What is Next for the Main Card of UFC Fight Night: Kattar vs Emmett
In such a star-studded event in Austin, Texas UFC Fight Night Kattar vs Emmett went above all and exceeded expectations due to the violent nature of the fights and the Austin crowd filling the arena with joy and energy. So with that being said here is what’s next for these main card fighters.
(BW) Adrian Yanez vs (BW) Tony Kelley
As the most intense and personal fight opening the main card. Man oh man did we see the emergence of a hometown prospect and justice being served to the MMA community after Adrain Yanez got the first-round KO/TKO against Tony Kelley.
What is next?
Adrian Yanez: Now on a nine-fight win streak (five consecutive in the UFC) Adrian Yanez is inching closer and closer towards the top 15 of the UFC bantamweight rankings. To continue his run and test him all at the same time opponents I like for Yanez include Chris Gutierrez, Montel Jackson, Kyler Phillips, or one of Said or Umar Nurmagomedov. However, if the opportunity for a top 15 fight were to be created I like the winner of Jack Shore vs Ricky Simon against Adrain Yanez. In summary Yanez for now is the future of the UFC bantamweight division and is a couple more wins away from a number next to his name.
Tony Kelley: After his second-ever loss in the UFC, fights I like next include Mana Martinez, Vince Morales, or Chad Anheliger.
(MW) Julian Marquez vs (MW) Gregory Rodrigues
Heavily previewed to not go the distance Julian Marquez versus Gregory Rodrigues was a great matchup between two warriors fighting to climb the rankings. In the end Gregory landed multiple combinations to rock Marquez and win via KO/TKO.
What is next?
Julian Marquez: For the Cuban missile crisis, this loss was just a setback that he very may come back from but for now his opponents could be Nick Maximov, Roman Dolidze, or Marc-Andre Barriault.
Gregory Rodrigues: Matchups I like next for Rodrigues include Wellington Turman, Chidi Njokuani, or Phil Hawes.
(LW) Damir Ismagulov vs (LW) Guram Kutateladze
Contested to be a lightweight bout that was possibly going to be decided on a round-by-round basis. Damir Ismagulov versus Guram Kutateladze was a close fight that saw it go to the scorecards. Ultimately Damir had his hand raised as he won via spilt decision as he secured the second and final round.
What is next?
Damir Ismagulov: After a competitive first round that saw Guram secure it, Damir began to open up and showcase his strengths in wrestling and some striking. Opening a cut on Guram and persevering to a split decision victory. Opponents next for Damir include Joel Alvarez, Renato Moicano, or Grant Dawson.
Guram Kutateladze: Coming off a year layoff, Guram in this fight looked to return to his old form of striking, establishing kicks, and distance however such a layoff means there is much more he’ll have to work on before becoming a name to watch once again. Opponents for Guram next include Matt Frevola, Jaime Mullarkey, or Uros Medic.
(MW) Joaquin Buckley vs (MW) Albert Duraev
From the weigh-ins to the beginning of the fights. The intensity was set with both Buckley and Duraev ready to put on a show. In the end, Buckley was the fighter who showed out with one of his most impressive performances to date winning doctor stoppage after the conclusion of the second round.
What is next?
Joaquin Buckley: Now earning his fifth UFC victory, fourth finish, and three-fight win streak. Joaquin Buckley is prime to break out in the UFC middleweight rankings so to continue his ascent up the ladder some names he could fight next include the winner of Armen Petrosyan versus Caio Borralho, Chidi Njokuani, or Brendan Allen.
Albert Duraev: After a rough night in the office, Duraev showcased he has much more to work on. Primarily his striking defense because of how easily got dropped in each round. Opponents that I like next are Jun Yong Park or the winner of Robbie Lawler versus Bryan Barberena.
(WW) Tim Means vs (WW) Kevin Holland
After dropping down in weight Kevin Holland entering his revenge tour made a pit stop in Austin, Texas for his second UFC welterweight fight against Tim Means. In the first round, Tim Means was able to make Holland fight off his back foot, land a couple of shots, and takedown Kevin. However in that same first round and entering the second Kevin Holland was able to control the distance, landing combinations, and wobble Tim Means forcing Means to shoot for a takedown. Easily leaving his neck for Kevin Holland to secure a clean D’Arce Choke.
What is next?
Tim Means: As a UFC veteran and coming off a three-fight win streak, this matchup versus Kevin Holland was a big fight in his career as Holland is a name you want to add to your fighter resume due to the exposure and name value. However, with this setback, fights for Means next include Randy Brown, Khaos Williams, or Max Griffin.
Kevin Holland: Having found his rhythm and an improved skillset around his fighting style Kevin Holland is on pace to be a top 15 ranked UFC welterweight. Matchups next for him include Sean Brady (Holland called him out in his post-fight press conference), Michael Chiesa, Jake Matthews, or for the fun and laughs that would come with it, Nate Diaz.
(#4 FW) Calvin Kattar vs (#7 FW) Josh Emmett
In a potential number one contender's matchup for the UFC featherweight title winner between Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski. Calvin Kattar versus Josh Emmett was a calculated yet high-paced striking fight that saw both men put everything on the line in the octagon. Depending on who you ask scorecards vary for either man winning but for me I scored it 48-47 Emmett (Rounds 1,3,5) and Kattar (Rounds 2 and 4). Also upon further analysis for the closer rounds.
In round one, Josh Emmett was the more aggressive fighter early on and even though Calvin was landing some offense. I felt Emmett with the leg kicks and counters convinced me he won the first. Lastly for the fifth round, sure Calvin Kattar was slick, landed jabs, and made Emmett whiff on a couple of punches but when looking in both the judge’s and my own eyes. With Josh Emmett being the more aggressive fighter and person to land the harder shots. I felt the judges were going to give Josh the fifth round as I had Josh winning that round too.
What is next?
Calvin Kattar: Coming off this close loss, Calvin is still in range to someday fight for the featherweight title. Fights for him next include Arnold Allen or the loser of Rodriguez versus Ortega.
Josh Emmett: After this tough split decision victory, Josh extends his win streak to five. In his post-fight press conference, he called out the winner of the Max vs Alex for the title. However, with Brian Ortega versus Yair Rodriguez potentially on July 16 and Yair were to get a win there is a possibility that Rodriguez may get the title shot over Emmett if Volkanovski were to retain his title.
Thumbnail and photos by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC. Rankings, information, and future matchups made with UFC and Rankingmma.com
