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Fights To Make After UFC 276

UFC 276

Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

UFC 276
Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

Fights To Make After UFC 276

UFC 276, from top to bottom, delivered for some but sometimes left much to be desired. From first-round knockouts to legends retiring, and everything in between, this card had a little for everyone. As always, though, the UFC machine keeps chugging along, and soon they will look to book these ladies and gentlemen into the next fight. Well, look no further. Because in this article, we will be playing matchmaker for the UFC and booking the next fights for all the main card fighters.

Pedro Munhoz vs. Sean O’Malley (No Contest) (Bantamweight Division)

The first fight of the main card for UFC 276 might have left a sour taste in some people’s mouths. Pedro Munhoz could not continue into the third round after an eye poke, rendering this fight a no contest. I think the easiest solution is to simply run this fight back. I think this is a great stylistic fight and both guys seemed to want it, plus this is still a prove-it fight for both Munhoz and O’Malley. Munhoz has a chance to take out a rising star, and O’Malley has his chance to secure his first ranked win.

Robbie Lawler (L) vs. Bryan Barberena (W) (Welterweight Division)

Man, was it hard to watch a fan favorite in “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler get smothered the way he did by Bryan Barberena. For Lawler, this loss makes him 2-6 in his last 8 fights, which for most means getting cut by the UFC. There is no chance a guy the caliber of Lawler gets cut, so I think the best option for him is to ride off into the sunset. I don’t see a climb up the ranks again, nor do I believe a change in weight class would do him any favors. I wouldn’t book him another fight, as sad as it is to say.

For Barberena, defeating a former champion in the fashion he did calls for a jump in skill level. Barberena showed great stand-up skills, always pushing the pace against Lawler and finishing the fight in the 2nd round. If they really wanted to test Barberena, someone like Michel Pereira or Kevin Holland would be an excellent test, plus a fight fan’s dream. For a non-ranked fight, Jake Matthews would be a fight to see who cracks the top-15.

Sean Strickland (L) vs. Alex Pereira (W) (Middleweight Division)

In the preview for UFC 276, I took the road less traveled and picked Strickland. While he was the betting favorite, even slightly, it felt like most writers were leaning towards Pereira. Needless to say, I couldn’t have been more wrong. I do believe, however, that Strickland is a solid contender in the Middleweight division. Here is my thought. Darren Till and Jack Hermansson are scheduled to fight on July 23rd. If Till wins that fight, I think you book Till and Strickland. God, the press for that fight would be immaculate. If Till losses, I don’t book Hermansson I would book Derek Brunson.

There seems to only be one fight to make for Alex Pereira: Israel Adesanya. Pereira has a win over Adesanya in kickboxing, and both men have been verbally jabbing at one another about a potential rematch of that fight, but in MMA. Personally, I don’t like the idea of that. I think Pereira needs one more prove-it fight. While the UFC will likely book Pereira and Adesanya, I would book Pereira and the winner of Marvin Vettori and Robert Whittaker.

Alexander Volkanovski (W) vs. Max Holloway (L) (Featherweight Division)

Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski lived up to his nickname on Saturday, dismantling Max Holloway for the third time in impressive fashion. Volk mentioned his desire to move up and fight Charles Oliveira for the Lightweight title, and I think he deserves it. His run at 145 has been fantastic, you could argue he is even the GOAT. Honestly, I love the idea of double champs, plus that fight would be incredible to watch. If the UFC doesn’t go that route, the option here is Brian Ortega (pending a win over Yair Rodriguez) or if Ortega loses, book Volk and Josh Emmett.

Sadly, Max Holloway dropped his third fight in a row to the champ, and it feels like there is nowhere else to go for Holloway at 145. I think a move up to 155 would serve Holloway wonders. I would gauge the interest to move up there, and if the move happens, you throw him right into the mix. I think guys like Michael Chandler and Justin Gaethje are too high, but #6 Beneil Dariush is an intriguing fight. Listen…if Conor McGregor ever wants to rear his back in the UFC…that’s a rematch waiting to happen at 155. I’m just saying.

Israel Adesanya (W) vs. Jared Cannonier (L) (Middleweight Division)

I will leave the champion for last. Let’s address Cannonier here. I would use Cannonier as a stepping stone for a rising contender, plus this could put Cannonier in a position to keep himself towards the top of the division with an impressive win. When I look at this division, I look at two men: #14 Chris Curtis and #9 Andre Muniz. Both guys are trending up, a win for them over a title contender looks great for them, and a win for Cannonier over stars on the come-up keeps him at the top. A win-win for everyone.

What the UFC will probably do with Israel Adesanya is book the Alex Pereira fight. I mentioned before I don’t want it, and since I am booking fights, I won’t do it. But when I look at the division, no one really stands out. Adesanya has beaten both Vettori and Whittaker, Strickland lost, Brunson lost, and Muniz is #9. I guess the only actual option IS Pereira…sigh.

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