With big wins all over UFC Fort Lauderdale, we look at what’s next for the main card participants.
UFC Fort Lauderdale has come and gone. With fighters getting the wins they need and others going back to rebound, it’s never too early to see what’s next for our fighters in the card!
Roosevelt Roberts on Cruise Control in Victory Over Thomas Gifford
Roosevelt Roberts may only be 7-0 coming into this fight, but you wouldn’t have known it watching him fight veteran Thomas Gifford. In a fight where Roberts was never in any real harm, he showed off his composure in a young fighting career. Roberts thwarted several submission attempts and had no concern for Gifford’s professional-tier boxing.
The debut did not go Thomas Gifford’s way at UFC Fort Lauderdale. But, Gifford showed toughness and heart saying he belongs in the cage with the best in the world. Thomas will need to bounce back in his next fight in the cage.
Next Opponent for Roosevelt Roberts: Jared Gordon, Chris Gruetzemacher
Next Opponent for Thomas Gifford: Jalin Turner, Devin Powell
Sandhagen and Lineker Just Throw Bombs at Each Other
Cory Sandhagen showed up at UFC Fort Lauderdale. He took on the bantamweight staple, John Lineker. Sandhagen’s range and creativity gave Lineker fits all night. Even being hit by bombs thrown in pocket by Lineker, Sandhagen was composed in the cage completely. He will definitely benefit from a huge jump in the rankings, putting him in line for a title shot.
Lineker had trouble getting in on Sandhagen all night. That’s not due to Lineker’s lack of striking. We all know how dangerous John Lineker is on the feet. Sandhagen was just that good. He puzzled Lineker each exchange with a variety of strikes.
Next Opponent for Cory Sandhagen: Raphael Assunção, Munhoz/Sterling Winner
Next Opponent for John Lineker: Petr Yan (Win or Lose), Cody Garbrandt
Glover Teixeira Proves an Old Dog’s New Tricks are Just Fine
Glover Teixeira made his return to the cage against Ion Cutelaba in Florida. He survived a rough first round his last fight and got the finish and the story was much the same in the second fight. Glover showed his experience is his best asset fighting the violent Cutelaba. He took the onslaught and managed to rock Cutelaba in the second round, getting the takedown, full mount, and rear-naked choke in round two.
Ion Cutelaba looked good in the first, but reckless at the same time. Throwing whatever he wanted, it was just a matter of time before Glover connected, which he did. Cutelaba will have to bounce back and get a few wins in a row before getting a rematch with Glover.
Next Opponent for Glover Teixeira: Corey Anderson Rematch, Latifi/Oezdemir Loser
Next Opponent for Ion Cutelaba: Jimmy Crute, Khalil Rountree Jr.
Florida Man Beats on Brazilian Cowboy for 15 Minutes Before Cops Arrive
Mike Perry fought. Need I say more? Perry showed great improvement from the last Cowboy fight and had patience and even more important, takedown defense. Alex Oliveira has a nasty ground game capped off with his Jiu-Jitsu. Perry handled all of Oliveira’s shots with composure showing the kind of improvement you’re looking for in a fighter.
Unfortunately for Cowboy, it might have been an issue with game planning. He came out fast and strong trying to put Perry away early which exposed him for the rest of the fight, showing off Mike Perry’s cardio. On a two-fight skid, Oliveria won’t be in the loss column for much longer.
Next Opponent for Mike Perry: Nate Diaz or Bust, Leon Edwards
Next Opponent for Alex Oliveria: Maia/Martin Winner, Niko Price
Greg Hardy Notches First UFC Win
Greg Hardy is ever controversial. That said, I have to be careful about what I say about his fight. I’m approaching from purely a fight standpoint, ignoring any personal wrongdoing.
Greg Hardy showed good improvement with his second UFC fight with Dmitrii Smolyakov. He showed patience in his striking, something that failed him in his first UFC bout with Allen Crowder. Hardy will undoubtedly improve his skills even further the longer he’s in the UFC.
The one thing I question is the UFC’s decision making regarding Greg Hardy and his matchups. Dimitrii is a very good fighter, but it was apparent he was brought back to give Hardy a push. No offense to Dimitrii, and I hope he was paid handsomely, but the athletic commission had no business green lighting that fight. Referee Keith Peterson did a great job stopping the fight before any unnecessary damage was dished.
Next Opponent for Greg Hardy: Allen Crowder rematch, Cyril Asker
Jack Hermansson Proves David Branch Win was No Fluke
This card had a tumultuous time finding a main event. First it was Yoel Romero versus Paulo Costa. Then Costa stepped out and Jacare stepped in to face Romero. Then Romero was sick so we had Jack Hermansson and Jacare Souza throw down.
Hermansson looked fantastic against the middleweight staple, Jacare. His striking, while not as powerful as people like to see, was incredibly effective against Jacare. Using his range, Hermansson frustrated Jacare all night, cruising to a victory. While he was in trouble at times due to Jacare’s explosiveness, he was never out of the fight. Jack even had a submission that was nearly finished, which is an impressive feat against Souza.
Souza expressed before the fight that if he won and didn’t get a title shot, he’d retire. While he lost, it’s apparent now that Souza is on the tail end of his career. We may see him fight once or twice more before he rides off into the sunset.
Next Opponent for Jack Hermansson: Yoel Romero, Chris Weidman
Next Opponent for Jacare Souza: David Branch, Krzysztof Jokto
