The Vanquished: What’s Next for the UFC Fight Night 234 Losers

The Ultimate Fighting Championship kicked off its 2024 calendar with a bang at UFC Fight Night 234. True to form, the event showcased both exhilarating victories and notable setbacks, setting the stage for significant shifts in the rankings landscape. With an impressive seven finishes in 11 contested fights, the event underscored a strong start for the UFC in the new year.

In the aftermath of “UFC Vegas 84,” we engage in the task of matchmaking for fighters who unexpectedly found themselves on the losing side. Let's explore potential matchups for the main card losers from Saturday night.

Andrei Arlovski vs. Thomas Petersen-Jamal Pogues loser

In the aftermath of a unanimous decision loss to Waldo Cortes-Acosta, the 44-year-old Arlovski grapples with an odd state of affairs. While the former heavyweight champion displayed commendable resilience, Saturday’s performance marks his third consecutive defeat. Considering that “The Pit Bull” is clearly in the final act of his career but reluctant to even discuss retirement, it is time to find him winnable matchups, or at least competitively appropriate ones. That means no more rising prospects, much less current contenders.

The ideal candidate would be someone like Walt Harris, a fellow 40-something on a three-fight losing streak of his own. Unfortunately, the two already fought five years ago, with Arlovski losing by decision in a dull, foul-plagued affair that was rendered even more pointless when the result was overturned due to a drug test failure by Harris—and in any event, Harris is ineligible to fight until July due to another positive PED test. Petersen and Pogues, a couple of under-30 heavyweights with solid but not stellar upside, meet on Feb. 3 in Las Vegas. One of them will need a bounce-back fight; let it be Arlovski.

Phil Hawes vs. Gerald Meerschaert

In a showcase of raw power and striking proficiency, Brunno Ferreira, aptly nicknamed “The Hulk,” delivered a thunderous knockout at UFC Fight Night 234, adding Hawes to his list of conquered opponents. Ferreira's relentless pursuit of a finish was evident from the outset, with a well-timed jumping knee setting the stage for a devastating left hand that left Hawes incapacitated on the canvas at 4:55 of the first round. This resounding victory marks Ferreira's return to the win column after his first career loss last July.

For Hawes, the defeat extends his losing streak to three, and leaves him at 1-4 in his last five, with all four losses by first-round knockout. A fitting next opponent could be Meerschaert, who, like Hawes, has faced recent setbacks with three losses in his last four bouts, and at least would be unlikely to add to the string of quick KO losses. Alternatively, Punahele Soriano, experiencing a similar downturn with four losses in his last five, offers another compelling matchup for Hawes as both fighters seek redemption in the middleweight division.

Ricky Simon vs. Said Nurmagomedov

Mario Bautista secured perhaps the most significant win of his UFC career, triumphing over Simon in a captivating three-round slugfest. With the potential to secure a top-15 ranking, Bautista exhibited growing strength throughout the bout, showcasing precise striking that consistently found its mark. Simon, resilient and determined, countered with relentless pressure and grappling attempts, but Bautista adeptly thwarted each endeavor. Ultimately, Bautista's ability to inflict more damage, particularly in rapid-fire exchanges, earned him a unanimous decision victory, marking his sixth consecutive win.

While this marks Simon's second consecutive loss, at 31, he retains the potential for a championship run with well-matched opponents. Facing a rising contender like Nurmagomedov could offer both fighters significant opportunities and challenges. For Nurmagomedov, a victory against a seasoned contender enhances his credentials, while Simon, if triumphant, makes a powerful statement against an emerging young force in the division.

Gabriel Benitez vs. Clay Guida

Jim Miller maintained momentum without a pause at UFC Fight Night 234, securing a crucial victory over Benitez. With a potential spot at UFC 300 on the horizon, Miller dominated in a fierce contest, winning ultimately submitting “Moggly” with a face crank at 3:25 of the third round. For Benitez, this loss represents his third setback in four fights, making championship aspirations seem distant. However, an intriguing matchup with another seasoned veteran such as Guida, emerges as an ideal scenario. Guida, on a similar trajectory, provides a sensible and exciting challenge for Benitez at this stage of his career, offering the opportunity for an entertaining fight and a potential resurgence in the UFC lightweight division at the age of 35.

Johnny Walker vs. Tyson Pedro

The initial clash between Walker and Magomed Ankalaev last October ended in a controversial no contest, prompting a rematch to settle the unfinished business. The rematch between Magomed Ankalaev and Walker concluded without controversy—or much drama, as Ankalaev largely ignored Walker’s wild striking antics before knocking him out in Round 2.

For Walker, this bout marked his first loss since February of 2022. Now at a pivotal juncture in his career, the 31-year-old can still embark on another title pursuit but needs a step back first. While a victory over Ankalaev could have fast-tracked his journey to title contention, Walker has mostly come up short against the 205-pound elite and should need two or three convincing victories before getting another shot at a Top 10 foe. A matchup against the likes of Pedro, coming off a recent victory against Anton Turkalj, presents an intriguing prospect for Walker's resurgence in the light heavyweight division.