The Ciryl Gane train kept pushing down the tracks at UFC Vegas 20 with a unanimous decision victory over Jairzinho Rozenstruik. In the co-main event, Magomed Ankalaev also won a decisive victory over Nikita Krylov. Today we will talk about what is next for the losers of UFC Vegas 20.
Jairzinho Rozenstruik
Rozenstruik came into the fight ranked number four in the heavyweight division. His loss on Saturday will likely move him just outside the top five. He should be looking to take on someone still inside the top ten to try and preserve his place at the top of the division. Fighting somebody like Alistair Overeem or Augusto Sakai in his next fight would be perfect for Rozenstruik. Overeem had basically won his last fight against Rozenstruik, and would have had his hand raised if it wasn’t for Rozenstruik landing a final knockout blow late in the fifth round. Sakai would make for a great stylistic match-up as we would get to see just how good Rozenstruik’s takedown defense is.
Rozenstruik’s next fight: Alistair Overeem or Augusto Sakai
Nikita Krylov
Krylov becomes 2-3 in his most recent run with UFC with his loss this past weekend. He will probably be moving towards the back part of the light heavyweight’s top 15. He should be looking to fight anyone ranked in front of him in his next fight. Within the next few weeks, number 15 ranked Jamahal Hill will be taking on number 14 in the division, Paul Craig. While number 13 ranked Ryan Spann will be taking on number ten ranked Misha Cirkunov. Either of those four men would make for a great next opponent for Krylov.
Cirkunov is the only one that doesn’t make a lot of sense. If Cirkunov wins he will likely be pushed close to the top five and he already has a win over Krylov in 2016. However, if either Craig or Hill has an impressive win, they will likely get pushed right in front of Krylov in the rankings.
Krylov’s next fight: Winner of Hill-Craig
Jimmie Rivera
Jimmie Rivera had many bright spots in his decision loss to Pedro Munhoz at UFC Vegas 20. Rivera showed a lot of heart as he was trying to finish Munhoz up until the final bell. This loss makes him 1-1 against Munhoz. With the score being tied and that fight being as good as it was many would think a trilogy fight would be perfect for their next bout. Although Rivera would benefit from making a quick turnaround. The perfect next opponent for Rivera would seem like Raphael Assuncao. Assuncao hasn’t fought since June of 2020. Meaning he will be ready to fight soon. The fact that Rivera is coming off this exciting match-up with Munhoz only sweetens the deal for Assuncao.
Rivera’s next opponent: Raphael Assuncao
Kevin Croom
Kevin Croom lost a unanimous decision to Alex Caceres at UFC Vegas 20. Croom spent most of the first and second round holding Caceres up against the cage. He was able to land just one of his 16 takedown attempts and when he did he was able to hold Caceres down. Caceres however landed way more strikes on the feet and even stayed active on the ground. Caceres was fresh as can be in the third whereas it seemed like Croom was so exhausted that he could barely throw any offense.
This loss brings Croom to 0-1 with one no contest in the UFC. For his next fight, he should fight fellow UFC newcomer, Nate Landwehr. Landwehr is 1-2 in the UFC. Like Croom, Landwehr is also a character inside and outside of the octagon. Landwehr has also had issues with his cardio in the past and is a great striker. This will match up great with Croom who visibly has issues with his cardio and relies more on his grappling.
Croom’s next fight: Nate Landwehr
