What Is Next For The Main Card of Ufc fn: Hermansson vs Strickland
For a card with not to many big names, UFC Fight Night 200 went above expectations and showcased why you should never underestimate a card. From immediate finishes to dominate performances this card was overall entertaining but with that being said here’s next for the main card.
(FW) julian Erosa vs (fw) Steven Peterson
Julian Erosa victorious after his back and forth battle
After Steven Peterson missed weight by three pounds and gave a percentage of his purse to Julian Erosa. The question of weight advantage has come up because of history and statistics showing that fighters who miss weight are more likely to win then lose. As they did not have to cut weight to that of their opponent.
However, when this fight commenced that question went out the window as Erosa and Peterson went back and forth trading hard punches. In the end, Erosa claimed the victory and was included in the fight of the night. Winning both 50K bonuses because of Peterson missing weight.
What is next?
Julian Erosa: Since his rough start in the UFC, Erosa has won the last 5 out of his 6 fights. Potentially earning him a spot against a higher ranked opponent or prospect. Some names that come to mind are Billy Quarantillo, Ryan Hall, Lando Vannata, or a rematch against Charles Jourdain.
Steven Peterson: Coming off the an epic battle and missing the opportunity for a FOTN bonus. Steven Peterson still came out an had impressive performance against a tough Erosa. Future matchups that the UFC can matchmake would against Joanderson Brito, Kevin Croom, or Josh Culiabo.
(MW) tRESEAN gORE VS (MW) Bryan Battle
Tresean Gore (Left) and Bryan Battle (Right) reactions after the unanimous decision
In what supposed to be the real TUF middleweight finale, Tresean Gore and Bryan Battle was another tough fight that ultimately was determined by who was the better grappler. Certainly people may say Gore won the fight because of the damaged he landed but when Battle continued to impose his will and hold Tresean on the cage in the third round. It was clear who won the battle.
What is next?
Bryan Battle: Showcasing he was the true TUF 29 middleweight champion, Battle had decent performance, looked fast with his combinations, and strong grappling. However on the flip side, he did lose the second round and cardio seems to slow him down. His next matchups could be against Jaime Pickett, Dusko Todorovic, or a Andre Petroski rematch.
Tresean Gore: Coming into this fight Tresean Gore had the potential to win this fight not only as the odds on favorite but because of his punching power. Although he was impressive in the second round his slow start and ability to disengage with Battle led to his downfall. Matchups to that UFC could make include Joseph Holmes, Abu Azaitar, or another UFC prospect.
(LHW) Sam Alvey vs (LHW) Brendan Allen
Brendan Allen all smiles after his short notice submission victory over Sam Alvey
After Phil Hawes withdrew from his fight against Sam Alvey, his Sanford MMA teammate Brendan Allen stepped up THREE days notice to fight Alvey at light heavyweight. In the end although Sam did look sharp at the beginning of the fight, Allen capitalized on rear naked choke after catching Alvey with a right left hook to end the fight.
What is next?
Sam Alvey: Now on a seven fight losing streak, Alvey on his Instagram highlighted he is not retiring/done yet but will take time off to regroup. Which is the right thing not only for himself but the overall landscape of the UFC. As fans and media will question why he is still a UFC fighter.
Brendan Allen: Successful in testing the water of short notice fights, Allen in his post fight press conference declined any future in the light heavyweight division moving forward. Although this victory will not any impact on his middleweight rankings, the submission victory helps him get back into the win column and a momentum heading into his next fight. Matchups that make sense include Gerald Meerschaert, Krzysztof Jotko, Brad Tavares, or Makhmud Muradov.
(ww) Shavkat Rakhmonov vs (WW) Carlston Harris
Shavkat Rakhmonov happy after his TKO victory
Speculated to be a back and forth matchup. Rakhmonov and Harris proved that one fighter is levels higher than the other. That fighter indeed would be Shavkat Rakhmonov who won in prolific fashion catching a spinning heel kick similar to what his Sanford MMA teammate Rafael Fiziev landed on Brad Riddell. In the end he further landed ground and pound shots to win the fight improving not only his stock but potential as future UFC top 15 welterweight.
What is next?
Shavkat Rakhmonov: With a strong performance on Saturday night, Rakhmonov established himself to be a promising welterweight in the division. As I believe he can be in the top 15 by the end of the summer. In order to do that his next opponents would have to be top welterweights like Michel Pereira (someone he called out post fight), Kalinn (Khaos) Williams, Eliszeu Zaleski or Tim Means.
Carlston Harris: Although Harris was TKO’d in the first round, he still a great fighter for the UFC. Matchups I can see the UFC make include Court McGee, Ramazan Emeev, or Michael Morales
(MW) Punahele Soriano vs (MW) Nick Maximov
(Pictured) Nick Maximov celebrating his impressive victory
In what was expected to be a win for the favorited Puna Soriano turned into the dominance of Nick Maximov. Who associated with the Diaz brothers is not known for his striking but in the fight however he took Soriano to takedown city. In the end Soriano just could not stop the takedowns of Maximov and his unrelenting pressure.
Puna Soriano: After a disappointing second half performance and possibly left the fight with an injury, Puna Soriano took a step back in this fight. As he was landed a knee to Maximov and was able to stop his takedowns but what may have surprised him was Nick’s striking as several shot caught Puna off guard. For his next fight, I could see matchups against Phil Hawes, Roman Dolidze, or Jun Yong Park.
Nick Maximov: In a surprising yet impressive performance Nick Maximov defeated a prospect who many view to be great one. So with this win not only did Maximov improve this stock but matchups against a Rodolfo Vieria, Roman Dolidze, Alessio di Chirico, or Marc-Andre Barriault.
(#6 MW) Jack Hermansson vs (#7 MW) Sean Strickland
(Pictured) Hermansson (Left) stunned by his loss against Strickland (Right) who is victorious but disappointed by his performance
In the tale of a submission artist versus a unique striker. Sean Strickland in a somewhat semi-impressive performance showcased his dominance on feet and superior takedown defense. On the other other side, Hermansson had a few good rounds but was unable to the take the fight to canvas which going into the fight was his best method of winning.
What is next?
Jack Hermansson: After falling short once again, Hermansson’s next fight would against Brad Taveres, the loser of Cannonier/Brunson, or wait until matchups in the middleweight division open up.
Sean Strickland: In a unanimous decision, Sean Strickland’s takedown defense stood out the most that fight because of how takedown heavy the top the of division truly is with names such as Brunson, Vettori, and Cannonier. One matchup, I see the UFC booking besides a potential title shot if Adesanya were to retain his title, would be against the winner of Brunson/Cannonier. Strickland said he would fight his buddy Vettori if he were to be fairly compensated but as now a Vettori and Strickland matchup is unlikely.
Thumbnail and all photos are by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC. Rankings and future matchups come from the UFC and Rankingmma.com
