Tag: Al Iaquinta

Callout Collection: Who UFC on ESPN+ 30 winners want next – and how likely they’ll get them

Deiveson Figueiredo and Jack Hermansson were among those who name-dropped their preferred next opponents at UFC on ESPN+ 30 in Abu Dhabi.

Earning wins in the UFC is certainly no easy task, but what comes next is often even more important: the post-fight callout.

So after Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 30 event in Abu Dhabi, who took advantage of their time on the mic? See below for this week’s Callout Collection – and just how realistic each one is.

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First up, let’s take a look at the preliminary card …

Arman Tsarukyan

Wants to fight:[autotag]Al Iaquinta[/autotag]

The callout: “Next fight, I want to fight with Top 15, Top 10 guys. Maybe (Al) Iaquinta because he is a very strong guy and he fought with Khabib Nurmagomedov. I want to fight with him because it’s a good fight for me. I’m a very young fighter, every day I will get better and better. I can destroy my whole division.”

The reality: [autotag]Arman Tsarukyan[/autotag] may not be the most well-known name in the UFC’s stacked 155-pound division, but if he keeps on getting past tough names, it won’t be long before he’s thrown in there with one of the division’s more prominent figures.

Tsarukyan says he’s ready for that push right now, but I suspect he’ll have to work his way through one or two more unranked guys before the likes of Iaquinta appear as legitimate options. That’s not to say it won’t happen eventually – Tsarukyan was very competitive in his debut defeat to Islam Makhachev and has looked solid in each of his subsequent octagon appearances.

Another win, and perhaps a finish, in his next outing would strengthen Tsarukyan’s case but, after three UFC appearances, he’s certainly trending in the right direction.

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Paul Felder isn’t really retired, says he’s just ‘benching’ himself until right fight surfaces

“I need the next fight to be something that scares me and gets me training and gets me motivated and gives me a reason.”

[autotag]Paul Felder[/autotag] isn’t retired. He’s just benching himself.

Over the past few months, Felder’s fighting future largely has been unclear. After his February loss to [autotag]Dan Hooker[/autotag], Felder (17-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) hinted that fight potentially would be his last.

In recent weeks, however, he’s changed his tune. And on Monday, Felder told MMA Junkie he is now leaning toward fighting again.

“I’m benching myself for a second,” Felder said. “I think that’s the way I would really consider it. I just needed a little break, man. That fight in New Zealand was a tough one. I pour my soul into these fight camps, man. I really don’t hold back. It’s not like I casually take a fight because I’m like, ‘Oh, yeah, I think I can beat that guy. How many weeks do we have?’ I really try to make sure I check all the boxes. I did that for that one.

“It was so close, and your heart gets broken with a decision. It’s not like I’m crying about it. I just needed time. That was a lot. I was gone for a long time. … I just wanted to be home for a little bit.”

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As soon as the right matchup presents itself, Felder will get back to business. But until then, Felder is in no rush. He’s been busy buying a house and spending time with his family in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“To be completely honest, man, I’ve been going through a lot,” Felder said. “I’m busy. I’m buying a house. I’m just in no rush to come back for something that will not excite me. I need the next fight to be something that scares me and gets me training and gets me motivated and gives me a reason to leave at eight, nine, (or) 10 weeks at a time and put my body through what it goes through.

“Look at those guys on Saturday night: Hooker and Poirier. Those guys are going to be hurting for a while. This is a savage sport. If your head is not quite in it, I’m not going to rush back to get into the cage unless it’s something super exciting.”

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Speaking of Hooker and Dustin Poirier, Felder says a matchup against either would qualify as a worthwhile fight. He’s also interested in a fight against former interim UFC lightweight champion Tony Ferguson.

“That is what would bring me back – a rematch with Dan,” Felder said. “Now, it’d just be, ‘Let’s just run it back.’ Listen, I’ve never really sat and whined and complained about the decision. But it was close enough where you could warrant a rematch between us. … So, yeah, (Hooker), Tony Ferguson, Dustin (Poirier). The chances of Conor are probably zero, so I won’t even mention that. That’s just not going to happen. So, yeah, those are the fights that I want.”

