After defeating Cory Sandhagen in UFC Abu Dhabi, Umar Nurmagomedov has earned his shot at the bantamweight title. His performance in the main event showcased his skills and readiness for the next level. The fantasy matchmaking suggests that Nurmagomedov should face the winner of Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306. This fight makes sense in terms of the bantamweight landscape and would be an exciting matchup for fans. However, if any unexpected delays occur, Nurmagomedov could be left waiting for his title shot, showing his patience and dedication to the sport.
Despite his loss to Nurmagomedov, Cory Sandhagen still has a bright future in the bantamweight division. Matchmaking for Sandhagen suggests a fight against either Henry Cejudo or Deiveson Figueiredo. Both fighters present interesting challenges for Sandhagen and could potentially earn him a path back to title contention. While coming off a loss, Sandhagen’s skills and ranking make him a valuable opponent for either Cejudo or Figueiredo, keeping him in the mix for big fights in the future.
Following his victory in the co-main event, Shara Magomedov called out Nick Diaz, which was seen as an unconventional choice for a matchup. Instead, fantasy matchmaking suggests that Magomedov should face Kelvin Gastelum next. Gastelum’s name recognition and style could provide an exciting matchup for Magomedov as he looks to climb the ranks. Alternatively, a fight against Jack Hermansson could also be an interesting option, as it would test Magomedov against a ranked opponent and potentially elevate his status in the division.
Marina Rodriguez’s position in the strawweight division poses some matchmaking challenges, as she has already faced most of the top contenders. Despite her close fight against Yan Xiaonan in 2022, a rematch between the two could be a compelling option. Rodriguez’s recent performances show her competitiveness and potential for title contention, making a rematch with Xiaonan a relevant and exciting matchup to consider. Additionally, a wildcard option of facing Jessica Andrade could also be on the table depending on Andrade’s performance in her upcoming fight at flyweight. The unpredictable nature of Andrade’s weight class switches adds an element of intrigue to a potential matchup with Rodriguez.
The results of UFC Abu Dhabi have set the stage for intriguing matchups and potential title contention bouts in the bantamweight and strawweight divisions. The fantasy matchmaking scenarios provide a glimpse into the possible future fights for rising stars and former champions, showcasing the depth and competitiveness of the UFC roster. As these fighters continue to climb the ranks and prove themselves in the octagon, fans can look forward to exciting matchups and compelling storylines in the world of mixed martial arts.
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