What is Next For the Main Card of UFC FN: Makhachev vs Green
In another fun, Saturday night at the Apex, UFC Fight Night: Makhachev vs Green showcased the future of the company with wins from prospects to future number one contenders. Here is the latest rendition of what is next for the main card.
(MW) Armen Petrosyan vs (MW) Gregory Rodrigues
In a highly contested middleweight matchup, both middleweights left it all in the octagon with back and forth heavy strikes leading to a split decision by the debuting underdog Armen Petrosyan.
What is next?
Armen Petrosyan: With this split decision victory, Petrosyan looks to be a potential prospect in the UFC middleweight division. Fights to make include Wellington Turman, Puna Soriano, Abdul Razak Alhassen, or Alessio di Chirico.
Gregory Rodrigues: Although losing a close one to Petrosyan, Rodrigues did pressure his opponent with his heavy striking and grappling. Future matchups for Rodrigues include Marc-Andre Barriault, Bryan Battle, or Tresean Gore.
(#13 LW) Arman Tsarukyan vs (LW) Joel Alvarez
Previewed as prospect versus prospect matchup, Arman Tsarukyan proved his legitimacy as a future lightweight contender. Proving his excellence by wrestling the submission artist in Alvarez and landing razor elbows to win via TKO.
What is next?
Arman Tsarukyan: With this win over Alvarez, Arman has positioned himself to fight the best of the lightweight divison. Those names and matchups include Matesuz Gamrot, Gregor Gillespie (called out in his post-press conference), or the loser of Dos Anjos/Fiziev.
Joel Alvarez: Coming up short and overpowered by Tsarukyan, Joel Alvarez is still a future lightweight prospect. Matchups for him next include Bobby Green, Grant Dawson, or the winner of Pichel/Madsen.
(W FW) Ji Yeon Kim vs (W FW) pRISCILA cACHOEIRA
In a controversial fight of the night, both women showcased a masterful striking matchup as Kim and Cachoeira would land insane volume strikes on each other. However, although Cachoeira won via unanimous decision, MMA Twitter fans disagreed believing Kim won the 2 out of the 3 rounds. So in the end even though in my eyes Kim won the fight, the classic quote by Dana to “not leave in the fight in the judge’s hands” will always stand.
What is next?
Ji Yeon Kim: With now, a 3-5 record in the UFC, Kim's time in the UFC now is unknown but with her impressive fight of the night performance and supposed win. Her next matchups could be against a prospect or Hannah Goldy.
Priscila Cachoeira:
(mw) misha Cirkunov vs (MW) Wellington Turman
For the former light heavyweight submission artist, Misha Cirkunov drop down a weight class to revitalize his career however instead of succeeding in the 185 division, he took a step with a submission loss versus Wellington Turman. Turman, a prodigy of current UFC light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira showcased his potential overcoming adversity and sinking armbar to get the upset win.
What is next?
Misha Cirkunov: Although unsuccessful in his middleweight debut, the up and down Misha Cirkunov deserves one more fight in the division to determine his future with the UFC. His next fight would have to be against Bryan Battle or Dusko Todorovic.
Wellington Turman: Coming off back to back wins now, Turman has made a name for himself after his submission win over Cirkunov. Matchups to continue his run would include Chidi Njokuani, Rodolfo Vieira, or Puna Soriano.
(#4 LW) Islam Makhachev vs (lw) Bobby Green
Predicted by many to be a easy win for Islam Makhachev, Bobby Green came in on a week short notice to possible give his toughest fight and although few thought he would Islam in the end proved his doubters wrong. Ending in the first round via TKO, Islam Saturday night showcased his dominance.
What is next?
Islam Makhachev: Now projected to be the second or third-ranked UFC lightweight in the world, Islam Makhachev on Saturday night showcased his dominance and belief that there are levels to the division. For Islam Makhachev, his next opponent will be the winner of Oliveira or Gaethje.
Bobby Green: Although coming up short versus Islam, Bobby Green was humble with his loss knowing this fight was not a win-loss situation. As he earned the respect of the fans and signed a new deal with the UFC. Opponents, I like for Green include Brad Riddell, Damir Ismagulov, and Renato Moicano.
Thumbnail and photos by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC. Rankings and information from UFC and Rankingmma.com
