Now that they’ve got the win, what’s next for the UFC Orlando participants?
At UFC Orlando, Stephen Thompson defeated Kevin Holland by technical knockout in the fourth round. In other fights, Rafael dos Anjos submitted Bryan Barberena, while Sergei Pavlovich stopped Tai Tuivasa in the first round.
Winner: Stephen Thompson
Next opponent: Michel Pereira
Thompson returns to winning ways after winning big fight against Holland. He ends his two-game losing streak. Thompson proved to be as good as ever, thanks in large part to his opponent’s willingness to fight on his feet. In a perfect world, Thompson would still face a striker, but grappling is part of the game and he will eventually have to face it again. For now, a fight against Michel Pereira makes sense if the promotion wants to pair him with another gender specialist. Pereira is on a five-fight winning streak and is ranked No. 14.
Winner: Rafael dos Anjos
Next opponent: Sean Brady
That’s the only problem with fighters moving up and down divisions: they don’t win anything. Dos Anjos defeated Barberena at welterweight after going 2-1 at lightweight. Winning this fight does nothing for him in any weight class, as Barberena is far from a Top 15 fighter. As for his call-out, he will never get a fight against Conor McGregor because he has to get it into his head that the only reason “Notorious” wanted to deal with him was because he had the title at the time. If he decides to stay at welterweight, a fight against Brady seems legitimate.
Gagnant : Sergei Pavlovich
Next opponent: Curtis Blaydes
In the heavyweight division, Pavlovich is another big man making progress. He has won five consecutive victories (all by knockout in the first round). The only man that makes sense for him right now is Blaydes, who is currently ranked No. 3. Blaydes has won three straight and is looking to fight his way to a title, but with the futures of Francis Ngannou, Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic rather unclear at the moment, these two big men can keep busy battling each other.
Winner: Roman Dolidze
Next opponent: The loser of Gastelum vs Imavov
Dolidze is on the rise to date, having won four straight, including his latest over Jack Hermansson. He’s getting closer and closer to a Top 15, but if he doesn’t get there this week, he’ll probably need an extra win to get past it. A fight against the loser next fight between Kelvin Gastelum and Nassourdine Imavov, which will take place on January 14, makes sense. Granted, both men are ranked, while Dolidze currently isn’t, but it would be a great test for all men involved. Gastelum hasn’t really been in the news in recent years, but he’s still ranked in the Top 15. As for Imavov, he’s won three in a row and is ranked No. 12.
Would you have made different choices for these fighters?