One name Felder did not include on his initial list was fellow contender [autotag]Al Iaquinta[/autotag]. The two fighters have been publicly matched up in the past, but the bout never has come to fruition. The promotion also has discussed on numerous occasions privately – including offers for the two to fight Aug. 15.

“That is true, and I said no,” Felder said of the rumored offer. “I said I want to do ‘Fight Island.’ I want to start a training camp. I want to fight later in the fall. If that’s one of the fights on the table, then possibly. It had nothing to do with Al. I also agreed to fight Al in June, and he hurt his knee again.

“That was probably the third or fourth time that we’ve now been supposedly matched up and something has happened on his end. I know he’s healthy now, and he can be upset all he wants. I don’t really care. He’s selling real estate. I do commentary, Al. I’m doing my second job.”

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After undergoing hip surgery, Vinc Pichel wants to run back his TUF war with Al Iaquinta

UFC lightweight Vinc Pichel is hoping for an opportunity to avenge an early career loss to Al Iaquinta, but admits he doubts it’ll come to fruition.

UFC lightweight [autotag]Vinc Pichel[/autotag] is hoping for an opportunity to avenge an early career loss, but says he doubts it will ever come to fruition.

Pichel (12-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC) was eliminated by [autotag]Al Iaquinta[/autotag] in the semi-finals of the 15th season of “The Ultimate Fighter” in 2012 after their back-and-forth two-round battle at the TUF gym went all the way to the scorecards. Now, almost eight years later, Pichel wants another crack at Iaquinta, but admits he doesn’t think his opposite number would accept the fight.

“Al Iaquinta won’t fight me, and I don’t blame him honestly,” Pichel told MMA Junkie.

Pichel returned from a three-year-long layoff in 2017, and since then, has won three of his last four, and showed little sign of ring rust in the process. He most recently bounced Roosevelt Roberts from the ranks of the unbeaten with a unanimous decision victory at UFC on ESPN 3 in June 2019. But if you ask Pichel about ring rust, he says it’s more a negative state of mind than a lack of physical sharpness.

“Ring rust is a mental block we put on ourselves and stems from lack of self confidence to me,” he offered. “(It’s) Not something I’m familiar with when I’m fighting.”

He was then matched up with Alexander Yakovlev at UFC on ESPN+ 21, but was forced out due to a hip injury that has kept him out of action ever since. Pichel was subsequently replaced by Roberts, who ended up defeating Yakovlev, making it difficult for Pichel to watch on the sidelines.

“Yeah that was a tough pill to swallow for me, actually,” said Pichel. “Not only was that the first fight I’ve had to pull out of, but then my opponent faces someone who I just dominated and loses to him. That’s what really hurt.”

So, while the coronavirus outbreak has significantly altered most fighters’ schedules, Pichel is focused on recovery, and says he’s shooting for a summer return.

“I’m doing OK, actually,” Pichel said. “I am just now getting back into training from hip surgery in December, so I haven’t been slowed down just yet by it. There’s been no talks for now. I’ve just been focusing on my recovery so that’s all that’s in my mind right now, honestly. But if I were to say, I want to fight by summer.”

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Submission Underground 11: Boehm, Magalhaes claim tag-team win; Mike Perry outlasts Al Iaquinta

In a tag-team matchup, Kyle Boehm and Vinny Magalhaes claimed overtime victory over Craig Jones and Nicky Rodriguez at SUG 11.

In a tag-team matchup that Submission Underground founder Chael Sonnen calls “the future of grappling,” [autotag]Kyle Boehm[/autotag] and [autotag]Vinny Magalhaes[/autotag] claimed overtime victory over [autotag]Craig Jones[/autotag] and [autotag]Nicky Rodriguez[/autotag].

The bout served as the headlining contest of Sunday’s Submission Underground 11, which streamed live on UFC Fight Pass from Roseland Theater in Portland, Ore.

