A main card full of fun UFC Vegas 73, poses some interesting match-ups moving forward. An excellent problem for the UFC to have some new top 15 contenders may have emerged from the Apex last night. It’s now time to look ahead and decide what fights to make for the winners who competed at UFC Vegas 73.
Diego Ferreira – Thiago Moises
Formerly ranked at lightweight, Diego Ferreira looks to get back amongst the elite at 155. Returning with a huge KO victory after a long layoff, CDF has reminded the fans what he’s all about.
On a three-fight skid before his return. Ferreira was competing with the best in the division, facing names like Mateusz Gamrot, Beneil Dariush and Dustin Poirier to name a few.
A fight with fellow Brazilian Thiago Moises would make perfect sense. If the pair have no affiliation, this would be an excellent scrap with two similar styles colliding to regain entry to the top 15.
Joaquin Buckley – Santiago Ponzinibbio or Jeremiah Wells
A drop down to welterweight after nine fights at middleweight where he went 5-4. Joaquin Buckley hopes he can fulfil his immense potential at his new home. Making his first outing one to remember. Buckley scored a stunning KO head kick defeating Andre Fiahlo.
A fighter with a lot of talent. Buckley has found it hard to put everything together while competing at 185. Competing against some big names, like Kevin Holland, Nassourdine Imavov and Chris Curtis. Buckley would always just fall short against the higher competition.
A fun fighter, who found himself on the cusp of the middleweight rankings. Buckley should remain in a similar spot at 170. A fun fight would be against either fellow hard-hitter Santiago Ponzinibbio or Jeremiah Wells.
Lupita Godinez – Michelle Waterson-Gomez
An emerging talent through the UFC Apex period. Lupita Godinez continues to prove she is here to fight. As active as any other fighter on the roster. Godinez loves to compete and does so often.
Taking out a tough competitor in the form of Emily Ducote. Godinez puts herself within touching distance of the strawweight top 15.
A good opportunity for Godinez would be a fight against perennial contender Michelle Waterson-Gomez.
Anthony Hernandez – Caio Borralho
A turn in form has seen Anthony Hernandez go from a UFC rookie to one to watch. His insane submission win over Rodolfo Vieira put him on the map, but his now four-fight winning run has forced people to take notice.
Defeating the formerly ranked prospect Edmen Shahbazyan. Hernandez has etched his name just outside the middleweight top 15. With three stoppages in his last four, Hernandez has earned the opportunity to fight upward.
With 15th to 11th unavailable as of right now. Hernandez could sneak into the rankings with Kelvin Gastelum dropping back to welterweight. If he wants a challenge and a statement win he could take on Caio Borralho for a definite spot in the top 15.
Mackenzie Dern – Carla Esparza
Continuing to show her evolution and back in the win column. MacKenzie Dern looks to prove she has what it takes to rise the strawweight rankings and achieve the ultimate goal.
The BJJ standout holds her place in the top ten with an expert decision victory over Angela Hill. Edging closer to the top five, Dern isn’t far from the elite.
Although after the fight Dern called for a fight with former champion Rose Namajunas. We feel Carla Esparza would be a more suitable match-up given the landscape at 125. Leaving Yan Xionan and Rose Namajunas free to compete.
What fights would you make next for the UFC Vegas 73 winners?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
