UFC Vegas 16 was yet another UFC card ravaged by injury. By the time we arrived at fight time (a much delayed fight time), the main card only barely resembled what it was originally meant to be. While this gave a few extra fighters the chance to shine on the main card, it also saw a few get knocked out brutally in the primetime slot. Today, we look at those who didn’t come out on top and what’s next for them.
Jack Hermansson
Despite flashes where he looked like he was gaining some momentum, Hermansson was outmatched for most of Saturday’s main event by his late notice opponent, Marvin Vettori. It’s hard to say what a loss to a fighter ranked so far below him will do to his stock, but I imagine it’ll mean he’s again due to fight someone right at the edge of the top 10. The timeline for a bout with Uriah Hall would likely line up. In addition, it would give him a different kind of puzzle to solve. While Vettori battered “The Joker” with volume, Hall is more of a sniper type. He’s also a little bit less well versed in fending off the grappling when compared to Vettori. Being as such, it would be the right kind of step back for Hermansson without sending him too far down.
Jack Hermansson’s Next Fight: Uriah Hall
Ovince Saint Preux
This most recent loss for Saint Preux solidifies his position in the division as the gatekeeper to the rankings. While he has some high profile wins and more than enough juice to stay competitive with the majority of the roster, he seems to be having trouble with anyone good enough to have a number next to their name. So while it may not be a flattering place to be, he could just embrace the role as the testing ground for the next guys up. Hanging right around that point is Da Un Jung, who is coming off of a draw against Sam Alvey. The draw is the only blemish on his UFC record. Although it’s a small one, he isn’t getting a top 15 guy coming off of a draw. A fight with Saint Preux helps see if Jung deserves that bout or not.
Ovince Saint Preux’s Next Fight: Da Un Jung
Justin Jaynes
After an absolute dynamite debut, Justin Jaynes had a rough end to his 2020. After being submitted by Gavin Tucker in an absolute war, he was knocked out by Gabriel Benitez this past weekend. The loss should send Jaynes back towards the lower echelons of the division. Meeting him there could be Brok Weaver, who has been finished in consecutive bouts as well. In addition to being on a similar run, Weaver’s forward pressure style would be great for Jaynes who likes to slug it out. While the loser would be facing 3 straight losses and a likely release, the fans would sure be winners.
Justin Jaynes’ Next Fight: Brok Weaver
John Allan
Allan returned from his lengthy USADA suspension and looked fairly solid against a tough opponent in Roman Dolidze. He went the distance with the Georgian, which is something no other opponent could say. At only 27, he’s still fairly young for the light heavyweight division and could certainly still bounce back. In a similar position is Modestas Bukauskas. He, too, is still a young gun in the division and is coming off of a disappointing fight against Jimmy Crute. This would be a good test to see which man is able to make adjustments better and get in the win column.
John Allan’s Next Fight: Modestas Bukauskas
Matt Wiman
In all actuality, the answer here is likely that Wiman will retire or, at the very least, be outside of the UFC. Since his 5-year layoff, Wiman has returned to go 0-3. He’s been finished twice in that span and Saturday’s finish was especially brutal. At this stage in his career, that can be a sharp push towards the end. Of course, if the UFC does decide that they want to give the TUF 5 veteran one more chance to get into the win column, he should be paired with another fresh off of the Contender Series alumni. Tucker Lutz is the latest lightweight to get a contract off of the show. He won two fights on Contender Series this year, both by decision. He would likely be the right kind of match-up for the aging Wiman.
Matt Wiman’s Next Fight: Tucker Lutz
