After every event, fans wonder whom the winners will be matched up with next.
And with another night of UFC action in the rearview mirror, it’s time to look forward, put on a pair of Sean Shelby and Mick Maynard’s shoes, and play UFC matchmaker for UFC on ESPN 6’s most noteworthy winning fighters.
Those winners include Dominick Reyes (12-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC), who defeated Chris Weidman (14-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC) by first-round TKO in the light heavyweight headliner at TD Garden in Boston, as well as Yair Rodriguez (12-2 MMA, 8-1 UFC) and Maycee Barber (8-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC).
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Maycee Barber
Should fight: Paige VanZant
Why they should fight: Barber once again lived up to her hype when she steamrolled Gillian Robertson en route to a first-round TKO to remain undefeated in her young career.
Barber made it clear before and after the fight that she wants a piece of VanZant (8-4 MMA, 5-3 UFC) next, and at this point, it might actually make sense for her. It’s clear Barber wants that signature name on her resume, and if VanZant is planning to test free agency after her next fight and potentially on her way out, then that could be a good matchup to send her on her way.
Whatever is said about VanZant’s skill set, there’s a certain cache that comes with beating “12 Gauge.” If the UFC is looking to build Barber up as a star, then it would be a good addition to her resume.
Yair Rodriguez
Should fight: Winner of Zabit Magomedsharipov vs. Calvin Kattar at UFC on ESPN+ 21
Why they should fight: Rodriguez proved his superiority to Jeremy Stephens in their grudge match when he earned a unanimous decision in an entertaining contest that lived up to the hype.
Rodriguez has now won eight of his nine UFC fights and has been awarded fight-night bonuses during that stretch, as well. His lone octagon loss against Frankie Edgar is still entrenched in the memory of fans, but one more win and Rodriguez could have some serious steam as a title contender at featherweight.
The winner of the matchup between Magomedsharipov (17-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC) and Kattar (20-3 MMA, 4-1 UFC) will be in a similar position of trying to get that respect as the next to challenge for 145-pound gold. Pitting Rodriguez against whomever comes out of that fight would be a meaningful fight for the weight class, especially if it’s Magomedsharipov, who “El Pantera” shares a history with that includes multiple failed fight bookings.
Dominick Reyes
Should fight: Jon Jones
Why they should fight: Watch the video above to see why Reyes should challenge Jones (25-1 MMA, 19-1 UFC) for the UFC light heavyweight title next.
Sean Shelby's Shoes: What's next for Dominick Reyes and UFC on ESPN 6's other key winners?
