(ALSO SEE: Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for Jorge Masvidal and UFC 251’s key losing fighters?)
After every event, fans wonder whom the winners will be matched up with next.
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 251’s key winning fighters.
Those included Kamaru Usman (17-1 MMA, 12-0 UFC), who successfully defended his welterweight title against Jorge Masvidal (35-14 MMA, 12-7 UFC) by unanimous decision in the headliner at Flash Forum in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the still featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski (22-1 MMA, 9-0 UFC), the new bantamweight champ Petr Yan (15-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC), as well as former champ Rose Namajunas (9-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC) and top prospect Amanda Ribas (18-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC).
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Amanda Ribas
Should fight: Winner of Carla Esparza vs. Marina Rodriguez at UFC on ESPN 14
Why they should fight: Ribas lived up to the heavy betting odds that were placed upon her going into her matchup with Paige VanZant by delivering a dominant performance that ended in a first-round submission.
Ribas appears to have all the attributes to be a big star in the UFC. She has largely had her way with all her opponents so far, and the matchup with VanZant was clearly one to help her shine off a known commodity. She did that in every way.
The Brazilian moved up to the women’s flyweight division for the fight specifically, but she’ll drop back down to strawweight where she does her best work for the next fight. Ribas could fight anyone in the top 15 it would be a compelling bout. Ribas called her shot, though, mentioning the winner of the July 25 bout between former champ Esparza (16-6 MMA, 7-4 UFC) and unbeaten Rodriguez (13-0-2 MMA, 2-0-2 UFC) as a fight of interest.
Sean Shelby's Shoes: What's next for Kamaru Usman and UFC 251's key winning fighters?