Another successful show sees UFC 288 deliver the good once again. Producing lots for fans and media to discuss for weeks to come. Immediately after UFC 288, we’re going to take a look at what’s next for some of the event’s most noteworthy fighters.
Matt Frevola – Paddy Pimblett
Matt Frevola once again delivered. Taking on Drew Dober in the featured prelim. Frevola and Dober would go to war for one round before ‘The Steamroller’ would pick up the victory. Scoring a brilliant TKO finish at the end of the first. This win earns Frevola a spot in the lightweight top 15.
Paddy Pimblett is one of MMA’s hottest commodities right now. With fighters from all over the world calling for ‘The Baddy’, Pimblett hasn’t seen the upside in many of the match-ups. Frevola, who has always been vocal about his interest in Pimblett now holds a huge bargaining chip in his quest to get the fight.
Paddy, who’s on a four-fight winning run, now has a clear path to the top 15 through Frevola. The four-fight streak of Pimblett, against the three-fight winning streak of Frevola. The time to make this fight is now. Likely to take place later this year, an October showdown would be perfect.
Movsar Evloev – Arnold Allen
17-0 and still undefeated, Movsar Evloev remains a force in the Featherweight division. Despite facing some adversity in his UFC 288 fight against newcomer Diego Lopes. Evloev walked away with the unanimous decision victory. Moving further into the top 10 a step up for Evloev is necessary to test his championship pedigree.
Falling short in his first UFC main event against Max Holloway. Arnold Allen will be looking for an opportunity to get back into the win column in a big way. With many other contenders either occupied or having already fought either man. ‘Almighty’ Vs Evloev makes sense next.
If the timeline isn’t too soon, a potential main event showdown for the UFC’s second 2023 trip to London could be perfect. However, July potentially being a little too soon. A main event slot or co-main to Edwards Vs Covington would suit nicely.
Yan Xiaonan – Virna Jandridoba
Two women who both scored huge victories at UFC 288. What’s next for the two strawweights almost seems too obvious. While Xiaonan took out number four Jessica Andrade with a first-round KO. Jandridoba vanquished number five Marina Rodriguez via a dominating decision.
Now the timeline seems to be ideal, with both women competing on the same night. The ranking also fit, as both women will now enter the top five at strawweight. A number one contender fight between the two would suit all involved.
If the two were to face, the winner of the bout would be on a three-fight winning streak, and likely next to challenge the champion. If all involved parties left UFC 288 with no major injuries. This fight should be made in three to four months.
Belal Muhammad – Winner of Leon Edwards Vs Colby Covington
A clear number one contender fight took place in the co-main event of UFC 288. A disciplined and intelligent fight saw Belal Muhammad defeat Gilbert Burns via unanimous decision.
If the UFC was based on merit, Belal Muhammad would be next to challenge Leon Edwards for championship gold. However, as UFC president Dana White has his heart set on Colby Covington being the next challenger, Muhammad will have to wait.
Earning his spot at the top with zero arguments now. The winner of Leon Edwards and Colby Covington is next. With Edwards and Colby likely to compete later in the year in October. Expect a welterweight title fight to take place early in 2024.
What’s next for fighters after UFC 288?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