With Magalhaes and Rodriguez starting in the center, Magalhaes quickly scooted near his partner in a seated position. Rodriguez spent the better part of two minutes trying to gain control of either an arm or a leg in hopes of dragging his opponent to the other side of the cage, but his grip kept sliding off. Referee Dave Hagen then brought the competitors to their feet on a restart.

After some brief engagement, Magalhaes again took a seated positioin and backed to his teammate, leading to another restart. Shortly after, Rodriguez was warned for his aggressive hand clasps to the back of the head. Hagen tried to reposition the two, but it continued as a stalemate.

Hagen stood the pair again with a little more than two minutes left, but Magalhaes was able to get close enough to his partner for a potential tag, leaving Rodriguez cautious as he walked forward and resulting in a contest incredibly light on action. The eight-minute regulation period without a single submission attempt, and the contest went to overtime.

In the extra session, Rodriguez started on the attack, but Boehm stepped in for Magalhaes and escaped in near instantaneous fashion. Rodriguez’s teammate Jones – who later explained he chose to sit out because he had been ill all week – protested the call, but the rapid work stood. Boehm also started on the back in his attacking session, and though he didn’t get a submission, he did spend nearly the entire two minutes in control.

Rodriguez started on the back again in the second, and things got interesting when he switched to an armbar, but Boehm escaped the threat and worked free in 17 seconds. Boehm then saw Rodriguez roll briskly in his defense, and he also notched a rapid escape.

In the third overtime, Boehm again escaped almost instantaneously, and while Rodriguez also worked free in just 14 seconds, the lengthy opening ride ensured victory for Boehm and Magalhaes, who remained unapologetic for their strategy despite clear frustration from the crowd in attendance.

‘Boogeyman’ too much for Jake Shields

In the night’s co-main event, veteran grappler [autotag]Richie Martinez[/autotag], the 10th Planet black belt known best as “Boogeyman,” was able to submit former Strikeforce and EliteXC champion [autotag]Jake Shields[/autotag].

With neither man able to secure a submission in either regulation or the first overtime, Martinez started from spider armbar in the second overtime, using a slick figure-four to peel off the defending right arm and extending the left rm while also securing the left leg to score a tap just eight seconds into the period.

In a featured match between two UFC stars, [autotag]Mike Perry[/autotag] was able to outlast a gritty [autotag]Al Iaquinta[/autotag] in a clash that started as a grudge match but ending in both men showing respect for each’s effort.

Iaquinta earned a takedown almost immediately, but Perry responded from his back, looking to secure the arm. Iaquinta slammed his way out of the hold, and the two scrambled back to the feet shortly after. Iaquinta was able to secure a powerful trip-slam to the canvas, but he was immediately forced on defense with Perry attacking his leg. Iaquinta patiently worked his way free, and the two finished the regulation period in a stalemate on the feet.

In the first overtime, Iaquinta started on the back, but he was unable to secure the upper body, and Perry escaped in just 16 seconds. Perry took his offensive period on the back, as well, and while Iaquinta briefly worked to his feet, “Platinum” stayed firm. Iaquinta showed heart in squeezing off a rear-naked choke that seemed destined to end the contest, and Perry had to settle for the satisfaction of a near-two-minute ride.

In the second period, Iaquinta again started on the back and tried to start the setup for a twister. However, after giving up control of the upper body, referee Hagen ruled Perry was out of trouble and awarded him an escape in just 17 seconds. Iaquinta kept himself in the match though, escaping from Perry’s seatbelt in just 23 seconds.

In the final overtime, Iaquinta elected to start from the spider armbar setup and nearly extended the limb, but a gutsy effort saw him get through in about 14 seconds.

Perry then started on the back in his final attacking period, but Iaquinta turned and slam free in his fastest escape of the contest, just 10 seconds into the final frame. However, the initial lengthy ride from Perry earned him the win via escape time.

Austin Vaderford picks up controversial submission

In the night’s first main card matchup, undefeated Bellator welterweight [autotag]Austin Vanderford[/autotag] picked up a slightly controversial submission win over Canadian 10th Planet black belt [autotag]Micah Brakefield[/autotag].

