(MW) Krzysztof Jotko vs (MW) gERALD mEERSCHAERT

Coming off a split decision victory and giving up four takedowns in his last fight, Krzysztof Jotko’s takedown defense was going to be tested versus Gerald Meerschaert. However despite the stats saying Meerschaert might cause trouble. Jotko’s combinations and takedown defense led him to a 30-27 unanimous decision victory.

What is next?

Krzysztof Jotko: Opponents for the resurging Jotko include Bruno Silva, Ian Heinisch, the winner/loser of Chris Curtis vs Rodolfo Vieira, or the winner/loser of Brendan Allen vs Jacob Malkoun.

Gerald Meerschaert: Opponents for the submission specialist include Albert Duraev, Anthony Hernandez, the winner of Nick Maximov versus Andre Petroski, or the winner of Eryk Anders versus Jun Yong Park.

(FW) Darren Elkins vs (FW) Tristian Connelly

In a relentless back and forth featherweight bout, Darren Elkins versus Tristian Connelly was an absolute brawl with both athletes landing significant shots on one another. What got Elkins the victory was his pace, strikes landed, and wrestling.

What is next?

Darren Elkins: Showcasing a remarkable display of heart, Elkins’ next opponents could be Lando Vannata, Johnathan Pearce, or Ludovit Klein.

Tristian Connelly: Although Connelly lost, he was in the fight landing powerful punches that caught Darren’s attention. His next fight could be against Luis Saldana, T.J. Laramie, or the winner/loser of Chase Hooper versus Felipe Colares.

(LW) Jared Gordon vs (LW) Grant Dawson

To determine which fighter had the better grappling. Grant Dawson versus Jared Gordon was a fight that primarily was fought on the ground. In the end, Dawson proved he had the better ground game by taking down Gordon with ease and maneuvering his way towards a submission victory late in the third round. This would be Dawson’s first win with American Top Team as well as becoming the first fighter to submit Jared Gordon.

What is next?

Jared Gordon: Future opponents for Jared include Jim Miller, Claudio Puelles, or Scott Holtzman.

Grant Dawson: After a dominant performance, matchups I like for the contending Grant Dawson include Alex Hernandez, Drakkar Klose, or Joel Alvarez.

(FW) Andre Fili vs (FW) Joanderson Brito

Touted as the more experienced fighter, Andrei Fili in this fight had to assert his wrestling and be the better man on the feet. However, in a moment of comfort, Joanderson Brito landed an overhand right to knock down a low-handed Fili to win via TKO.

Andre Fili: After suffering a tough loss to Joanderson Brito, Fili's next opponents could be Bill Algeo or Sean Woodson.

Joanderson Brito: Winning via a 41-second TKO against a UFC veteran raises Brito's stock by a mile so to continue his momentum fights against Tucker Lutz, Makwan Amirkhani, or Kamuela Kirk would be justifiable.

(HW) Andrei Arlovski vs (HW) Jake Collier

Conversationally scored amongst the judges and thought differently by the MMA community. Andrei Arlovski won via split decision after a stand-up display however with Collier’s combinations and use of grappling. One could argue for Collier to have won this fight.

What is next?

Andrei Arlovski: Now on a four-fight win streak, Arlovski's next opponents could be Walt Harris, Shamil Abdurakhimov, or the winner of Marcus Lima vs Blagoi Ivanov.

Jake Collier: In the eyes of the MMA community, Jake may have won this fight but for now his next opponents could be Juan Espino, Justin Tafa, or Martin Buday.

(#5 BW) Rob Font vs (#8 BW) Marlon “Chito” Vera

Regarded as the people’s main event, Rob Font vs Marlon “Chito” Vera was a classic striker vs striker matchup as both men landed a combined 430 strikes. In the first round and the majority of the second, Rob took over on the feet thanks to Marlon’s slow start. However, in the last 30 seconds of round two to the end of the fight, Marlon began to find his rhythm with constant pressure and combinations. Leading him to knockdown Rob Font three times in this five-round main event.

In the end, Vera proved his legitimacy and solidified himself as a contender for the bantamweight title.

What is next?

Rob Font: Now on a two-fight losing streak, Rob Font will likely drop in the rankings to #8. Opponents he could fight next include Song Yadong, Jack Shore, or Pedro Munhoz.

Marlon Vera: Continuing to climb up the rankings, Marlon “Chito” Vera’s next fight could be against Cory Sandhagen or Merab Dvalishvili. A rematch with Jose Aldo would also be enticing but since Aldo beat him in 2021 and his title aspirations the likelihood of this matchup being made is unlikely.

Thumbnail and all photos used are by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC. Rankings, information, and matchups are from UFC and Rankingmma.com