After a successful third pay-per-view in 2022, the UFC returned to the Apex this past Saturday for UFC Vegas 50. It was a great card on paper, and it seriously delivered. A light heavyweight title contender emerged, and prospects continue to impress.
Unfortunately, there were also some big losses. That’s the sport, after all. So, who should the fighters that lost this weekend fight next? Keep reading.
Thiago Santos
Thiago Santos came up short in his latest main event. “Marreta” lost a forgettable 25-minute unanimous decision in this case. The 38-year old Brazilian has lost four of his last five fights, and while the end may be near for the knockout artist, he should have a few more fights left in the tank. He will need to fight down the rankings again to secure his spot. A fight with surging Jamahal Hill makes sense. Hill is coming off a first-round knockout of Johnny Walker, who Santos recently beat.
Santos’ next fight: Jamahal Hill
Marlon Moraes
It has been a very, very rough stretch for Marlon Moraes. He has been finished by punches in five of his last six fights. MMA is a very brutal and unforgiving sport, and Moraes has felt that first hand, unfortunately. After his knockout loss to Song Yadong at UFC Vegas 50, he was seen taking off his gloves which is a sign of retirement. While I’m sure he can go to another promotion and become a champion, I would like to see him hang up his gloves, which it seems could very well happen here.
Moraes’ next fight: Retirement
Alex Caceres
Alex Caceres lost a unanimous decision to a returning Sodiq Yusuff at UFC Vegas 50. The loss snapped Caceres’ five-fight win streak. “Bruce Leeroy” will most likely have to fight and defend his spot in the featherweight rankings in his next outing. Hakeem Dawodu, who is always near the top 15 and is coming off a win last month, is a good next opponent.
Caceres’ next fight: Hakeem Dawodu
Karl Roberson
Karl Roberson had his return to light heavyweight spoiled when Khalil Roundtree Jr. finished him with a body kick in the second round. That was Roberson’s third loss in a row and could be his last fight with the promotion. I do think the UFC will give him one more shot at light heavyweight as the 205 division needs fighters. A fight with Tafon Nchukwi, who lost earlier in the night, makes sense for both men.
Roberson’s next fight: Tafon Nchukwi
Terrance McKinney
Terrance McKinney suffered his first UFC loss on Saturday but was it really a loss? Okay, it was, but he also won. “T.Wrecks” took the fight on a week’s notice and was literally seconds away from finishing Drew Dober. I would hate to be the next person to fight the 27-year old. Who should it be? A fight with Paddy Pimblett, if he wins this weekend, would be great. Mike Davis vs. McKinney would be fireworks. Yep, that’s the fight.
McKinney’s next fight: Mike Davis
Bruno Silva
It was a valiant effort, but middleweight Bruno Silva came up short against Alex Pereira at UFC Vegas 50. The loss snapped his seven-fight win streak. Silva’s run in the UFC has been awesome, and I’m certain he’ll get another good name in his next outing. Puna Soriano is a name that would make for a fun fight.
Silva’s next fight: Puna Soriano
