This past weekend the UFC took a trip to Rio Rancho, New Mexico. As a result, Jan Blachowicz was able to cement himself as next in line for a title shot by knocking out Corey Anderson in the first round. After the fight, he pointed to Jon Jones outside the octagon as they solidified their next fight. There was also a lot of drama on the card, as two fights ended in DQ because of illegal knees. Brok Weaver and Diego Sanchez both fell victim to illegal knees this past Saturday. As a result, they ended up winning their fights. Today we take a look as to what’s next for the fighters of UFC Rio Rancho.
Montana De La Rosa
Montana De La Rosa was able to secure a decisive win this past weekend over Mara Romaro Borella. A win that likely doesn’t push her too far in the rankings because she came into the fight ranked number 12 and her opponent was ranked 13. De La Rosa has emerged as an up-and-coming contender in the women’s flyweight division. With that being said her jiu-jitsu style would match-up great with the wrestling/striking combination of Maycee Barber. Barber recently had surgery to repair a tear in her knee but she should be ready for an August or September return.
De La Rosa’s Next Fight: Maycee Barber
John Dodson
John Dodson stopped the hype train that was Nathaniel Wood this past weekend, finishing Wood via TKO in the third round. Dodson was ranked 13th coming into the fight, fighting an unranked Wood. Also on the card, Merab Dvalishvili defeated number 15 ranked Casey Kenney. This win likely gets Dvalishvili into the top 15 and in range to fight Dodson next. It will be a good test for the young Dvalishvili, fighting his toughest opponent to date. This also gives Dodson the chance to prove he is still going to make noise in the division by defeating yet another young prospect.
Dodson’s Next Fight: Merab Dvalishvili
Lando Vannata
Lando Vannata dominated Yancy Mederios this past weekend. Scoring 30-27 on all three of the judge’s scorecards. This win should get Vannata very close if not right inside the top 15 of the UFC’s lightweight division. Ranked right at number 15 in the division is Alexander Hernandez. Hernandez hasn’t fought since his unanimous decision win over Francisco Trinaldo in July of 2019. If he would be willing to wait a few more months, a brawl between Vannata and himself would be one for the ages. Everyone likes to see an all-out war and with these two striking talents fighting each other, that’s exactly what you would get.
Vannata’s Next Fight: Alexander Hernandez
Jan Blachowicz
As noted earlier, Blachowicz cemented his shot at light heavyweight gold with his win over Corey Anderson.
Blachowicz’s Next Fight: Jon Jones
Who do you think these fighters should be fighting next? Let us know in the comments down below.
