UFC 252 took place this past weekend at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. In the main event, Stipe Miocic defeated Daniel Cormier, completing their trilogy. Today we will take a look into what is next for the winners of UFC 252.
Stipe Miocic
Miocic’s next fight is kind of an obvious choice. Before the fight took place this past weekend, Dana White told media that Francis Ngannou would be getting the next shot at the title. With Daniel Cormier retiring after his fight at UFC 252, it clearly lines up a rematch between Ngannou and Miocic.
Miocic’s Next Fight: Francis Ngannou
Marlon Vera
Marlon “Chito” Vera defeated Sean O’Malley via TKO on Saturday night. O’Malley injured his ankle early in the round and was finished via elbows and punches shortly after. Vera will likely be ranked after his performance, beating number 14 ranked O’Malley. An intriguing fight for Vera would be Merab Dvalishvili. Dvalishvili also fought at UFC 252 picking up a decision win over John Dodson. After his fight, Dvalishvili told Joe Rogan that he hopes O’Malley wins so that it could set up a fight with them in the future. Even though O’Malley didn’t win, Vera’s win could set up a potential bout with Dvalishvili sometime before the end of 2020.
Vera’s Next Fight: Merab Dvalishvili
Jairzinho Rozenstruik
Jairzinho Rozenstruik was able to knock out Junior Dos Santos at UFC 252. That knockout should put him maybe one fight away from challenging for the title. Heavyweight seems to be a little bit predetermined with Ngannou getting the next title shot. It would also seem like the only other candidates to fight in a number one contender spot next would be Rozenstruik, Curtis Blaydes, and Derrick Lewis. Lewis went on record after his last fight saying he doesn’t want to fight again until he can get his weight down to 250. With that being said it would be reasonable to say that Blaydes and Rozenstruik might be meeting for a number one contender spot in the near future.
Rozenstruik’s Next Fight: Curtis Blaydes
Daniel Pineda
Daniel Pineda was able to finish Herbert Burns in the second round via TKO at UFC 252. Pineda showed great strength in his fight as he was able to hold Burns down and eventually put him in a crucifix position to finish the fight. Pineda also showed that he has world-class stand up as Burns didn’t want any part of Pineda’s striking.
Jamall Emmers seems like he would be the perfect matchup for Pineda. Emmers is a quick and very skillful striker in the featherweight division. Emmers is 1-1 in the UFC with his only loss coming to kickboxing extraordinaire, Giga Chikadze. A fight between Emmers and Pineda would likely end up being a striking match made in heaven.
Pineda’s Next Fight: Jamall Emmers
Who would you like to see these fighters fight next? Let us know in the comments below.
