UFC Charlotte went down last night. With eleven fights and seven finishes, it’s safe to say the event was a success. With both old and new making statements at the event, we take a look at what fights to make after UFC Charlotte for some of the key fighters.
Alex Morono – Daniel Rodriguez
Alex Morono isn’t the flashiest of names when you look at the welterweight division. However, the ‘Great White’ has quickly and quietly been one of 170’s most active and best competitors over the last few years.
Defeating Tim Means on the night via second-round guillotine choke. Morono has five wins in his last six fights, his only loss coming via third-round KO to Santiago Ponzinibbio, in a fight he was winning.
18 fights in the UFC, with a record of 12-5 (1) it’s time Morono got the respect he deserved. As Daniel Rodriguez just lost last night, it would make sense for the formerly ranked D-Rod to take on Morono with the winner earning a spot in the welterweight top 15.
Carlos Ulberg – Dustin Jacoby
After a halting start in the UFC, Carlos Ulberg has found his feet and put together an impressive four-fight winning run. Extending things last night Ulberg dispatched Ihor Potieria with ease in the first round. The Australian striker has secured KO finishes in his last three fights.
An impressive striker who can hang with the best light heavyweights on the feet. Ulberg continues to show his evolution as a fighter. A step up in competition would be ideal, to both test and progress the improvements of Ulberg.
Not many can match the four-fight run of Ulberg which puts him in a nice spot. A match-up with fellow stand-up standout Dustin Jacoby would make perfect sense. A potential spot in the rankings against another kickboxing specialist. This fight would be sure to deliver.
Ian Garry – Neil Magny
Proving once again that he can both talk the talk and walk the walk. Ian Garry picked up another sensational victory inside the octagon last night. Dispatching number 15 Daniel Rodriguez in the first with a beautiful head kick.
His best outing so far in the UFC. Garry showed up when it mattered most. With the hype surrounding Garry questioned by fans, many are starting to become believers that he really is the future.
Not only do fans love a fighter who can deliver the goods inside the cage, but they also love one who calls his shot as well. After his bout with D-Rod, Garry had his next opponent in mind. Taking to the mic, the Irishman would call for perennial contender Neil Magny. If Garry wants it we think it makes sense to give the fight to him.
Johnny Walker – Jan Błachowicz
A UFC career that’s been full of ups and downs. Johnny Walker earned a huge win last night and likely enters the light heavyweight top five. From a flashy start in the company, Walker faced setbacks but finally looks to deliver on his championship potential.
A disciplined and smart game plan saw Walker beat Anthony Smith over three rounds of action. While not the highlight reel performance we’re used to from the Brazilian. It showed his improvements and evolution as a fighter.
The 205 division is in a tricky spot right now, with many top contenders either injured, without a fight, or having already fought many surrounding them in the rankings. With Walker remaining one of the few names yet to face former champion Jan Błachowicz, this fight makes perfect sense moving forward.
Jailton Almeida – Sergei Spivac
Jailton Almeida is a one-man wrecking crew. Performance after performance the Brazilian continues to defy belief as he rolls over another competitor. Facing what many considered his toughest test to date. Almeida dominated Jarzinho Rozenstruik before securing a first-round submission.
Through five fights in the UFC, Malhadinho has been perfect. Winning all five via stoppage and only absorbing a staggering two significant strikes. Since his jump to heavyweight Almeida has quickly put the division on notice earning himself a top-ten ranking.
A contender on the rise, not many will be answering the call to take on Malhadinho. A match-up with another strong grappler would be an ideal next step. With Sergei Spivac ranked slightly ahead, and riding his own three-fight finishing streak, the UFC have the perfect fight to make.
What fights would you like to see after UFC Charlotte?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