Working in overtime, Vanderford was able to escape from his opponent’s seatbelt position in just six seconds. When it was his turn to attack, Vanderford nearly locked in a rear-naked choke, but his opponent refused to relent. When Brakefield was able to roll to his back, he thought he was awarded an escape. However, Vanderford was allowed to transition to an arm-triangle choke, and he earned a frustrated tap from his foe, who didn’t agree with the ruling.

Complete Submission Underground 11 results include:

MAIN CARD

    • Kyle Boehm and Vinny Magalhaes def. Craig Jones and Nicky Rodriguez via escape time – Full time
    • Richie Martinez def. Jake Shields via submission (armbar) – Overtime 2, 0:08
    • Mike Perry def. Al Iaquinta via escape time – Full time
    • Austin Vanderford def. Micah Brakefield via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Overtime 1, 1:15

PRELIMINARY CARD

    • Alex Larmey def. Andrew Marshall via escape time – Full time
    • Frank Rosenthal def. Brent Smith via submission (heel hook) – Regulation, 0:17
    • Samantha Bonilla def. Danielle Perry via submission (rear-naked choke) – Overtime 1, 0:59
    • Joe Baize def. Clay Davidson via submission (reverse heel hook) – Regulation, 1:11
    • Andrew Gundlach def. Logan Skinner via submission (cloth choke) – Regulation, 4:42
    • Andrew Sidelinger def. Scott Jutras via submission (armbar) – Overtime 1, 0:13

Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for Paul Felder after UFC on ESPN+ 26 loss?

See who Paul Felder should fight next after his loss to Dan Hooker at UFC on ESPN+ 26.

[autotag]Paul Felder[/autotag] experienced a heartbreaker on Saturday when he lost a razor-close fight to Dan Hooker in the UFC on ESPN+ 26 main event.

Felder (17-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) traveled to the other side of the world into Hooker’s (20-8 MMA, 10-4 UFC) back yard at Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand and come out the loser in a hotly contested split decision.

The outcome halts a strong run of momentum for Felder in the lightweight division, and at 34, there’s some questions about his future. He brought many of those on himself, though, by teasing retirement in the octagon immediately after the fight. It appears that may have been premature, however, because his head coach Duke Roufus, as well as longtime manager Brian Butler, both indicated this is not the end.

So, what does the loss mean for Felder? Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis on his future, and why he should fight [autotag]Al Iaquinta[/autotag] (14-6-1 MMA, 9-5 UFC) next.

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UFC 249: Islam Makhachev takes a more humorous approach in callout of Al Iaquinta

After Islam Makhachev called Al Iaquinta out on Twitter, he decided to take a more humorous approach, as part of his callout pitch.

[autotag]Islam Makhachev[/autotag] has now diverted his attention to [autotag]Al Iaquinta[/autotag].

Makhachev (18-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) was in UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov’s corner at UFC 223 in Brooklyn, when he faced Iaquinta for the vacant UFC 155-pound title in 2018.

Nurmagomedov would defeat Iaquinta (14-6-1 MMA, 9-5 UFC) via unanimous decision, and Makhachev was there to show his respect to Iaquinta for his efforts by wiping the blood off of his face.

And after Makhachev called Iaquinta out on Twitter, he decided to take a more humorous approach, as part of his callout pitch.

“I want to take care of you like I did last time at Barclays center.
I’m waiting for your answer #ufc249”

 

Rumors swirled about a potential matchup between Makhachev and Gregor Gillespie at UFC 249 but that matchup has not come to fruiton.

So after expressing interest in facing Dan Hooker, Paul Felder, Kevin Lee, and Gillespie, Makhachev has now called out Iaquinta for UFC 249, in hopes to join his training partner, and the night’s headliner, Nurmagomedov.

Iaquinta was quick to respond, but once again, the offer is for a showdown in Russia.

“NY vs Dagestan gangster. I’m in for Moscow for the great fans of Russia”

Makhachev hasn’t competed since his unanimous decision win over Davi Ramos at UFC 242 in September. He has struggled to find an opponent ever since, calling out the majority of the lightweight division’s top 15.

