UFC 240 has knocked our boots off. Winners won, losers lost. Now we take a look at some of the fights and see what’s next for our favorite fighters.
There was plenty to digest at UFC 240 over the weekend. Max Holloway got back in the win column with another featherweight title defense. Felicia Spencer showed plenty of heart against Cris Cyborg. Geoff Neal continued what has been an impressive start to his UFC career.
It’s match-making time, so let’s look at what’s next for those involved.
Gillian Robertson Continues Women’s Flyweight Push
Next opponent for Gillian Robertson: Paige Van Zant, Maycee Barber
Gillian Robertson is one of the best prospects in a young women’s flyweight division. Having notched a win over Molly McCann already, Robertson dropped a fight to Myra Bueno Silva. Since then she’s collected two straight wins, including a TKO finish last Saturday over Sarah Frota. While the division is young, it may be time to give Robertson a ranked opponent. Paige Van Zant would be a great test against an experienced opponent. But, Paige is still recovering from arm surgery. If Van Zant isn’t available, Maycee Barber is a good test, although not ranked. It would be good to see two top prospects go at it.
Deiveson Figueiredo and Alexandre Pantoja Go To War
Deiveson Figueiredo and Alexandre Pantoja went absolutely bonkers at UFC 240. Showcasing some of the the best action the flyweights have to offer, the two earned Fight of the Night. While the flyweight division is in an odd spot, we still have to play matchmaker for the two.
Next opponent for Deiveson Figueiredo: Dustin Ortiz, John Moraga
Figueiredo is in a peculiar place. Three fighters are above him: Henry Cejudo, Joseph Benavidez, and Jussier Formiga. While Cejudo is likely out until next year due to an injury, Benavidez probably won’t fight until Cejudo decides to defend the title, weather it be at flyweight or bantamweight. But he likely won’t fight before then. Formiga already beat Figueiredo, so that rematch won’t happen. The only option for Figueiredo is to fight down and get a solid win streak pieced together.
Next opponent for Alexandre Pantoja: Wilson Reis, Bontorin/Paiva winner
The future is up in the air for Alexandre Pantoja. With the flyweight division being so unstable, one loss can do you in. But, he’ll likely get another fight. Something to test him but not top five. While the UFC cut Wilson Reis, they’ve been signing flyweights back to the roster. That would be a good matchup to test Pantoja. The winner of Rogério Bontorin and Raulian Paiva would be another good test.
Gavin Tucker Returns
Next opponent for Gavin Tucker: Alex Cacares, Kyle Bochniak
Gavin Tucker was one of the highest touted prospects coming into the UFC. The featherweight came in and got a win over Sam Sicilia before being beaten by the ever tough, Rick Glenn in 2017. He hadn’t fought since then until Saturday. Tucker managed to choke out Seung Woo Choi near the end of the third round. I don’t know if confidence was an issue with Tucker in his time off, but the UFC would be smart not to break their prospect so quickly. They should take their time with Tucker and let him get a couple more wins before turning up the heat on him again.
Felicia Spencer Makes Cyborg Look Human Again
Next opponent for Cris Cyborg: Amanda Nunes rematch, Julia Budd
Cris Cyborg looked human in her fight with Felicia Spencer. That’s what happens when you fight someone in your weight class, unlike the bantamweights without a weight cut the UFC has been feeding her. While Cyborg’s contract is up, the itch to get that win, and belt, back from Amanda Nunes must be scratched. Dana White has been getting on Cyborg’s nerves, though. She might opt to go find greener pastures. Julia Budd, Bellator’s champ, is the next best opportunity for her outside of Nunes.
Next opponent for Felicia Spencer: Cat Zingano, Leah Letson
Spencer went out and showed the world what kind of talent Invicta has. She’s already ran through Megan Anderson, and now she gave Cyborg hell. The world knows who Felicia Spencer is. Unfortunately the UFC doesn’t know what women’s featherweights are, so Spencer’s options are limited. Spencer can always take on Cat Zingano, which would be another great name to have under her belt. Macy Chassion, who has a fight booked, and Leah Letson also have fought at featherweight, but that goes back to the old problem, they’re bantamweights.
Max Holloway Reminds Everyone How He Became the Champ
Max Holloway and Frankie Edgar went to war. Holloway pretty much did what he wanted to Edgar the entire fight. Max showed once again why he’s in contention for greatest featherweight in history.
Next opponent for Max Holloway: Alexander Volkanovski
Max might have a short turnaround after his fight with Edgar at UFC 240. With two wins over Jose Aldo already, that’s likely out of the question. Alexander Volkanovski is the obvious choice. He’s beat Aldo and is the clear cut number one contender. Really, that’s all he should fight. Holloway should give the lightweight path a rest for now and finish the featherweight division off.
Next opponent for Frankie Edgar: Urijah Faber at bantamweight, Renato Moicano
Frankie was completely outclassed against Holloway. Plain and simple. He might not be cut out for featherweight any longer. As Joe Rogan said post fight, a move to bantamweight might be a good option given his size. If that’s the case, Urijah Faber would be a fan’s dream fight. If Edgar is keen on staying at featherweight, Renato Moicano is looking for a scrap as well. The two make sense for the division.
