Noche UFC is in the books.
The top two fights in Saturday’s card saw Jean Silva and Brandon Moreno retain their top contender status against Jose Delgado and Joseph Morales, respectively. Elsewhere, Alexa Grasso improved to 2-1 since losing the flyweight title nearly two years ago, while Curtis Blaydes also scored a crucial win over Waldo Cortes-Acosta.
Here are three lessons learned from the event…
Tommy McMillen has been one of the UFC’s hottest prospects lately. On Saturday, the featherweight up-and-comer notched his third straight Octagon victory when he outslugged Marwan Rahiki.
It represented just the second decision win of McMillen’s career, the first being a majority verdict on Dana White’s Contenders Series that earned him his contract. That showcase of mettle should earn him a major opportunity next.
For that, here is a pitch. The UFC’s contract with CBS calls for 43 events annually. UFC 335 happens to be the 42nd this year, so there is still room for a 43rd the week after. Pit McMillen against, say, Aaron Pico in a main-event clash, and let fireworks explode.
Brandon Moreno was thought to be done for as one of the UFC’s top flyweight contender after consecutive losses to Tatsuro Taira and Lone’er Kavanagh. Instead, he has seemingly revitalized his title hopes in an ever-evolving division.
Should Joshua Van defeat Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331 next week, then Moreno’s path to the title could get easier. Two matchups in particular are of great intrigue to him.
Kyoji Horiguchi is looking to rebound after being destroyed by Manel Kape in their rematch. Meanwhile, Brandon Royval is 1-1 with Moreno, and a trilogy is necessary to determine who the better man is.
Grasso is presumably, and rightfully, getting the first shot at whoever emerges victorious between Natalia Silva and Cong Wang next month. Fiorot, however, now finds herself at a crossroads.
At 36 years of age, “The Beast” is running out of time to remain a viable contender at flyweight. Fortunately, women’s bantamweight may be entering a state of transition.
While Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes are still trying to get their fight booked, prospects have emerged. Luana Santos had been middling as a flyweight before committing 10 lbs. north, and she now draws her biggest test against former featherweight challenger Yana Santos.
Speaking of ex-125ers, Fiorot could add championship-caliber credentials to the 135-lb. division. Should Nunes and Harrison do a double retirement after their fight, a big win could put the Frenchwoman in the running for a vacant title shot.
Of course, there is one person left to discuss here – Silva.
“Lord” was supposed to fight Yair Rodriguez, but that was scrapped when the Mexican former title challenger got hurt. While logic points towards a second attempt at rebooking that fight, the UFC could also resort to drastic measures and cut Rodriguez for unavailability yet again.
The would leave Silva needing another opponent – and some other names make sense. Lerone Murphy needs to rebound after Movsar Evloev took away his “0”. Aljamain Sterling has been wanting a fight that could secure him a title shot, but Silva also wants one as well.
Booking a main event between Silva and one of those two potential opponents seems to be the ideal ploy here…
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