At UFC Fight Night 235, the Apex facility witnessed a solid 13-fight card, showcasing the best of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. “UFC Vegas 85,” while lacking the luster of marquee names, boasted three pivotal clashes between ranked contenders, culminating in a main event featuring ranked middleweights Roman Dolidze and Nassourdine Imavov.
As the ink dries on the pages of “UFC Vegas 85,” we embark on the task of matchmaking for fighters who found themselves on the losing side during Saturday night's main card. Let's delve into potential matchups for these athletes seeking redemption.
Gilbert Urbina vs. Pete Rodriguez
On Saturday, Charles Radtke scored a sensational TKO victory over Urbina at 4:47 of Round 1. Popping Urbina's head back with precise jabs, he sealed the deal with a flush left hook late in the opening stanza, securing a first-round finish. After suffering defeat in two out of three UFC appearances, “The RGV Bad Boy” now stands at a crossroads.
Speculating on Urbina's next move, a compelling matchup against Adam Fugitt emerges as a possible choice. Fugitt last competed at UFC 289 in June, losing to Mike Malott by second-round submission. The loss left Fugitt’s UFC record at 1-2, the same as Urbina, so a potential clash promises equal opportunity for redemption.
Alternatively, Urbina could be matched against a fellow vanquished fighter from UFC Fight Night 235, Pete Rodriguez. Rodriguez, who suffered a highlight-reel knockout at the hands of Themba Gorimbo, mirrors Urbina's recent setback. If both fighters remain on the UFC roster, a showdown between Urbina and Rodriguez makes strategic sense. Their parallel losses and the likely similar turnaround time before they are ready to compete again make it a logical pairing.
Makhmud Muradov vs. Aliaskhab Khizriev 2
Fate dealt a swift and unexpected hand in the much-anticipated middleweight clash between Khizriev and Muradov. At a mere 0:11 of Round 1, the contest came to an abrupt halt due to an accidental eye poke by Khizriev, rendering the bout a no contest. As the spotlight dims on this prematurely concluded contest, the hope lingers for Muradov's swift recovery. Upon Muradov's return to fitness, a general consensus exists that the ideal course of action is to rebook this matchup.
However, if fate dictates otherwise, and Muradov's recovery timeline remains uncertain, strategic matchups come into play. A clash against rising contender Sharabutdin Magomedov, who has been making waves, presents an enticing option. Alternatively, crossing paths with the seasoned Abusupiyan Magomedov could provide a compelling challenge for the Tajik-born Uzbeki.
Viviane Araujo vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius
Natalia Silva's birthday celebration unfolded as a triumphant spectacle on Saturday with a significant win over Araujo. Despite Araujo's veteran experience and constant forward pressure, Silva's dynamic blend of speed and creative striking proved insurmountable. The younger Brazilian dictated the terms of the bout, showcasing lateral movement and impeccable defense in clinch situations. By securing a unanimous decision victory, Silva extended her UFC record to an impressive 5-0, while her overall winning streak soared to 11. The win positions her as a formidable force in a flyweight division teeming with emerging talents.
Conversely, championship aspirations at 37 may appear distant for the seasoned Araujo. However, intriguing matchups still await her. A clash against the 34-year-old Canadian dynamo Jasudavicius could spark excitement and motivation for Araujo. Alternatively, a bout with Tracy Cortez becomes a logical choice if the UFC opts to test her against rising contenders. Cortez, ranked 10th in the division, would present a stern challenge, considering Araujo's standing at No. 7, which may be subject to change.
Muslim Salikhov vs. Jake Matthews
Randy Brown sealed Salikhov’s fate with a resounding finish at 3:17 of Round 1. Intent on securing a stoppage, Brown executed his plan flawlessly, unleashing a clean right hand in the center of the Octagon that sent Salikhov to the canvas.
For the battle-tested veteran Salikhov, now boasting a UFC record of 6-4 at the age of 39, the landscape for enticing matchups becomes limited. However, if the Russian stalwart opts to prolong his career, a clash against Jake Matthews emerges as a sensible choice. Matthews, having faced three losses in his last five bouts, offers an intriguing challenge that aligns with Salikhov's seasoned experience.
Drew Dober vs. Paddy Pimblett
Despite the setback against Renato Carneiro, Dober's thrilling fighting style opens the door to several exciting matchups in the highly competitive lightweight division. “Moicano” emerged victorious with a unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 235, securing his second consecutive win and rekindling the momentum that injuries had momentarily derailed.
For Dober, the landscape remains rich with potential matchups that align with his dynamic fighting style. Contenders like Mateusz Rebecki and Chase Hooper present intriguing challenges. While the UFC's matchmaking team may take varied directions, one cannot overlook the appeal of a matchup against the rising superstar Paddy Pimblett. Even in the face of defeat, Dober can still carve out a compelling narrative in the division, serving as a gatekeeper to the Top 15.
Roman Dolidze vs. Ikram Aliskerov
In a chaotic main event on Saturday night, Nassourdine Imavov launched his 2024 campaign with a resounding win over Dolidze, claiming a majority decision victory. In the fourth round, a pivotal moment occurred as Imavov kicked Dolidze in the head while his hand was down, resulting in a point deduction for the Russian-born athlete. Undeterred, both fighters continued the onslaught, with Imavov consistently landing the more significant blows. Despite Dolidze's attempts to chase submissions in the final round, Imavov skillfully maneuvered out of danger and capitalized on open-space exchanges.
As the final horn sounded, the verdict was clear: Imavov emerged victorious with a majority decision, marking the most significant win of his UFC career. His name joins the growing list of intriguing talents propelling the middleweight division.
Looking ahead, the logical next step for Dolidze appears to be a clash against Aliskerov. Aliskerov's scheduled bout against Anthony Hernandez at UFC 298 was postponed due to a staph infection, and he recently expressed his intention to return to action following the conclusion of Ramadan in April. This timeline potentially aligns with Dolidze's required recovery period, setting the stage for a compelling showdown between two resilient middleweights in the near future.