Matchmaker Monday following UFC 247 – What next?
UFC 247 in the rear-view
Whether you like it or not Jon Jones is still your light heavyweight champion. Also whether or not you agreed with that decision you have to admit that the fight was highly competitive and was a lot of fun to watch.
Another thing everyone can agree on is that the UFC is off to a great start in 2020. First they had Conor McGregor kick off the year and then the next pay-per-view had Jon Jones winning a nailbiter and Valentina Shevchenko continuing to look unbeatable.
Now that UFC 247 is over, we’ll start seeing fights just about every weekend for the rest of the year. Before we get into the bulk of 2020, let’s find out what’s next for some of the fighters from UFC 247 on this Match Maker Monday.
Jon Jones, light heavyweight
Result: defeated Dominick Reyes via unanimous decision
Next: winner of Corey Anderson and Jan Blachowicz
Personally I scored the fight in favor of Jon Jones so I really don’t feel the need to see the two run it back right away. UFC President Dana White said he’s open to a rematch, but he didn’t sound like he was dying to see part two right this second either.
Reyes had a great performance and a lot of people want to see them run it back, but I just see Jones moving on to the next top contender, especially now that White said heavyweight champion will fight Daniel Cormier next.
Reyes has a bright future and there’s nothing wrong with going back to the drawing board and continuing to get better before stepping in with Jones again, especially since Jones is known for being dominate in rematches.
Dominick Reyes, light heavyweight
Result: lost to Jon Jones via unanimous decision
Next: loser of Corey Anderson and Jan Blachowicz
Yes, a rematch with Jones is possible, but again there hasn’t been a hard yes from the UFC since the UFC 247 event.
Right now the light heavyweight division is starting to load up with a lot of great young talent. You have Reyes, Thiago Santos, Anthony Smith, Anderson and Blachowicz all creeping towards the top of the division. It looks like these guys are going to have to start slugging it out to ultimately get themselves inside the octagon with the GOAT.
Valentina Shevchenko, flyweight
Result: beat Katlyn Chookagian by third-round TKO
Next: Joanne Calderwood
I really wanted to say Amanda Nunes, but that’s not going to happen. Following the fight White said he wants all the women’s champions to stay within their divisions for the time being. Therefore, this is an easy one to book. Calderwood is the next top contender who hasn’t faced Shevchenko yet.
Want an early preview of that fight? I’ll give it to you now as a bonus. Shevchenko continues to dominate.
Katlyn Chookagian, flyweight
Result: lost to Valentina Shevchenko
Next: Roxanne Modafferi, flyweight
There’s nothing wrong with being outclassed by Shevchenko. Its happened to just about everyone who has ever faced her. Chookagian is atop of the division in the rankings and she can get herself back inside there with Shevchenko with another two or three wins.
Right now Chookagian has already faced everyone in the top four at flyweight, so up next should be number five. Right now that Modafferi who just so happens to be coming off a big win.
