After UFC 308: What's subsequent for Topuria, Holloway and Chimaev?

UFC 308 marked the top of an period as two former champions have been on the unsuitable finish of marquee matchups in opposition to youthful stars.

In the primary occasion, BMF titleholder Max Holloway suffered the primary knockout of his profession by featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. Within the co-main occasion, Khamzat Chimaev shortly disposed of Robert Whittaker through first-round submission to make his case for a shot on the middleweight belt subsequent.

Additionally on the cardboard, Magomed Ankalaev reestablished himself as a high contender for the sunshine heavyweight championship with a unanimous resolution win over Aleksandar Rakic, however does that robotically imply a struggle with Alex Pereira is subsequent?

With so many large names in motion from this weekend’s pay-per-view, how ought to the longer term matchmaking play out after UFC 308?

Ilia Topuria, featherweight

Who needs to be subsequent: Alexander Volkanovski

The whole lot labored out because it ought to, frankly. And that is not all the time the case. Generally, guys wait round and sure contenders get handed over, however this has all made sense.

Volkanovski advantages from an prolonged time without work. Holloway was an apparent alternative for a title shot whereas Volkanovski took that much-needed layoff, and now, Volkanovski will get what he deserves: a rematch with Topuria, on an excellent timeframe. This can be a huge struggle. Topuria is the person to beat on this division and the game as an entire. He is turn out to be a star and a high pound-for-pound candidate in a single day. Volkanovski is arguably the best featherweight of all time, and he might need simply sufficient left at hand Topuria his first loss.

I envision this struggle going down in April.

Wildcard: Diego Lopes

Lopes is the one one caught on the surface wanting in proper now, however that is fantastic. He is acquired loads of fights forward and his standing inside the division is safe. If he desires to attend for the winner of Topuria vs. Volkanovski 2, he is earned that proper. If he desires to remain lively, then he ought to. It is solely a matter of time earlier than Lopes fights for a UFC championship.

Max Holloway, featherweight

Who needs to be subsequent: Dustin Poirier

This could occur subsequent summer season. Holloway now finds himself in an identical spot to the one he put Justin Gaethje in after UFC 300. Holloway will want a while off for his well being. It would not shock me to see him return at featherweight, although, as that has all the time been his most popular weight class. Nonetheless, UFC 300 confirmed that Holloway is sort of able to competing on the high of the 155-pound division. Poirier has talked about wanting two extra fights, after which retirement. I might see Poirier taking a struggle in January in opposition to one other light-weight, after which win or lose, combating Holloway for the BMF belt in what can be the ultimate look of his profession. Possibly in New Orleans.

Wildcard: Michael Chandler

Even when it isn’t Poirier, I image Holloway’s subsequent look at light-weight. There’s already been speak about a BMF struggle between him and Chandler. It might be a enjoyable matchup, and the timing would seemingly line up, relying on what occurs with Chandler’s struggle in opposition to Charles Oliveira subsequent month.

Khamzat Chimaev, middleweight

Who needs to be subsequent: Winner of Dricus Du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland

There’s unfinished enterprise with Du Plessis and Strickland. Strickland deserves to be rewarded for taking a struggle with Paulo Costa again in June and profitable. I do not wish to see Chimaev take a break, however it’s fantastic if he is nonetheless a serious a part of the dialog at 185 kilos. Ebook Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2 in February in Sydney, and convey Chimaev alongside to do media and get within the cage with the winner afterward.

Wildcard: Dricus Du Plessis

Or the UFC might give Chimaev the title struggle proper now, which would not be the worst factor. Chimaev got here out of UFC 308 wholesome, and you possibly can have him problem Du Plessis subsequent, contemplating it is one thing we have been ready on — simply have a look at what he did to Robert Whittaker. I nonetheless favor rewarding Strickland first, as a result of that was made fairly clear forward of his final struggle. However the UFC might name an audible, and it might be comprehensible.

Robert Whittaker, middleweight

Who needs to be subsequent: Caio Borralho

This can be a powerful one for Whittaker. He by no means even acquired out of impartial on Saturday. He is removed from what he desires now, a title struggle. I do not anticipate he’ll go anyplace, although. I anticipate Whittaker to get again on the horse and settle for no matter struggle he has to to be able to begin a comeback. The most definitely identify on that record is Borralho, who’s near exhibiting he’s title-ready. Contemplating the jaw damage he simply suffered, it is laborious to say when Whittaker will probably be able to go. We’ll want a timeline on that first, after which an opponent ought to turn out to be extra clear.

Wildcard: Shara Magomedov

“Shara Bullet” is coming off a sensational efficiency at UFC 308. Once more, this may all rely on timing, however the UFC might enable Magomedov to leap the road and show himself in opposition to a top-tier man because of his reputation and combating type.

Magomed Ankalaev, gentle heavyweight

Who needs to be subsequent: Alex Pereira

Ankalaev was already the plain title challenger earlier than this struggle, and the UFC bypassed in favor of Khalil Rountree Jr. earlier this month. That is fantastic, as Rountree proved he was title-contender worthy and had by no means fought for the belt. Ankalaev tends to go to choices and the UFC rewards finishes. It was stunning, nonetheless, and if anybody jumps Ankalaev in line now, it is only a dangerous look throughout.

Pereira is open to the struggle. If the UFC does not do it, that might tee him up for criticism. It is not a boring struggle, both. Ankalaev has a tough standup type, and I am curious the way it matches up in opposition to Pereira. This can be a terrific struggle that followers — and the UFC — needs to be embracing.

Wildcard: Tom Aspinall

Sure, Aspinall is a heavyweight, however the potential of him dealing with Pereira might have an effect on Ankalaev’s subsequent transfer. If Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic each retire after their struggle at Madison Sq. Backyard subsequent month, the heavyweight division goes to be in severe want of an enormous storyline. It might really feel very anticlimactic if the UFC simply moved ahead with Aspinall because the official champion — until it is instantly introduced that Aspinall’s first title protection will come in opposition to Pereira. That is the one state of affairs during which I do not see Ankalaev combating Pereira subsequent.