Thiago Santos defeated Johnny Walker by decision in the main event of UFC Vegas 38. The co-main event ended in a no-contest with Kyle Daukaus knocking out Kevin Holland with an accidental headbutt. Holland immediately started fighting back and ended up getting submitted but the ref ruled it a no contest because the headbutt actually knocked Holland unconscious for a brief moment. The rematch for that one is obvious, but today we will look into what is next for the winners of UFC Vegas 38.
Thiago Santos
Thiago Santos snapped a three-fight losing streak with his win over Johnny Walker this past weekend. This win guarantees him another shot at someone in the top five in his next fight. A rematch between Anthony Smith and Thiago Santos has been talked about for years. The two fought once in 2018 at middleweight with Santos winning a TKO. Although the fight only went on for a round and a half, it was a barn burner for the entirety of the bout. Smith is ranked number four in the division and is currently riding a three-fight winning streak.
Santos’ next fight: Anthony Smith
Niko Price
Niko Price won a unanimous decision over Alex Oliveira at UFC Vegas 38. This win was his first since his KO victory against James Vick in 2019. Price is one of the most exciting prospects in the welterweight division. Any time he is on a card his fight has the potential for a Fight of the Night. Price has power in his hands and has a brown belt in jiu-jitsu. Making him the perfect match-up for Nick Diaz. Diaz just returned after a long layoff and lost to Robbie Lawler. Diaz had crisp boxing and seemed like he could have been in slightly better shape. If he got himself in great shape and fought Niko Price, that fight has fight of the year written all over it. Assuming Diaz wants to cut to welterweight anyway.
Price’s next fight: Nick Diaz
Krzysztof Jotko
Krzysztof Jotko won a very close split decision over Misha Cirkunov this past weekend. This win makes Jotko 4-1 since 2019 with his only loss being a decision loss to Sean Strickland. Jotko is a great kickboxer and has won 16 of his 25 wins by decision. Makhmud Muradov is 3-1 in the UFC with his only loss being a submission loss to Gerald Meerschaert in his last fight. Muradov is also a great kickboxer with 17 of his 25 wins being knockouts. He has knockout wins over Trevor Smith and Andrew Sanchez. Muradov also has a decision victory over Alessio Di Chirico. Muradov has only been knocked out once in his career and is 5-2 by decision.
Jotko’s next fight: Makhmud Muradov
Alexander Hernandez
Alexander Hernandez knocked out Mike Breeden in the first round of their catchweight bout at UFC Vegas 38. This win makes Hernandez 5-3 in the UFC with wins over Chris Gruetzemacher and Francisco Trinaldo. Hernandez has had a pretty up and down career in the UFC and should be looking to continue to get back on track in his next fight. Nasrat Haqparast is a lightweight who has been on winning streaks but has also lost to big names like Dan Hooker and Drew Dober. Haqparast has nine knockout wins and only one knockout loss. This will play directly into Hernandez’s kickboxing style of fighting. Hernandez and Haqparast both have knockout power and good takedown defense.
Hernandez’s next fight: Nasrat Haqparast
