At UFC 247 we witnessed two highly entertaining title fights. Both of which saw the champion retained his or her title. Jon Jones was able to notch a split decision win over Dominick Reyes in a razor-close fight, while Valentina Shevchenko was able to get a TKO win over Katlyn Chokagian in the third round. The biggest story of the card was the controversial judging by the TDLR (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation). Joe Rogan was heard telling the audience that one of the judges was not even watching the fight in the third round of the Andrea Lee – Lauren Murphy fight. Not taking anything away from the fighters that won this past weekend, but something has to change as far as MMA judging goes. Today we will take a look at who the winners of UFC 247 should be fighting next.
Jon Jones
Jon Jones sits in a very weird situation following his UFC 247 victory. In both of his last two title defenses, there has been a ton of controversy surrounding his wins. Fans questioned whether Thiago Santos deserved a rematch following his fight with Jones, and now fans are saying that Reyes deserves a rematch following his close fight with the champion. Dana White seems to agree. On the other hand, Corey Anderson is in the running to fight for the title next after his fight next weekend with Jan Blachowicz. Since Reyes and Santos have already had their shot at Jones, they should fight each other for a number one contender spot, and the winner of Anderson – Blachowicz should get the next shot at the title.
Jones’ Next Fight: Winner Of Corey Anderson vs. Jan Blachowicz
Valentina Shevchenko
After beating Katlyn Chookagian at UFC 247 this past weekend, there doesn’t seem to be another deserving title challenger in the women’s flyweight division. Ranked just behind Chookagian is Jessica Eye who just fought for the title last year. Her only fight since losing to Shevchenko is a win over number six ranked Viviane Araujo. Just behind Eye, you have Joanne Calderwood and Jennifer Maia. Both of these ladies’ last fight was a loss to Chookagian in 2019. Finally ranked at number five is Roxanne Modafferi who is coming of a big win over Maycee Barber. So it seems like the UFC has three options when it comes to Shevchenko. The first, letting Eye get her rematch. The second, letting Modafferi get a title shot after beating a number nine ranked prospect. With both of these options feeling far fetched, the only other option would be to have Shevchenko fight Amanda Nunes.
It has been almost three years since Shevchenko last fought Nunes. Since then, Nunes has been dominating the bantamweight and featherweight divisions. While Shevchenko has been dominating the flyweight division. It seems like its about time these ladies try to run it back.
Shevchenko’s Next fight: Amanda Nunes
Derrick Lewis
Derrick Lewis won an obvious decision win over Ilir Latifi at UFC 247. He is currently ranked the number six heavyweight in the UFC. Sitting at number four is Junior Dos Santos. Dos Santos just lost by TKO to Curtis Blaydes in January. Lewis is currently on a two-fight winning streak and it seems like now is the time to try and avenge his 2019 loss. In March of 2019, JDS defeated Lewis by TKO. Now with the top of the division locked up until later this year, it would be a perfect chance for revenge.
Lewis’ Next Fight: Rematch With Junior Dos Santos
Who do you think these fighters should fight next? Let us know in the comments down below.
