What is Next for the Main Card of UFC 274: Oliveira vs. Gaethje
(WW) Randy Brown vs (WW) Khaos Williams
After Donald Cerrone versus Joe Lauzon fell out of the UFC 274 main card, the original prelim headliner Randy Brown versus Khaos Williams was bumped up to be the opener for the pay-per-view. In the first Khaos Williams was able to find his spot to knock down Brown however from round two and beyond, Randy Brown showcased his octagon experience and slick head movement to win the fight via split decision.
What is next?
Randy Brown: Matchups I like for Randy next include Daniel Rodriguez, the winner of Tim Means vs Kevin Holland, or a rematch against Niko Price.
Khaos Williams: Still 28 and near the prime of his career Khaos still has a path toward success. To reach that potential matchups for him include Gunnar Nelson, the winner/loser of Robbie Lawler vs Bryan Barberena, or a rematch against Alex Morono.
(LHW) Maurcio “Shogun” Rua vs (LHW) Ovince Saint Preux
In a highly contested matchup, the OSP vs Shogun was a battle of two UFC legends in the octagon. In the end, OSP did enough to win via decision but some do say Shogun could’ve won the fight.
What is next?
Maurcio “Shogun” Rua: Potentially his last or one of two that is left, Maurcio “Shogun” has nothing else left to prove in the UFC octagon. His last fight could be against Maxim Grishin, Philipe Lins, Nicolae Negumereanu, or Carlos Ulberg.
Ovince Saint Preux: Getting his first victory after a long drought, OSP’s next opponents could be a Khalil Rountree, Michal Oleksiejczuk, or a rematch against Tyson Pedro.
(#5 LW) Michael Chandler vs (#7 LW) Tony Ferguson
After being knockdown in the first round by a resurging Tony Ferguson. Michael Chandler found the range and landed a near-perfect front kick to the chin of a lateral moving Tony Ferguson. Earning an opportunity to be an early contender for knockout of the year.
What is next?
Michael Chandler: Capitalizing on the hype Chandler called out the winner of the main event between Charles Oliviera and Justin Gaethje as well as the notorious one Conor McGregor. Now ranked as the fifth-best lightweight in the world, Michael Chandler has earned the right to call out names such as Nate Diaz, Beniel Dariush, or Dustin Poirier.
Tony Ferguson: Showcasing himself to be the old Tony Ferguson in the first round, there was a scenario that Tony could’ve won this fight by decision as a majority of the judges scored Ferguson to have won the first round. However that all went out the window once Chandler knocked him out early into the second round. Although it is sad to see a fan favorite and legend of the sport suffer a “vicious” loss, it is certain that Tony will bounce back.
Matchups I like for him next include Dan Hooker, Renato Moicano, Bobby Green, or an extended layoff if no fight were to come to fruition.
(C) Rose Namajunas vs (#2 SW) Carla Esparza
In an uneventful championship fight for the UFC strawweight title, Carla Esparza scored a split decision victory due to her aggressiveness and takedown attempts. For Rose Namajunas, she stuck to a “gameplan” that did not earn her the victory but as Rose and her camp would say “this loss is just another obstacle that will lead to an even bigger comeback”.
What is next?
Rose Namajunas: Dependent on the outcome of Joana Jedrzejczyk vs Zhang Weili 2 at UFC 275. Rose is not guaranteed a rematch versus Carla due to their lackluster fight. Matchups next for her include Marina Rodriguez, Mackenzie Dern, and a Jessica Andrade trilogy.
Carla Esparza: Now a two-time UFC strawweight champion, Carla Esparza is now on top of the world. Her next opponent could be the winner of Joana vs Weili, Marina Rodriguez, or a rematch versus Rose.
Charles Oliveira vs (#1 LW) Justin Gaethje
After a strange 24 hours that featured Charles Oliveira missing weight by half a pound (155.5) and losing his title to his first-round submission victory over Justin. Charles Oliveira proved at UFC 274 that he is one of the best UFC lightweights of all time. By first, always going through adversity every then later winning via finish to prove the naysayers wrong.
What is next?
Charles Oliveira: In his post-fight press conference, Charles called out Conor McGregor but realistically his next opponent for the vacant UFC lightweight title will be either Islam Makhavev or Michael Chandler.
Justin Gaethje: Now 1-2* in title fights, Justin Gaethje, a known brawler has to take a different approach to his style. Although he did drop Oliveira, he got caught by a shot that wobbled and dropped him in the first round. In my opinion, he should stick to a style similar to his fight against Tony Ferguson called “composed annihilation” meaning he should dial back the power and pick his shots rather than throwing caution into the wind.
His next opponent could be the winner of Rafael Dos Anjos versus Rafael Fiziev, a rematch against Dustin Poirier, or a five-round rematch versus Michael Chandler.
*Win was for the interim title so he is technically 0-2 for the real UFC lightweight title
Thumbnail and all photos by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC. Rankings, Information, and rematches are made with the help of UFC and Rankingmma.com
