What is next for the Main Card of UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs Aspinall
#8 LHW Paul Craig vs #9 LHW Volkan Oezdemir
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In a surprising back-and-forth affair, Paul Craig versus Volkan Oezdemir was highly competitive at times. However, what sealed Oezdemir the win was his efficient striking and Craig pulling guard whenever the fight led to the ground.
What is Next?
Paul Craig: Although Craig's performance was not too impressive, one positive note I took from the fight was his improved striking, as he did catch Oezdemir at certain moments. Moving forward, if Craig can continue to build his striking to pair with his ground game, he can easily bounce back versus potential opponents like the loser of Thiago Santos versus Jamahal Hill, Ryan Spann, or Dustin Jacoby.
Volkan Oezdemir: Matchups next for the former light heavyweight title challenger are Nikita Krylov, Dominick Reyes, or the winner of Thiago Santos versus Jamahal Hill.
WFW Molly McCann vs WFW Hannah Goldy
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Coming off a contender for knockout of the year, Molly McCann was not looking to outdo her spinning elbow knockout but rather showcase an impressive striking display against Hannah Goldy. Entering the first round, McCann and Goldy were aggressively exchanging strikes and a little grappling. Goldy would shoot for a takedown but was unsuccessful, while McCann, on the other hand, secured a takedown of her own until Goldy tried to find a leg lock. Once Herb Dean stood both women up, McCann, in a split second, landed an overhand right to wobble Goldy further. Once she pushed Goldy to the cage, McCann landed her signature spinning elbow to daze Goldy until McCann TKO’d her by landing a flurry of strikes to knock her down as the O2 Arena burst in joy seeing McCann secure another highlight finish.
What is Next?
Molly McCann: Although some campaign for McCann to get a ranked opponent, she is likely two or one opponent away from a ranked women's flyweight. Matchups that make sense include Antonina Shevchenko (Molly mentioned Antonina in her post-fight press conference), Miranda Maverick (Maverick called her out on social media), or J.J Aldrich.
Hannah Goldy: The fights next for Goldy include Victoria Leonardo or Mandy Bohm.
#11 LHW Nikita Krylov vs LHW Alexander Gustafsson
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Following a TKO in the previous fight, Nikita Krylov would find a TKO of his own against the light heavyweight legend Alexander Gustafsson in the first round, landing a flurry of punches that caught Gustafsson off-guard when he tried to circle away.
What is Next?
Nikita Krylov: Coming off a submission loss in the O2 Arena back in March, Krylov got redemption over the big name Gustafsson. Krylov’s next fight should be against Oezdemir, who he called out in his post-fight interview.
Alexander Gustafsson: It is always tough to see a legend like Gustafsson get finished in a fight once again. Although there is much that can be said, Gustafsson's next move should be to retire even though he would want a sendoff victory.
LW Paddy Pimblett vs LW Jordan Leavitt
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Built on what Jordan Leavitt called “homoerotic” trash talk pre-fight, Paddy Pimblett versus Leavitt was the people’s main event. Pimblett, the hottest prospect in the UFC, was going up against a test in Leavitt, a great grappler, and jiu-jitsu practitioner. However, come Saturday, all of this would change as Pimblett found a rhythm Leavitt tried to deny with his grappling. Pimblett instead found diverse submissions and secured a rear naked choke in the second round after dropping Jordan with a knee to the head, extending his win streak to three and pushing himself further to become a lightweight contender.
What is Next?
Paddy Pimblett: Throughout the week, Pimblett confirmed this would be his last time fighting in England until the UFC books an event in a stadium, specifically Liverpool in this case. But when asked where he would fight next, he mentioned the likes of pay-per-views in Vegas (T-Mobile Arena), New York (Madison Square Garden), or anywhere the UFC has a pay-per-view.
Matchups to make next for Pimblett include Claudio Pulles, Mark Madsen, Joe Solecki, or Jim Miller. Another fun fight that likely may not happen is Pimblett versus Ilia Topuria.
Jordan Leavitt: Although Leavitt did not get the dream finish, he spoke throughout his press conferences. He is still a rising fighter in the UFC lightweight division. Fights I like next for him include Uros Medic, Christos Giagos, Manuel Torres, or Maheshate Hayisaer.
#8 MW Jack Hermansson vs MW Chris Curtis
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After Darren Till fell out due to an unknown injury, Chris “Action-Man” Curtis stepped up on short notice after his spectacular performance against Rodolfo Vieira four weeks ago to take on the submission and technical specialist Jack Hermansson. Throughout the fight, Hermansson threw strikes from the outside and circled the octagon, controlling the distance while not allowing Curtis to engage in grappling or striking exchanges, frustrating the Action-Man and preventing him from setting up any offense.
What is Next?
Jack Hermansson: After successfully defending his middleweight ranking, Hermansson's next opponents could be Darren Till or Andre Muniz.
Chris Curtis: Failing to take advantage of this opportunity, Curtis realized he was in the wrong post-fight, admitted his temper got the best of him and did not adjust his game plan very well. Considering this was a short-notice fight against a ranked opponent, Curtis's stock in the UFC does not change at all. I see him either taking a break, as mentioned on his Twitter, or possibly fighting Uriah Hall or the winner of Nassourdine Imavov versus Joaquin Buckley.
#4 HW Curtis Blaydes vs #6 HW Tom Aspinall
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The fight was anticipated as a balanced war between contenders fighting for a shot at the UFC Heavyweight title; Curtis “Razor” Blaydes versus Tom Aspinall started hot with both athletes trading combinations on the feet, surprising the commentary team and me considering their skills on the ground. However, with this being a heavyweight matchup, both men have one-punch knockout power.
As time passed, a moment of injury sadly occurred when Aspinall suffered a knee injury after stepping back following a kick to Blaydes' leg. It is unknown how long Aspinall will be out with the knee injury. Luckily, he posted on social media that he was in good spirits and went for a couple of drinks after the event.
What is Next?
Curtis Blaydes: With this victory, Blaydes will not receive a title shot. However, before the fight, the winner of this main event was likely to face the winner of Tai Tuivasa versus Ciryl Gane.
Tom Aspinall: Expected to be out for an extended period, Aspinall will still be a contender waiting in the wings as he heals up. If Aspinall is healthy by the middle of summer or fall, I can see fights against Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Chris Daukaus, Derrick Lewis, or Tuivasa. It is not certain that the UFC will create the rematch, but time will tell.
Thumbnail and all photos by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
