What is Next for the Main Card of UFC 275: Teixeira vs Prochazka
Jack Della Maddalena vs Ramazan Emeev
In a striker vs grappler matchup. Australia's Jack Della Maddalena was taking a step up in competition in his second-ever UFC fight against Ramazan Emeev a finisher and tough decision fighter. In the first round during an exchange on the ground, Jack almost got caught by a well-timed Emeev anaconda however once he stayed calm and fought the hands. Jack got the fight standing up and landed heavy strikes to win via TKO.
Jack Della Maddalena: Although Jack does not have a preference for who he wants to fight next. He mentioned in his post-fight press conference, that his goal is to “get four fights this year”. So in order to achieve that his next opponents can be Randy Brown, Khaos Williams, or Alex Moreno.
Ramazan Emeev: Near a submission away Emeev error was allowing this fight to get back on the feet. Matchups next for Emeev include Sergey Khandozhko, Matt Smelsberger, or Mike Malott.
Andre Fialho vs Jake Matthews
Coming in with a knockout win streak, Andre Fialho was discussed as a future contender due to his power and willingness to fight on short notice. However, you can go so far until you meet your match. In this case, it was Jake Matthews who surprised audiences by putting a standout performance. One of which not many have seen before from the 27-year-old UFC veteran as he stepped into the octagon willing to put himself through the fire to find that knockout victory.
Andre Fialho: Now knowing he has more to work on, Andre’s next opponent may be Danny Roberts, Max Griffin, or Carlston Harris.
Jake Matthews: After this classic performance Jake earned himself an opportunity or two near the top 15 of the UFC welterweight rankings. As his next opponent could be Daniel Rodriguez, Michel Pereira, or the winner of Tim Means versus Kevin Holland.
Zhang Weili vs Joanna Jedrzejczyk
Following their memorable first fight, Weili vs Joanna 2 lived up to the hype as Weili would dominate on the ground in the first round and then would solidify the victory by knocking out Joanna with a spinning back fist.
Zhang Weili: After her knockout victory over Joanna, Weili next fight should be for the title against Carla Esparza. However, if the UFC does not make that fight, I like Weili versus Marina Rodriguez in a number one contender fight as Carla may run it back with Rose for a third fight.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk: Following her loss, in the heat of the moment Joanna announced she was retiring citing she “wants to be a mom and a businesswoman” Even in her heartfelt post-fight press conference somewhat reassuring she adamant about retirement.
Although it is unknown if Joanna is serious about retirement, Joanna will leave this sport as one of the pioneers of mixed martial arts paving the way not only for many women but inspiring fighters all around the world.
Valentina Schevchenko vs Taila Santos
In her toughest test since Jennifer Maia, Valentina looked to be exposed early on the ground as Taila Santos was able to control her. However late in the fourth and fifth, Valentina showed championship experience solidifying both rounds in dominant fashion to win via split decision.
Valentina Schevchenko: Although Valentina did not have the greatest performances at UFC 275, she is ultimately still the champion. Opponents next for her include Miesha Tate (mentioned in her post-fight press conference) if she beats Lauren Murphy, a rematch versus Taila once again, or possibly the winner of Jessica Andrade versus Manon Fiorot.
Taila Santos: Providing Valentina one of the toughest fights for the title, Taila is in a position to possibly fight for the title once again in the immediate future however with Valentina mentioning Miesha Tate as an opponent and others a fight or two away. The ideal matchup I like for Taila Santos next is the winner of Alexa Grasso versus Viviane Araujo.
Glover Teixeira vs Jiri Prochazka
Thought of to be Jiri Prochazka finishing Glover early in the fight, ended in a contender for the UFC fight of the year. As both athletes were in hot water however in the final minutes of the fifth round Jiri Prochazka was able to secure a rear-naked choke to become the new UFC light heavyweight champion.
Glover Teixeira: Having known he doesn’t have much to prove left in the octagon, Glover next fight must be either a rematch for the title or a rematch against Jan Blachowicz.
Jiri Prochazka: Now the new UFC light heavyweight champion, Jiri Prochazka’s next matchups could be against the winner of Anthony Smith versus Magomed Ankalaev, a rematch with Glover, or a fight versus the former LHW champ Jan Blachowicz.
Thumbnail and photos by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC. Rankings, information, and future matchups created with UFC and Rankingmma.com
