UFC on ESPN 11 was the UFC’s fourth event since returning to the UFC Apex. Curtis Blaydes was able to secure a unanimous decision win in the main event. Leaving him in a curious spot in the promotion’s heavyweight division. Today we will take a deeper look into what is next for the key players of UFC on ESPN 11.
Curtis Blaydes
Curtis Blaydes is in a very weird position following his win over Alexander Volkov this past weekend. He is currently sitting at number three in the rankings. Stipe Miocic is slated to defend his title against Daniel Cormier. While Francis Ngannou is undoubtedly the number one contender after that fight. It wouldn’t make sense for Blaydes to fight Ngannou in the meantime because Blaydes is 0-2 against Ngannou. Blaydes says he deserves a title fight and doesn’t want to fight again until he gets it. On the other hand, if he doesn’t fight again he could get passed up. His smartest decision would be to fight the winner of Jairzinho Rozenstruik – Junior Dos Santos which is slated to take place on the same card as Miocic vs. Cormier. Which would mean a rematch with JDS if he comes out on top.
Blaydes’ Next Fight: Winner of JDS vs. Rozenstruik
Josh Emmett
Josh Emmett won a hard-fought battle against Shane Burgos on Saturday. After his fight, he was passionate telling the media he wants a top-three fighter in his next fight. The problem is the featherweight division is somewhat at a deadlock at the moment. Within the next few months, we have Alexander Volkanovski defending his belt against Max Holloway, Brian Ortega will be fighting Chan Sung Jung, Zabit Magomedsharipov will be fighting Yair Rodriguez and Frankie Edger has gone down to 135. That only leaves Jeremy Stephens without a fight booked. While I’m sure the UFC would love to book the rematch between Stephens and Emmett, it is going to be hard to convince Emmett to take a fight against the number nine ranked guy in the division. Emmett’s power makes a great match-up for both Magomedsharipov and Rodriguez so it’s very possible he fights the winner of that fight.
Emmett wound up sustaining several injuries at UFC on ESPN 11, so some time off is likely.
Emmett’s Next Fight: Winner of Yair Rodriguez vs. Zabit Magomedsharipov
Bobby Green
Bobby Green was able to get a decision win over a crafty veteran in Clay Guida this past weekend. Green is 1-2 in his last three fights so this win shouldn’t spring him into the rankings. It’s likely that he will be looking for more fights this year to try and climb in the lightweight division. One fight he should be watching closely is a fight that takes place this weekend at UFC on ESPN 12. Luis Pena will be taking on Khama Worthy. Both of these men happen to be rising prospects in the UFC. Both men are also a few fights away from cracking into the top 15. A win over a veteran like Bobby Green would get them one step closer to getting ranked.
Green’s Next Fight: Winner of Pena-Worthy
Who do you think these fighters should be fighting next? Let us know in the comments down below.