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Al Iaquinta has Dustin Poirier’s attention after callout

Fighting words from Al Iaquinta: “Put me against Dustin Poirier right now in my freakin garage, I’ll beat the (expletive) out of him.”

[autotag]Al Iaquinta[/autotag] heard [autotag]Dustin Poirier[/autotag] is looking for a fight, and he’s more than happy to oblige.

Iaquinta (14-6-1 MMA, 9-5 UFC) and Poirier both have faced a common opponent in UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Iaquinta took aim at Poirier’s performance in the fight.

Poirier (25-6 MMA, 17-5 UFC) was submitted in the third round of his UFC 242 fight with Nurmagomedov, whereas Iaquinta went all five rounds on short notice in a unanimous decision loss at UFC 223.

“He doesn’t have a fight coming up. That’s the fight,” Iaquinta said on Monday on “Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show.” “The UFC just has to call him. I called Hunter, I texted Sean Shelby, I said that’s the fight, and I’m pretty sure – maybe they didn’t offer it to him, but if they did, he turned it down. So either way, your offer is extended now, and that’s it.

“I think it’s a good fight; he thinks his stock is a lot higher than it is. He got choked out unconscious (by Khabib) – not unconscious, he would have gotten choked out unconscious before the deed could be done, so he’s pretty much, whatever. I think that’s the fight that needs to be made.”

Poirier didn’t take Iaquinta’s claim well, slamming him for his recent track record. Iaquinta has lost three of his last four fights and is coming off back-to-back losses to Donald Cerrone, and Dan Hooker.

@ALIAQUINTA Bro you won 2 fights in the last 5 years…. pipe down.

Before losing to Nurmagomedov, Poirier had won four in a row, en route to capturing the UFC 155-pound interim title with a unanimous decision over Max Holloway. Sitting at the top of the rankings, Poirier doesn’t see many options ahead, but Iaquinta thinks he’s over-valuing himself.

“He said he doesn’t have a fight coming up, no one wants to fight him,” Iaquinta said. “He thinks he’s like the No. 1 contender, but he’s really not. I fought Khabib on like a freakin’ minute’s notice. Kevin Lee is ranked ahead of me, but the rankings, I don’t know. That’s the fight to make. (Poirier) said, ‘Oh, I want an exciting fight.’ He’s going to get an exciting; I’m going to (expletive) him up.

“Put me against Dustin Poirier right now in my freakin’ garage. I’ll beat the (expletive) out of him.”

While it doesn’t seem like Iaquinta would be Poirier’s first choice for a fight, he made it clear it could happen under two conditions.

Hey @ALIAQUINTA if they pay me right and you down to do it at 170lbs I’ll fight you.

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Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for Conor McGregor and UFC 246’s key winning fighters?

See who Conor McGregor should fight next after his victory over Donald Cerrone at UFC 246.

(ALSO SEE: Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for Donald Cerrone and UFC 246’s 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 246’s key winning fighters.

Those included [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] (22-4 MMA, 10-2 UFC), who defeated Donald Cerrone (36-14 MMA, 23-11 UFC) by first-round TKO in the welterweight headliner at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, as well as [autotag]Holly Holm[/autotag] (13-5 MMA, 6-5 UFC), [autotag]Diego Ferreira[/autotag] (17-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC), [autotag]Roxanne Modafferi[/autotag] (24-16 MMA, 3-4 UFC) and [autotag]Sodiq Yusuff[/autotag] (11-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC).

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Sodiq Yusuff

Josh Emmett

Should fight: [autotag]Josh Emmett[/autotag]
Why they should fight: Yusuff continued to be on a tear to begin his UFC tenure when he won an entertaining featherweight bout against Andre Fili by unanimous decision to improve to 4-0 inside the octagon.

Before and after the win, Yusuff said he felt this fight against Fili would propel him into a ranked matchup at 145 pounds. In a fair world, he’s absolutely right.

