What Is Next For The Main Card? UFC FN: Lewis vs Daukaus
Main Event: #3 (HW) Derrick Lewis vs #7 (HW) Chris Daukaus
What looked to be an exciting five-round main event ended in classic Derrick Lewis fashion with a first-round KO. As Lewis landed multiple punches on Chris Daukaus thanks to his forward pressure and power.
What is next?
Derrick Lewis: With a win over a young up-incoming fighter like Chris Daukaus. Derrick’s next fight would have to be against Stipe Miocic or the winner of Ngannou/Gane in January.
Chris Daukaus: Although suffering a brutal KO loss against Derrick Lewis. Chris Daukaus is still the future of the UFC heavyweight division considering his record and potential. His next fight could still be against a top 5 opponent such as Curtis Blaydes, Alexander Volkov, and Jairzinho Rozenstruik. But if not he can fight lower-ranked opponents in Marcin Tybura and Tom Aspinall.
Co-Main Event: #5 (WW) Stephen Thompson vs #10 (WW) Belal Muhammad
In a dominant victory headlined by Belal’s elite wrestling and ground game. This welterweight matchup showcased a tale of two fighters and their status in the division. For Muhammad, with this dominant win, he proved he belongs in the top five and worthy of a title shot. However, for Stephen Thompson, this loss will be a major setback in his career as opponents now know his biggest weakness is lack of ground game/wrestling.
What is next?
Belal Muhammad: Besides climbing up the rankings, Belal has positioned himself to potentially fight for the title or fight top fighters in Gilbert Burns and Vicente Luque.
Stephen Thompson: Following an uninspiring loss, Wonderboy will likely drop in the rankings but for his next fight someone like Neil Magny or Sean Brady would be great matchups in 2022.
#11 (SW) Amanda Lemos vs #12 (SW) Angela Hill
As the fight of the night, Amanda Lemos and Angela Hill was a great back and forth matchup that went the distance. In a split decision, Lemos scored the victory to the dismay of fans which by popular demand thought Hill won 2-1 specifically rounds 2 and 3.
What is next?
Amanda Lemos: Likely climbing the rankings following some changes in women’s strawweight division, Lemos next fight would probably be against a Tecia Torres, Nina Nunes, or Mackenzie Dern.
Angela Hill: With a disappointing and narrow decision loss, Hill’s next fight would be against a Virna Jandiroba, Brianna Van Buren, or a hot prospect like Cheyanne Buys.
#12 (bw) Raphael Assuncao vs (BW) Ricky Simon
In another dominant wrestling display, Simon proved his potential as a top-15 ranked fighter and for Assuncao, he will drop out of rankings and the future will be in limbo.
What is next?
Raphael Assuncao: His next fight will likely be against a young prospect looking to have a “name” in his resume or someone like Casey Kenny or Kyler Phillips.
Ricky Simon: Finally now projected to be in the UFC top-15 bantamweight rankings, Ricky Simon next fight would be against a Pedro Munhoz or Song Yadong. Maybe even Sean O’Malley.
#12 (LW) Diego Ferreira vs (LW) Mateusz Gamrot
Not to be overshadowed by the other amazing fights, but for Mateusz Gamrot this win brings into the rankings and continues his hype and momentum. For Diego Ferreira now coming off back-to-back losses, he has to go back to the drawing board.
What is next?
Diego Ferreira: Possibly may or may not stay in the lightweight rankings. Ferreira's next fight would be against Thiago Moises, Drew Dorber, or Bobby Green.
Mateusz Gamrot: Building his name in the lightweight rankings, Gamrot next fight could be against a great matchup in Brad Riddell.
(LW Bout) Cub Swanson vs Darren Elkins
In a matchup of two UFC veterans, Swanson vs Elkins was expected to be a great three-round fight but oh boy did Cub Swanson change that narrative.
Cub Swanson: In potentially one of his greatest performances, Cub Swanson post-fight talked mentioned him wanting one last fight. So when thinking of matchups there are many matchups you can create in a loaded featherweight division but for now, names like Ryan Hall, Alex Caceres, Billy Quarantillo, or Gavin Tucker would be great fights to make in 2022.
Darren Elkins: After a tough KO loss, Elkins is stuck in a position to fight for his legacy but for matchups to make in 2022. Some names that come to mind are Pat Sabatini, Tucker Lutz, and Sean Woodson.
All images and rankings are from/provided by the UFC and Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
