This past Saturday at UFC 245, we witnessed three title fights. In two of those, the champion was able to retain their title. Unfortunately for Max Holloway, he lost his belt via decision to Alexander Volkanovski. Kamaru Usman was able to finish Colby Covington late in the fifth round in their main event fight. And Amanda Nunes was able to edge out a decision win over Germaine de Randamine to keep her bantamweight title. Today we take a look at who is next for these three champions.
Kamaru Usman
Beating Covington should put Kamaru Usman on a direct path to Jorge Masvidal. Masvidal is currently sitting at number three in the welterweight rankings. With only Tyron Woodley and Colby Covington ahead of him. A.k.a. two men Usman has already defeated. The UFC has been verbal about trying to set up a fight between Woodley and Leon Edwards. Colby Covington broke his jaw in his fight with Usman, so it’s not likely he would be ready for a rematch any time soon. Masvidal has made it obvious to fans that he is next in line. Knocking out both Ben Askren and Darren Till in incredible fashion. After which he won the BMF belt by beating Nate Diaz via doctor stoppage.
Usman’s Next fight: Jorge Masvidal
Alexander Volkanovski
The top of the featherweight rankings is a mess at the moment. Frankie Edger is stepping in to take on Chan Sung Jung on short notice. Jose Aldo also just made the move down to bantamweight, and Brian Ortega recently partially tore his ACL. Volkanovski’s fight with Holloway was very close though, with two judges scoring the fight three rounds to two in favor of Volkanovski. That along with the fact that Holloway is one of the most successful featherweight champions in history could be grounds to give Holloway a rematch.
Volkanovski’s Next Fight: Rematch With Max Holloway
Amanda Nunes
Amanda Nunes has plenty of options when it comes to her next fight. She is the title holder at both featherweight and bantamweight. She could opt to stick with bantamweight and fight Aspen Ladd, Ketlen Viera or maybe even Julianna Pena. Although this past fight with GDR is her second straight bantamweight title defense. That being said, if they don’t completely shut down the women’s featherweight division, her next title defense will most likely have to happen at 145. Rankings have not yet been decided in the women’s featherweight division. However, news emerged today that of a fight between Megan Anderson and Norma Dumont. If Anderson wins that fight, it would be easy to see her getting the next title shot, as she is the biggest name in that division other then Nunes.
Nunes’ Next Fight: Megan Anderson, should she defeat Norma Dumont in Norfolk.