Emmett (15-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) was recently forced to pull out of a fight due to injury, and while it’s unknown how long his timeline is for a return, he would be the perfect opponent if the timing lines up between his return and Yusuff’s next fight date. Both men hit very hard, and there’s a good chance this one ends in a knockout.

Roxanne Modafferi

Jessica Eye

Should fight: [autotag]Jessica Eye[/autotag]
Why they should fight: Modafferi shined brightest in one of the most important moments of her career when, as high as a 10-1 betting underdog, the cagey veteran temporarily derailed the hype of Maycee Barber with a bloody unanimous decision win.

The UFC has a habit of putting Modafferi in fights the world believes she will lose. Sometimes it has gone that way, but in recent years she’s surprised with wins over Barber and Antonina Shevchenko. How far can she take this trend? Why not find out against someone who just recently fought for the belt.

Eye (15-7 MMA, 5-6 UFC) may have been blown out of the water when she fought Valentina Shevchenko for UFC gold, but she rebounded with a win over Viviane Araujo at UFC 245 in December. “Evil” is looking to get back to another crack at UFC gold, and Modafferi would help her on the way. The fight could only happen, though, if Eye makes weight – something she was unable to do in her previous contest.

Diego Ferreira

Al Iaquinta

Should fight: [autotag]Al Iaquinta[/autotag]
Why they should fight: Few saw this rise up the UFC lightweight pecking order from Ferreira, but after six consecutive wins, the Brazilian can only be taken seriously as a real contender.

Ferreira handled former UFC champ Anthony Pettis with relative ease, controlling the action before finishing the fight with a choke in the second round. It was the signature win Ferreira needed, and one that puts him in position for a top 10 fight at 155 pounds.

Given who is available in the weight class, Iaquinta (14-6-1 MMA, 9-5 UFC) is a name who could make for a solid fight. Iaquinta is coming off a pair of losses but he still holds the name value that could carry Ferreira forward into even bigger fights.

Holly Holm

Irene Aldana

Should fight: [autotag]Irene Aldana[/autotag]
Why they should fight: Holm got a very important victory for her career longevity when she once again beat Raquel Pennington on the scorecards in their rematch.

At 38, the former UFC champ said she’s determined to get back to the belt. She’s one fight removed from losing to Amanda Nunes, and given the number of generous title shots “The Preacher’s Daughter” has already received, she’s going to need more before getting another one.

The women’s bantamweight division is relatively barren on super interesting fights for Holm, but Aldana (12-5 MMA, 5-3 UFC) is an opponent she has yet to share the cage with. Aldana is coming off a thunderous knockout win over Ketlen Vieira at UFC 245 in December, and she’s the perfect foe for Holm at this point.

Conor McGregor

Jorge Masvidal

Should fight: [autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag]
Why they should fight: Watch the video above to see why McGregor should fight Masvidal (35-13 MMA, 12-6 UFC) next.

Al Iaquinta to face Mike Perry in grappling match at Submission Underground 11

Fan favorites Al Iaquinta and Mike Perry will compete in a grappling match on Feb. 23.

Fan favorites [autotag]Al Iaquinta[/autotag] and [autotag]Mike Perry[/autotag] will compete in a grappling match next month.

The pair are set to take part in Submission Underground 11, Chael Sonnen’s grappling organization, which takes place Feb. 23 at the Roseland Theater in Portland, Ore. The event streams live on UFC Fight Pass.

Iaquinta has lost his past two MMA fights, a “Fight of the Night” effort against Donald Cerrone at UFC on ESPN+ 9 in May, and a unanimous decision loss to Dan Hooker at UFC 243 in October. Perry has also dropped his past two, at the hands of Vicente Luque at UFC on ESPN+ 14 in August, and Geoff Neal at UFC 245 in December.

The 10-match card is headlined by a tag-team affair between Nick Rodriguez and Craig Jones, who take on PFL heavyweight Vinny Magalhaes and Kyle Boehm, with $25,000 on the line for the winners. Rodriguez recently competed at Polaris 12, defeating former UFC champ Luke Rockhold via decision.

