Matchmaker Monday following UFC 250
UFC 250 was definitely a success as the fights were extremely enjoyable.
In the main event, Amanda Nunes once again dominated as she steamrolled Felicia Spencer on way to her first featherweight title defense. Prior to Nunes’ win, Cody Garbrandt got back into the win column with highlight reel knockout over Raphael Assunaco and Aljamain Sterling won what may have secured him a title fight.
Now that the event is over, let’s find out what’s next for those winners on this Matchmaker Monday.
Amanda Nunes
Result: defeated Felicia Spencer by unanimous decision at UFC 250
Next: boxing match against Clarissa Shields.
When it comes to Amanda Nunes you must ask yourself this question, “Who else can she fight?”
There’s always a third fight with Valentina Shevchenko at bantamweight, but given that Nunes is up 2-0 on “The Bullet,” I’m not sure how the UFC feel on doing it a third time. Personally, at this juncture I’d be okay with, but that’s just me.
Another option I’d like to see is a rematch with Holly Holm. I feel like we didn’t get enough minutes of their fight last summer when Nunes caught Holm with a brutal head kick that ended the fight in the first round. I always though Holm’s ability to move around could give Nunes problems and I thought Holm looked good in their fight until one mistake cost her the fight.
Of course there’s always an option for Nunes to stay at featherweight in which she’d face Megan Anderson. Only thing there is that Anderson lost to Spencer and while MMA math doesn’t always add up, I think it’s safe to say it’d be another Nunes domination.
So you know after thinking about, I’ll say it. Let her box Clarissa Shields. There was rumblings of a mega fight between the two in the past, so why not do it now? Nunes is on a roll, she’s the most feared woman in combat sports, let her go ahead and try to take out a boxing superstar next. Win, lose or draw against Shields, it’d be a fun one-off fight and then afterwards the two could go back to their separate ways and continue to dominate their sports.
Cody Garbrandt
Result: second-round knock out win over Raphael Assunaco at UFC 250
Next: Marlon Moraes
Cody Garbrandt at the buzzer! Wow! What an ending to the fight for the former bantamweight champion. Garbrandt looked poised and calm on way to his win, which snapped a three-fight losing streak.
Following the win, Garbrandt called for a tournament for all the top bantamweights to figure out who is the best, but let’s be real for second. This is the UFC, not Bellator. While it’d be fun, it’s not going to happen.
Up next I like Moraes vs. Garbrandt matchup for a few reason. First off, it’s a former champ vs. a former title challenger and then it’s going to be two men ranked inside of the top five. Also given how good Garbrandt looked on Saturday, this bout may even be a future title elimination fight.
Aljamain Sterling
Result: first-round submission win over Cory Sandhagen at UFC 250
Next: winner of Petr Yan and Jose Aldo
This one is an easy one that doesn’t really need a breakdown. Sterling is currently ranked number two in the world and he’s on a five fight winning streak, including wins in seven of his last eight.
He made his win over Sandhagen look super easy and this point it’s time to reward the man. He’s been doing great work inside of the octagon and he’s clearly earned the right to fight for the title.
This is a done deal in my opinion. Sterling finally gets his shot at UFC gold in his next fight.
