Arman Tsarukyan and Ian Machado Garry secured significant wins at UFC Qatar, sparking discussions on future matchups, including potential fights like Islam Makhachev vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov, and highlighting the complexities in the welterweight title picture and possible fighter trades between UFC and PFL.
Last weekend, Arman Tsarukyan completely dominated Dan Hooker, cementing his status as the top contender at lightweight. Meanwhile, Ian Machado Garry aimed to do the same at 170, securing a decision over Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar. Let’s dive into the aftermath from Qatar and discuss an intriguing MMA trade!
### Best Fights That Can Be Made in MMA
Ever wondered what the best matchups in MMA could be? Someone asked Jed, “If you could be UFC matchmaker for the day, what 3 fights would you book?” A fascinating question, right? Two of the three fights recently became clear.
First up, Islam Makhachev vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov. This is the fight I crave most. Makhachev is a top pound-for-pound fighter, possibly the best of his generation. He’s like a modern-day Georges St-Pierre, though maybe not as effective on the feet. But defensively? He’s unmatched. Shavkat, a phenomenal finisher, could be the one to challenge him. Perfect matchup.
Next, Ilia Topuria vs. Arman Tsarukyan. After Tsarukyan’s victory over Hooker, this fight seems inevitable. The UFC might book Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett first, but eventually, these two must clash. Topuria’s rise has been meteoric, but he didn’t beat the top lightweight to claim his title. This fight would clear that up.
Finally, a personal favorite: Dricus du Plessis vs. Reinier de Ridder. Maybe not as thrilling as a middleweight title fight, but who cares? DDP and RDR are technical wizards, and I just want to see them go at it. Honorable mentions? Volkanovski vs. Evloev, Pantoja vs. Horiguchi, and Shevchenko vs. the Nunes-Harrison winner.
### The Welterweight Title Picture
Who should be Islam Makhachev’s first welterweight title defense? Shavkat Rakhmonov, no question. Ian Machado Garry beat Belal Muhammad, but Shavkat defeated Garry not long ago. He deserves the shot.
However, what should happen and what will happen are often worlds apart. Kamaru Usman seemed poised to challenge Makhachev, but fan pushback might change that. Meanwhile, Shavkat is the rightful contender, though Makhachev opposes the idea.
And then there’s Ian Machado Garry, who despite his recent win, isn’t likely to get the title fight. He’s not a fan favorite, and his recent performances haven’t wowed the crowd. Michael Morales? Maybe. He’s undefeated, but the UFC might not rush him.
### Standing Guillotine Chokes
Should Oliveira’s finish of Poirier be reclassified as a “flying” RNC? This question, clearly meant to provoke, succeeded! The debate over Almabayev’s guillotine choke nearly drove me mad. It wasn’t a standing guillotine; Almabayev jumped guard. Move names should reflect the attacker’s position, not the defender’s. Semantics, yes, but flying submissions sound way cooler.
### UFC and PFL Trade
If the UFC traded with the PFL, which fighters would switch sides? Five is a lot, so let’s focus on one: Dakota Ditcheva. She needs to be in the UFC, pronto. The PFL isn’t the place for her talents.
The UFC could use Ditcheva to revitalize the women’s flyweight division. How about a trade? UFC gets Ditcheva; PFL gets Magomed Ankalaev, Derrick Lewis, and Leon Edwards. The UFC gains a rising star, while the PFL gets seasoned champions. Win-win, right?
I did it. I’m a genius. Someone call Donn Davis and Dana White. Let’s lock this trade in with the league.
Thanks for reading! Got questions about combat sports? Send them my way. Every Sunday, I’ll answer the best ones. See y’all next week.