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In the co-main event, former Strikeforce titleholder Jake Shields will take on 10th Planet jiu-jitsu’s Richie Martinez. Also competing on the card is Bellator middleweight Austin Vanderford, and Perry’s wife, the “Platinum Princess,” Danielle Perry.

Tickets for the event are available at www.cascadetickets.com and can be found locally at Bridge City Fight Shop in Tualatin.

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Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for Jan Blachowicz and UFC on ESPN+ 22’s other key winners?

See whom Jan Blachowicz should fight next after his victory over Ronaldo Souza at UFC on ESPN+ 22.

(ALSO SEE: Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for ‘Jacare’ Souza after UFC on ESPN+ 22 loss?)

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+ 22’s most noteworthy winning fighters.

Those winners include [autotag]Jan Blachowicz[/autotag] (25-8 MMA, 8-5 UFC), who defeated Ronaldo Souza (26-8 MMA, 9-5 UFC) by split decision in the light heavyweight headliner at Ginasio do Ibirapuera in Sao Paulo, as well as [autotag]Charles Oliveira[/autotag] (28-8 MMA, 16-8 UFC), [autotag]James Krause[/autotag] (27-7 MMA, 8-3 UFC) and [autotag]Francisco Trinaldo[/autotag] (24-7 MMA, 14-6 UFC),

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Francisco Trinaldo

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Should fight: [autotag]Diego Ferreira[/autotag]
Why they should fight: He had to work hard for it, but Trinaldo earned his 14th octagon victory when he edged Bobby Green by unanimous decision in their lightweight bout.

At 41, Trinaldo proved he’s still a force to be reckoned with at 155. He clearly wants to prove as much judging by his post-fight callout, which was directed at perennial contender Edson Barboza. He may not get that fight next, but the Brazilian is certainly deserving of another noteworthy matchup at 155 pounds.

Ferreira (16-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) has been on a roll of late, winning his past five fights against some solid opponents. The Fortis MMA product is looking to prove he belongs in the upper echelon of the weight class, as well, and beating someone like Trinaldo to extend his winning streak would be a statement. And if Trinaldo were to win, he would take all Ferreira’s momentum for himself.

James Krause

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Should fight: [autotag]Gunnar Nelson[/autotag]
Why they should fight: Krause continued to shine in the welterweight division when he put on a clinic against Sergio Moraes that ended with a knockout in the final minute of the third round.

Krause is now riding a six-fight winning streak (including 4-0 at welterweight) and appears to be clicking both mentally and physically. He needs a bigger challenge going forward to see where he really stands, and Nelson (17-5-1 MMA, 8-5 UFC) is an opponent who could test Krause’s value at 170 pounds.

Nelson may be on a two-fight skid and not in the best place in his career, but he’s been a constant in the top 20 of the division for several years. He needs to display that he still deserves that status, and halting Krause’s streak would help send that message.

Charles Oliveira

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Should fight: [autotag]Al Iaquinta[/autotag]
Why they should fight: The best run of Oliveira’s UFC tenure continued with a brilliant first-round knockout of Jared Gordon that extended the Brazilian’s winning streak to six fights – all of which have come by stoppage.

Oliveira is firing on all cylinders at the moment and at 30, is in the sharpest form of his career. His stoppage of Gordon was his 15th in UFC competition, which trails the all-time record by just one. Oliveira said prior to being booked against Gordon that he wanted a steeper test, but it didn’t materialize this time around.

“Do Bronx” tried to take matters into his own hands by issuing a post-fight callout of Conor McGregor and Paul Felder (who handed him his last loss), but neither of those seemed to register as particularly realistic at the moment (especially McGregor).

What is realistic, though, is that Oliveira could and should get a top-10 opponent at 155 pounds. Iaquinta (14-6-1 MMA, 9-5 UFC) has been in one of those spots for much of the past severals years, and in terms of opponent, he should have everything Oliveira is looking for to take him one step closer to title contention.

Jan Blachowicz


Should fight: [autotag]Corey Anderson[/autotag]
Why they should fight: Watch the video above to see why Blachowicz should rematch Anderson (13-3 MMA, 10-3 UFC) next after his main event win.