Marvin Vettori proved that he belonged at the top of the middleweight division with his decision win over Jack Hermansson at UFC Vegas 16. Jamahal Hill also made a name for himself in the co-main event by finishing Ovince Saint Preux in the second round. Today we will be looking at what comes next for the winners of UFC Vegas 16.
Marvin Vettori
Jack Hermansson came into UFC Vegas 16 ranked at number four in the middleweight division. Meanwhile Vettori was ranked 13th before the start of the fight. Vettori’s win should push him into the top five of the division. With number five ranked Yoel Romero being released from the UFC, that leaves two spots in the top five available.
It would seem like Robert Whittaker should be next in line for a title shot following his win over Jared Cannioner in October. A number one contender fight between Paulo Costa and Marvin Vettori looks like it would be the best option for both men. Not to mention that would be a great stylistic match-up. Vettori called for this one after his win Saturday, and Dana White expressed his interest as well.
Vettori’s next fight: Paulo Costa
Jamahal Hill
A win over the 15th ranked light heavyweight in the world should definitely get Jamahal Hill a number beside his name when the rankings come out. Hill looked phenomenal in his TKO win over OSP this past Saturday. So much so that I think a fight with Johnny Walker is next for Hill. Hill showed that his striking can match up with anyone at 205. The UFC could choose to give Hill another fight outside the top ten, but it seems like Hill is ready for the big time.
Hill’s next fight: Johnny Walker
Gabriel Benitez
Gabriel Benitez landed a beautiful knee to the body that stunned Justin Jaynes in the first round of their bout at UFC Vegas 16. That knee was the beginning of the end, as Benitez finished the fight just seconds later. Benitez’s win marks an end to his two-fight losing streak. Benitez’s next fight should be against Jamie Mullarkey. Mullarkey is 0-2 in the UFC with losses to Brad Riddell and Fares Ziam. It is likely that because he is young he will get another shot in the UFC. If he does, a fight with Mullarkey and Benitez would be beneficial for both fighters.
Benitez’s next fight: Jamie Mullarkey
Roman Dolidze
Roman Dolidze looked great in his split decision win over John Allen this past Saturday. It was pretty clear that he won every round but one of the judges somehow saw the winner to be Allen. This win brings Dolidze to 2-0 in the UFC. He should be looking to take a serious step up in competition in his next fight. That step-up could come in the form of Dustin Jacoby. Jacoby is 1-0 in the UFC on his current run after his TKO over Justin Ledet in October. This comes just two months after winning his contract on the Contender Series. Dolidze showed great striking this Saturday and that should be tested by the 18-fight kickboxing veteran.
Dolidze’s next fight: Dustin Jacoby
Jordan Leavitt
Jordan Leavitt won a bonus at UFC Vegas 16 for his slam knockout of Matt Wiman in the first round. This was Leavitt’s debut in the UFC and his first fight since winning his contract on the contender series back in August. In his next fight, Leavitt should fight a veteran that is on the cusp of being released. That man should be Scott Holtzman. Holtzman is 7-4 in the UFC and lost his last fight to Beneil Dariush in August. At 37 years old he is probably on the cusp of getting cut. A fight with Leavitt would be great for him to prove to the UFC that he is here to stay.
Leavitt’s next fight: Scott Holtzman
