UFC Matchmaker: 4 Exciting Fights to Make After UFC 291
UFC 291 absolutely blew the doors off of the Delta Center on July 29. With nine finishes in 11 bouts, fans were privy to some of the best highlights of 2023.
Here's what fights we think should be made after UFC 291.
Justin Gaethje vs. Winner of Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev, or Conor McGregor
Justin Gaethje has set the stage for a climactic showdown with the winner of Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev. "The Highlight" defied expectations by shutting long-time rival Dustin Poirier's lights off with a head kick early in the second round.
VIDEO: Justin Gaethje Sleeps Dustin Poirier With Head Kick At UFC 291
With this victory, Gaethje has established himself as the No.2 lightweight contender, and should he want it, he's practically guaranteed a shot at the lightweight title. On the other hand, Gaethje could leverage his popularity by setting up a lightweight super fight with MMA superstar Conor McGregor. It entirely depends on Gaethje's motivations, whether they're for money or legacy, or both.
Alex Pereira vs. Jiri Prochazka or Magomed Ankalaev for the light heavyweight title
Despite it being incredibly close, Alex Pereira just beat the No.3 ranked light heavyweight in the UFC. Jamahal Hill has vacated the championship and a recovering Jiri Prochazka is the No.1 contender. If the timing is right, this could set up a title fight showdown with Prochazka and Pereira, if not Ankalaev who is the only other eligible title contender.
Kevin Holland vs. Neil Magny, Jack Della Maddalena or the winner of Vincente Luque vs. Rafael Dos Anjos
Kevin Holland has looked indomitable at welterweight. If "The Trailblazer" decides to stay at 170 lbs. he has a few options. Since Chiesa was a ranked victory, it puts Holland in the mix between Neil Magny and Jack Della Maddalena.
Magny would be the career choice, since he's an established name and would make for a high profile victory. On the other hand, a matchup with Maddalena would be a crowd-pleasing fight. Another fight on the table is the winner of Rafael Dos Anjos and Vincente Luque in August, which is a mouth-watering option no matter who wins.
Gabriel Bonfim vs. Neil Magny, Max Griffin or Khaos Williams
Gabriel Bonfim is on an absolute tear in the UFC. There are a ton of exciting welterweight matchups that can be made, and Bonfim will be looking to add a solid name to his résumé in order to break into the rankings. Big-name fighters who aren't on a streak of their own like Griffin or Williams would provide a good test for Bonfim whilst offering name value for his professional record.
VIDEO: Undefeated UFC 291 Fighter Scores Submission & Calls Out Neil Magny
Bonfim even called out Magny in his post-fight speech at UFC 291. Though, as a Magny is a ranked welterweight, it's unlikely that Bonfim will jump that high.
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