What is Next for the Main Card of UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
(LW) Bobby Green vs (LW) Nasrat Haqparast
Photo by Carmen Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC
In an expected back and forth lightweight matchup, the veteran Bobby Green took on lightweight prospect Nasrat Haqparast. Bobby Green coming off a KO victory looked really sharp in this fight landing shots on Haqparasat while talking a fair amount of trash. The question is now if Bobby Green can carry this momentum into his next fight and make a run in a loaded lightweight division.
What is next?
Bobby Green: Following his striking display, Bobby Green has built momentum and reached the peak of his career. Matchups the UFC can make next include the winner of Tsarukyan/Alvarez, Thiago Moises, or Brad Riddell.
Nasrat Haqparast: Although Nasrat did perform well in a back and forth matchup against green. He seemed to be a step behind Green but for his future. Matchups that the UFC could matchmake include Jared Gordon, Joe Solecki, Rafael Alves, or the winner Ziam/McKinney.
(LW) Alex Hernandez vs (Lw) Renato Moicano
Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC
In a striking affair, Moicano proved he is still a veteran and lethal lightweight in the UFC. Ultimately landing hard combinations then sinking in a rear-naked choke for the win.
What is next?
Renato Moicano: After an impressive win, Moicano will look to climb back into the lightweight rankings but in order for that to occur matchups against Thiago Moises, Grant Dawson, the winner of Dober/Gleen, or Damir Ismagulov would have to be created.
Alexander Hernandez: Coming off a tough loss Hernandez once again has to build a winning streak to get back into contention. So to get him back on track the UFC can matchmake Hernandez versus Scott Holtzman or Joe Solecki.
(#3 MW) Jared Cannonier vs (#4 MW) Derek Brunson
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In a performance of the night for Jarod Cannonier, this #1 contending middleweight bout showcased the strengths of both athletes. As Brunson dominated the first round with his takedowns and pressure while Cannonier took over in the second landing powerful punches and hard-hitting elbows. In the end, TKO’ing Brunson and securing himself a middleweight title shot.
What is next?
Jared Cannonier: After a powerful finish versus Derek Brunson, Cannonier next matchup will be against Israel Adesanya most likely in the summer.
Derek Brunson: Before he stepped in the octagon, Brunson in his pre-fight press conference announced he has about two fights left in. One of them was last Saturday versus Cannonier. So moving forward, the question is will the next fight be his last or will Brunson fight more than once?
(#3 HW) Derrick Lewis vs (#11 HW) Tai Tuivasa
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Living up to the expectations of a back and forth slugfest, Lewis versus Tuivasa blew the roof off the Toyota Center as both men landed strong punches. However, what surprised everyone during the fight was both grappling as Lewis took down Tuivasa leading to a flurry of ground and pound. Once Tai did get back up when pressing Lewis on the cage, Tuivasa landed a sharp elbow knocking Derrick out. Leading to a Tai Tuivasa upset win.
What is next?
Tai Tuivasa: After knocking the third-ranked UFC heavyweight in the world, especially in his hometown, Tuivasa has given himself an opportunity to go against the elite of the division. Fun matchups for Tai include the winner of Volkov/Aspinall, the winner of Rozenstruik/Tybura, or the winner of Blaydes/Daukas.
Derrick Lewis: At this point fighting at the Toyota Center may be a curse for Lewis, however, besides that fact Lewis's next fight could be against the winner of Rozenstruik/Tybura or loser of Volkov/Aspinall.
(C) Israel Adesanya vs (#1 MW) Robert Whittaker
Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC
In a close striking chess match, Israel Adesanya versus Robert Whittaker certainly did not live up to the hype but instead provided an entertaining fight that showcased Adesanya’s dominance of the former middleweight champion. Although I scored it for 3-2 for Rob, the right guy in Adesanya won through his leg kicks, counters, and takedown defense.
What is next?
Israel Adesanya: After dominating Whittaker, Adesanya proved he levels above the middleweight division. However, with Cannonier finish over Brunson, Israel Adesanya will have “fresh meat” to go up against most likely in the summer.
Robert Whittaker: After losing decisively against Israel Adesanya, Rob just has to back to the drawing board and prove once again he is deserving of a title shot. Future matchups include Marvin Vettori or Sean Strickland.
Thumbnail by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC. All rankings and information are provided by UFC.com and Rankingmma.com
