Merab Dvalishvili completed an inspiring run to the top of the bantamweight mountain on Saturday at UFC 306, dethroning Sean O’Malley with apparent ease. The trilogy between Valentina Shevchenko and Alexa Grasso is now even, meanwhile, after “Bullet” reclaimed gold. What comes next for these two new champs and the rest of the main card winners? Let’s gaze into our crystal ball and take a look.
Merab Dvalishvili
For years, it has been apparent that Merab Dvalishvili has had the makings of a champion. Thus few were surprised at the outcome of the UFC 306 main event. The only reason Dvalishvili didn’t claim gold sooner was his insistence against fighting friend and teammate Aljamain Sterling. Now, it’s Merab’s time.
His first title defense is pretty much a given: Umar Nurmagomedov. That was made clear on Saturday’s broadcast. Merab might have his eye on Deiveson Figueiredo, but the UFC wants the Nurmagomedov name back in play, and Umar has earned it. If Merab gets past the cousin of Khabib, he might have a rather long reign.
Dvalishvili’s next fight: Umar Nurmagomedov
Valentina Shevchenko
A smart gameplan and no doubt about it this time as Valentina Shevchenko both reclaimed her women’s featherweight title, and evened her series with Alexa Grasso at 1-1-1.
A quadrilogy in the UFC is not unprecedented, as Brandon Moreno and Deiveson Figueiredo did just that, competing four times at flyweight. “Bullet” will likely fight Grasso again, however, there’s really no need for a fourth fight right away.
Instead, Shevchenko should face Manon Fiorot, who has never lost in the UFC with seven victories in the promotion. She’s on a 12-fight win streak, having not suffered defeat since her pro debut.
Shevchenko’s next fight: Manon Fiorot
Diego Lopes
He called for a title shot after the biggest win of his career, but Diego Lopes likely won’t get it. Instead, the featherweight needs at least one more bout to make it to the big time. And that might just come against Alexander Volkanovski. The former champ said Sunday that he’s willing to face Lopes, though only if it’s for an interim title.
There’s no need for an interim belt right now. But make this an official title eliminator and sure. Have the winner face the Ilia Topuria-Max Holloway winner.
Lopes’ next fight: Alexander Volkanovski
Esteban Ribovics
Some were calling Esteban Ribovics’ bout with Daniel Zellhuber at UFC 306 the Fight of the Year. I’d argue it’s up there for Round of the Year (round three), and it earned Fight of the Night. As for Ribovics, you have to give the lightweight a step up after that performance. Have to. Taking that into consideration, #9 Rafael Fiziev comes to mind. He’s coming off a couple of losses but would still be a test for Argentina’s Ribovics.
Ribovics’ next fight: Rafael Fiziev
Ronaldo Rodriguez
Ronaldo Rodriguez vs. Ode Osbourne was another possible Fight of the Night at UFC 306. It was wildly entertaining with a near-finish in the first. Rodriguez came out with his stock soaring following a three-round unanimous decision win. And like Ribovics, he deserves a step up in competition.
Asu Almabayev is fighting Matheus Nicolau next month. Give Rodriguez the winner. Or loser, as that would work as well. Both are ranked flyweights.
Rodriguez’s next fight: Asu Almabayev or Matheus Nicolau
