UFC Stockholm is in the books. Fans are impatient so we’re already wondering what is next for the fighters on the card. No worries. We got you.
With UFC Stockholm in the books, it’s time once again to look at some of the fighters on the card and see what’s next for the winners and losers. Why don’t we get started?
Christos Giagos Cruises to a Win Over Damir Hadzovic
The California native, Christos Giagos, easily got the win over Damir Hadzovic at UFC Stockholm this past weekend. Giagos showed better striking and, more importantly, improved wrestling. Giagos continues to show he’s back in the UFC for good this time as he gets the win over Hadzovic and will look to make a climb up the crowded lightweight division.
Hadzovic, on the other hand, couldn’t get much going against Christos. When he would start anything of significance, Giagos either answered back with a counter or a takedown. Hadzovic fell to 3-3 in the UFC after snapping his two-fight win streak. He will look to tread water without going under in his next fight.
Next Opponent for Christos Giagos: Drew Dober/Polo Reyes Winner, Yancy Medeiros
Next Opponent for Damir Hadzovic: Matt Frevola, Thiago Moises
Makwan Amirkhani Gets it Done
Makwan Amirkhani managed to get some work in against Chris Fishgold. Amirkhani locked up a wicked anaconda choke in the second round that won him the fight and a Performance of the Night bonus. The featherweight prospect moves to 5-1 in the UFC with three insane finishes. His lone loss in 2017 was a split decision that he didn’t look terrible in.
Chris Fishgold will likely kick himself for the loss at UFC Stockholm. While on the ground, he kept circling to avoid Amirkhani locking down the choke. He seemingly stopped to try something else, which is what essentially did his night in. If he keeps spinning for another 35 seconds, he makes it out that round to fight a third round to get the W.
Next Opponent for Makwan Amirkhani: Myles Jury, Arnold Allen Rematch
Next Opponent for Chris Fishgold: Kyle Bochniak, Nad Narimani
Aleksandar Rakic Launches Jimi Manuwa’s Head into Orbit
Aleksandar Rakic stated his case for best young prospect in the UFC. While we didn’t get to see much of his arsenal, the crisp high kick was all he needed to dispatch light heavyweight veteran Jimi Manuwa. The knockout was about as on the money you can get and earned Rakic the Performance of the Night award as well. Rakic will only have a tougher road to climb from here. With new blood coming through the division, he might have to wait in line and notch another win or two.
Jimi Manuwa has fallen on tough times. Once one of the most feared punchers in the division, Manuwa has lost four-straight fights, three by knockout. He’s taken some damage recently and at 39 years of age, it might be time to hang up the gloves. Fair’s fair if he wants to fight at home one more time and hang the gloves up.
Next Opponent for Aleksandar Rakic: Volkan Oezdemir, Corey Anderson
Next Opponent for Jimi Manuwa: Ed Herman, Gian Villante
Anthony Smith Retires Alexander Gustafsson
First, we will start with the winner. Anthony Smith came into the bout with Alexander Gustafsson after a one-sided ass whooping from Jon Jones. That situation can be mentally strenuous on anyone. But, the now 36-fight veteran didn’t let that bother him. He took the fight to the taller, bigger, longer Alexander Gustafsson, getting the rear-naked choke that got him back in the picture for a second title shot. It will take another win for him to get that shot, but for now, Smith is back to his winning ways at light heavyweight after UFC Stockholm.
Alexander Gustafsson is usually better in the later rounds, and he was just getting started in his fight with Smith. Gus managed to get a takedown earlier in the fight, but it was an ill-advised hip toss that let Smith get his back, flatten him out, and get the finish. Gus retired in the cage. It would have been nice to see him go out on a win, but he had a fantastic career with some of the best fights in recent memory.
Next Opponent for Anthony Smith: Dominick Reyes, Luke Rockhold (Win or Lose)
