amanda Nunes. With Juliana Pena as the only contender to have defeated Nunes, a co-main event slot in a smaller event could set the stage for their clash, determining the division’s next frontrunner.
Mayra Bueno Silva vs Irene Aldana: Collision for Contendership
In their recent bouts, Mayra Bueno Silva faced adversity with a possible nose injury, while Irene Aldana endured a barrage of leg kicks in her victorious outing. Both fighters share similar timelines and rankings, making them ideal contenders for a showdown. A matchup between Silva and Aldana promises to be a collision for contendership, with the winner potentially advancing towards a title shot in the near future.
Neil Magny vs Michael Morales: Battle of the Veterans and the Rising Prospect
Fresh off a hard-fought victory over the promising Canadian prospect Mike Mallot, Neil Magny is ready for another challenge. Despite securing the win, Magny faced dominance until the end, revealing vulnerabilities. As the gatekeeper of the division, Magny is set to welcome rising talent Michael Morales for a classic veteran vs prospect clash. Michael Morales has earned his stripes and deserves a shot at the rankings. A typical entrance for a prospect often involves facing a seasoned veteran, and Magny perfectly fits that role. A potential showdown at UFC 300 could be the stage for this intriguing battle.
Movsar Evloev vs Winner of Yair Rodriguez vs Brian Ortega: A Path to Title Contention
As Brian Ortega and Yair Rodriguez gear up for their highly anticipated rematch at UFC Mexico, the stakes are high, with the winner likely positioning themselves just a step or two away from a title shot. On the other side of the Octagon, undefeated prospect Movsar Evloev is on the brink of contention, needing only one more victory to secure his shot at the championship. While an immediate title opportunity might seem fitting, the division boasts other contenders, including Josh Emmett, who scored a knockout over Bryce Mitchell. With the likes of Max Holloway and Calvin Kattar also in the mix, a fairer approach would be to set up a bout between Movsar and the victor of the Rodriguez vs Ortega clash. This strategic move not only ensures fairness in the rankings but also sets the stage for a potential showdown between the undefeated Movsar Evloev and Illia Topuria if both fighters secure victories in their upcoming matchups.
Arnold Allen vs Loser of Ortega vs Rodriguez: Resilience Meets Redemption
Despite a close loss to Movsar Evloev, Arnold Allen showcased exceptional heart and skill, winning one round out of three. His performance keeps him within striking distance of the title, and a couple more victories could put him back in the contention spotlight.
Proposing a redemption journey, let’s match Arnold Allen against the loser of the upcoming Brian Ortega vs Yair Rodriguez bout. This sets the stage for a mini-tournament, where the winner earns the right to face Movsar Evloev in a future showdown. A potential Fight Night main event, perhaps in London or Mexico post UFC 300/301, would add an extra layer of intrigue to this resilient fighter’s path to redemption.
