On paper, UFC Vegas 115 was probably the worst card of 2026, thus far. While it still had its fair share of what we now call “Apex slop,” it would be unfair to say that the event didn’t have some highlights. It showed us Abdul-Rahman Yakhyaev keeping up his bulldozing ways, Ethyn Ewing proving he might be the real deal, as well as fun finishes from Tommy McMillen, Alessandro Costa, Alice Pereira and Tresean Gore. In the main event, Renato Moicano got back to his winning ways, halting Chris Duncan’s win streak at four. With UFC Vegas 115 in the books, we now look at what’s next for the winners.
Renato Moicano
It was nice to see Moicano bounce back from his back-to-back losses from last year. He was on a hot streak before running into Islam Makhachev and dropping the ball against Beneil Dariush. A win here doesn’t propel him back to the front of the line, but it does put him back on track. I wouldn’t be against booking the Paddy Pimblett fight, which seemed to be next when Moicano defeated Benoit Saint Denis back in 2024. For now, I think rebooking the Brian Ortega rematch is the right call.
Moicano’s next fight: Brian Ortega
Virna Jandiroba
It will be difficult for Jandiroba to fight her back into title contention, but if she was to do it, it had to start with a win on Saturday. Knowing Loopy Godinez has already lost to Mackenzie Dern, I’m doubtful that she would get the next shot even with a win at UFC 327. So if Godinez is victorious next Saturday, I believe she will have to face Jandiroba next. If Tatiana Suarez gets her hand raised, I think she will earn her shot, meaning Jandiroba will most likely face Gillian Robertson in the meantime. I think the Brazilian’s next bout will be determined by the result of the upcoming Suarez/Godinez bout.
Jandiroba’s next fight: Loopy Godinez (if victorious at UFC 327) or Gillian Robertson
Abdul-Rahman Yakhyaev
Judging by the way he fights, the 25-year-old light-heavyweight clearly understands that he isn’t paid by the hour. At this age, Yakhyaev should be focused on getting as many reps in the octagon as he can so as to sharpen his skills before having the face the top of the division. With his fighting style, he’s in and out so quickly that he doesn’t absorb a lot of damage, which should allow him to jump back into the cage fairly quickly. I think the promotion should look to keep sending him fighters who create car crashes to test Yakhyaev’s ability to work his way through them. Someone like Ibo Aslan perfectly fits that description.
Yakhyaev’s next fight: Ibo Aslan
Ethyn Ewing
After upsetting the highly touted Malcolm Wellmaker on short notice at Madison Square Garden, Ethyn Ewing has now taken the ‘0’ off Rafael Estevam. Ewing has gone from unknown prospect to hyped contender in just two UFC outings. I think the promotion should try and make the most out of the momentum he has garnered in just five and a half months. Giving him someone like Bryce Mitchell not only keeps testing Ewing’s skills, but also gives him the opportunity to beat a known name.
Ewing’s next fight: Bryce Mitchell
Tommy McMillen
Who’s to say what Tommy McMillen’s true ceiling is? But for now, the young American seems to fit the action-oriented approach that the promotion has clearly been favoring in this new Paramount era. The UFC should try to find fighters who will indulge McMillen in his firefight type of style without being too challenging. There are a few names like this at featherweight, I settled on John Yannis.
McMillen’s next fight: John Yannis
Jose Delano
Jose Delano had a fairly impressive showing in his promotional debut, outstriking the former two-time KSW champion Robert Ruchala 107 to 67. He landed 62% of his strikes, while limiting Ruchala to just 33% striking accuracy. Any name could be thrown at Delano, but I think the returnee Kai Kamaka III, who was victorious in the card’s opening bout, who make for a fun scrap.
Delano’s next fight: Kai Kamaka III
