Alex Pereira makes a compelling argument for being the UFC’s second-biggest star. The sunshine heavyweight champion outclassed Jiri Prochazka of their short-notice rematch at UFC 303 earlier than delivering a highlight-reel knockout. Pereira needs to battle at heavyweight however one impediment stays at 205 kilos.
Pereira and Diego Lopes have been arguably the most important fan-favorites heading into Worldwide Battle Week’s large pay-per-view. They channeled that goodwill into profitable performances that can meaningfully advance their careers. Ian Machado Garry is one other fighter tending in the suitable route after beating Michael “Venom” Web page. The divisive fighter boasts the longest lively win streak within the UFC welterweight division and is tied for third all-time with welterweight champ Leon Edwards.
Worldwide Battle Week is formally over however we’re solely midway via the 12 months. Have a look under at fights matchmakers ought to eye intently heading into the second half of 2024.
Gentle heavyweight
Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev: Pereira is brief on engaging opponents at gentle heavyweight. That can spur conversations a few transfer to heavyweight. however I do not care to see it till Tom Aspinall will get his overdue undisputed title unifier. Ankalaev is probably the most deserving contender and can be a significant check of the champ’s grappling. A win over Ankalaev clears Pereira of his 205-pound duties and hopefully provides time for Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic to return to fruition. If the celebrities align, an undisputed heavyweight title battle between Aspinall and Pereira makes excellent sense subsequent 12 months.
Jiri Prochazka vs. Jamahal Hill: Respect to Prochazka for rescuing UFC 303, however he did it to his profession’s detriment. Prochazka solely had just a few weeks to review what went mistaken in his first loss to Pereira. It wasn’t sufficient. Prochazka is now successfully locked out of a title battle whereas Pereira is champion and suffered a doubtlessly career-altering KO loss. Jan Blachowicz would not have a timetable for his restoration from a shoulder harm however a battle between Prochazka and Hill needs to be enjoyable. It is an thrilling assembly between strikers that permits the winner to rebuild.
Welterweight
Ian Machado Garry vs. Colby Covington: I used to be ready to reward Garry with a battle in opposition to No. 1 ranked UFC welterweight Kamaru Usman with a decisive win over Web page. Sadly, he narrowly defeated a lower-ranked contender in a boring battle that would have gone Web page’s approach had he not made poor tactical decisions. Garry deserves to battle up the ladder after defending his spot however I would keep away from pitting him in opposition to different rising contenders Shavkat Rakmonov or Jack Della Maddalena. I am not a fan of killing off contenders. The construct between Garry and Covington could be unbearable, however no less than the UFC can assure trash discuss. A battle in opposition to the winner of Gilbert Burns vs. Sean Brady can also be appropriate.
Michael Web page vs. Vicente Luque or Nick Diaz: Web page made careless errors, significantly by relinquishing high place midway via a swing spherical. MVP remains to be an asset to the promotion. He tried to make the battle thrilling however could not maintain Garry off him. MVP additionally took the division’s No. 7 ranked contender to a aggressive determination. The winner of Luque vs. Diaz on Aug. 3 can be intently ranked to Web page. Luque is usually an all-action fighter who compliments Web page’s fashion; in the meantime, a Diaz battle is a fantasy reserving you would not assume attainable.
Featherweight
Diego Lopes vs. Josh Emmett: Credit score to Lopes. His short-notice featherweight battle with Brian Ortega was bumped to light-weight on Thursday and subsequently moved to a 165-pound catchweight in opposition to Ige on 4 hours’ discover. A win over Ortega would have thrusted Lopes into title competition however a aggressive win over Ige slows his progress. A battle between Lopes (No. 14) and Emmett (No. 7) feels like gangbusters. Emmett is coming off an all-time KO of Bryce Mitchell that earned him a KO of the Yr honorable point out. It could be unfair to have Emmett battle contenders behind him in back-to-back appearances, however Lopes is likely one of the extra fashionable fighters within the division. It is an ideal probability for Emmett to construct momentum in a battle that ought to produce a spotlight.
Dan Ige vs. Edson Barboza 2: Ige did the UFC an enormous favor and needs to be rewarded. Ige defeated Barboza through cut up determination in 202. That is lengthy sufficient to warrant a rematch contemplating their standings within the featherweight division. There aren’t many different viable choices for Ige until he desires to battle an unranked opponent and that would not be honest after he stepped in for Ortega hours earlier than Saturday’s co-main occasion.
