UFC Vegas 35 is in the books and not only did the event crown 2 TUF champions and a new contender, but it was also filled with action packed fights. When all was said and done, those who picked up the ‘W’ this past weekend did wonders for their careers and took a big step forward. Let’s take a look at where that step might be.
Giga Chikadze
Upon taking out Edson Barboza at UFC Vegas 35 and staking his claim to the title of the best striker in the featherweight division, Giga had some names on his mind. He started by offering to be ready as a late fill in for Volkanovski or Ortega should either pull out. He then asked for Max Holloway. Neither seems all that possible since they were happy to move that title fight in the first place and Holloway has graciously taken a fight again with Yair Rodriguez. So while he might not get what he wants, a high profile fight should come to Chikadze. The best name at the top of that division who is currently free is Korean Zombie. That fight would help assuage any worries people have about Giga’s wrestling while offering an action packed main event to a fight night card. Not to mention, the value of beating Zombie would get Chikadze one of the fights he’s looking for.
Giga Chikadze’s Next Fight: Chan Sung Jung
Bryan Battle
While Battle saw a little trouble with Gilbert Urbina in the first round at UFC Vegas 35, when he turned up the pressure for the second round, he looked like a man possessed. I’m interested to see just how much he’s progressed already, as it seems like he is making huge gains after every fight. I’m sure the UFC is going to slow play him a bit, but I’m calling for a stiff test next time out. How about Ian Heinisch? He’s been in there with top names, but with Battle’s reach and submission game, he may just be able to neutralize some of the things Heinisch does best.
Bryan Battle’s Next Fight: Ian Heinisch
Ricky Turcios
While I rushed one TUF champion up the ladder, it’s a lot harder to rush towards the edge of the top 15 at bantamweight, one of the UFC’s strongest divisions. For our new 135lbs TUF champ, I like someone who is going to give him a fight in all areas, similar to what Brady Hiestand did. However, I’d like to see him against someone with a little more veteran experience. Aiemann Zahabi would fit all of those bills. He is coming off a big KO and has a little momentum in his own right. His grappling is also quite strong and would make Ricky work. I can’t imagine this fight being boring.
Ricky Turcios’ Next Fight: Aiemann Zahabi
Daniel Rodriguez
There are a lot of big grapplers at welterweight. Guys like Kamaru Usman, Colby Covington, and Gilbert Burns – but even at the bottom of the Top 15 there are some mean grapplers. Sean Brady and Li Jingliang are guys who love to shoot and dominate on top. I say keep Daniel Rodriguez away from anyone like that and let’s get him into the closest firefight available. Santiago Ponzinibbio is the one I want. The fight would be absolute fireworks for however long it lasts.
Daniel Rodriguez’s Next Fight: Santiago Ponzinibbio
Andre Petroski
Petroski put together a very good grappling performance once again, but once again seemed to have a bit of trouble with his cardio. This is an area he’s going to need to work at in order to beat some of the tougher names in this division. I also think a drop to 170lbs, as he hinted might be in the cards, is not a good remedy to that situation. As he works on it, I’d like to pair him with someone who has similar issues. Dalcha Lungiambula is one that has issues with cardio. While he fights this weekend, if he picks up a win as well, he’d be a great pairing for Petroski.
Andre Petroski’s Next Fight: Dalcha Lungiambula with a win this weekend
Gerald Meerschaert
GM3 did the unthinkable this weekend at UFC Vegas 35. Stepping into the cage as a +500 underdog and not only winning, but putting a clinic on Makhmud Muradov. His striking looked good, as did his durability. I’d like to see him put those skills to the test again. Anthony Hernandez is coming off a crazy submission victory as a big underdog too. Hernandez tapped out the ADCC champ Rodolfo Vieira last time out. Let’s see who can catch lightning in a bottle twice and pair the two together.
Gerald Meerschaert’s Next Fight: Anthony Hernandez
