5 fights to make after UFC 282: Jan Blachowicz vs. Magomed Ankalaev
The final major event of 2022 is in the books, and while UFC 282’s headliner didn’t have a definitive ending, as a show, it was solid enough.
Following UFC 282, the big question, of course, is what is next for the top fighters who were involved? Unsurprisingly, there are plenty of logical paths that the promotion’s matchmakers should take for those fighters next.
Here are five fights that should be made following UFC 282.
#5. UFC middleweight bout: Dricus du Plessis vs. Andre Muniz
One of the most impressive showings at UFC 282 came from middleweight Dricus du Plessis. Despite finding himself in danger in the second round, he largely outfought Darren Till and ended up submitting him in the third round.
Given that Till was ranked at No.10 in the division coming in, it only makes sense that ‘Stillknocks’ will probably steal his ranking next week.
This means that only another ranked opponent makes sense for the South African. While some fans will probably call for him to face someone like Marvin Vettori or the winner of the upcoming Sean Strickland vs. Jared Cannonier bout, there could be a better idea.
A good match for du Plessis could well be Andre Muniz, who is currently ranked at No.11. Like the South African, ‘Sergipano’ is also unbeaten in the octagon, having reeled off five wins in a row since debuting in 2019.
More interestingly, though, it’s arguable that the Brazilian might be the best grappler in the upper echelon of the division. He has three submission wins to his name in the octagon, including an armbar win over the legendary Jacare Souza.
André Muniz SUBMITS Ronaldo Souza in the first round! 👏
#UFC262 https://t.co/0WkHWwgklt
Du Plessis showed good grappling against Till, but could he keep this fight vertical in order to pull off a win? It would be a fine question, and the winner would undoubtedly vault themselves directly into title contention.
#4. UFC featherweight bout: Ilia Topuria vs. Arnold Allen
The fighter who arguably gave his title hopes the biggest boost this weekend was Ilia Topuria. ‘El Matador’ broke the unbeaten run of Bryce Mitchell in style, destroying him in two rounds to take his own UFC record to 5-0.
After this win, there can be no question that the Georgian is a genuine featherweight title threat. However, 145 pounds is in an odd spot right now, with an interim champion about to be crowned and current titleholder Alexander Volkanovski moving to lightweight.
Topuria could be matched with former champ Max Holloway, but that may be a step too far for him right now despite his form.
Therefore, a smarter challenge for him could be Arnold Allen, who is also unbeaten in the octagon. ‘Almighty’ was last seen picking up a win over Calvin Kattar, although the fact that it came due to an injury dulled the impact a little.
🏴 𝗔𝗟𝗠𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗬! 🏴
Arnold Allen defeats Calvin Kattar and secures the biggest win of his career! 👊
#UFCVegas63 https://t.co/K3STq9aK7e
Allen is actually riding the longest win streak in the division outside of Volkanovski’s, and the fact that 10 wins in a row hasn’t been enough to net him a title shot is essentially baffling.
However, could he beat Topuria? It’s a fair question. ‘El Matador’ has shown himself to be hugely skilled both standing and on the ground, but he’s probably more explosive than Brit.
With that said, Allen is probably the more technical fighter, meaning this would be a tricky fight to pick. It’d also be a strong headliner for a UFC Fight Night event in 2023.
#3. UFC heavyweight bout: Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Derrick Lewis
Heavyweight veteran Jairzinho Rozenstruik picked up the fastest win at UFC 282, needing just 23 seconds to dispatch Chris Daukaus.
The win snapped a two-fight losing streak for ‘Bigi Boy’, who has proven at this point to be a dangerous, if limited contender. He can be beaten comfortably by a strong grappler or a highly technical striker, but standing, he’s a threat to anyone.
It doesn’t get bigger from Bigi Boy!!
@JairRozenstruik DELIVERED at #UFC282 👊 https://t.co/o4tH5Ju1Dx
That sounds just like another fighter ranked in the heavyweight division’s top 10 – former title challenger Derrick Lewis.
‘The Black Beast’ holds the promotion’s record for most knockouts with 13, and he should be ready to fight soon given that his recent booking with Sergei Spivac was canceled when he fell ill.
The promotion could rebook that fight, but a bout between Lewis and Rozenstruik sounds far better. Essentially, the two big men could produce a heavyweight classic, exchanging blows and almost guaranteeing a big knockout.
Given that both men should be fresh, this bout could even be put together in early 2023. If anything, it’s a wonder they haven’t faced off already.
#2. UFC lightweight bout: Paddy Pimblett vs. Michael Johnson
The fighter who will be the hardest to match after UFC 282 is undoubtedly Paddy Pimblett. The brash Englishman picked up his fourth octagon win, edging out Jared Gordon, but many fans actually thought he deserved to lose the decision.
Pimblett undoubtedly exudes charisma and star quality, and so there’s no way Dana White and company will want him to lose just yet. However, his bout with Gordon definitely showed that he’s not ready for an elite-level foe right now.
So a solid opponent for him could be Michael Johnson. ‘The Menace’ has been with the UFC for well over a decade now, and while he’s an explosive striker who won his last fight, he’s definitely got some flaws.
Unanimous for Michael Johnson!
@Menace155 takes the victory over Marc Diakiese at #UFCOrlando 👊 https://t.co/bhZsmN5YSs
Could Johnson’s fast hands give ‘The Baddy’ some issues? Absolutely, but Pimblett’s more active style, as well as his excellent ground game, should be enough to give him an advantage overall.
This would be a risky fight for Pimblett, but it’d also be one worth making. A win over a veteran like Johnson, at this point in the Englishman’s career, would be priceless.
#1. UFC light heavyweight bout: Jan Blachowicz vs. Magomed Ankalaev
While the fight didn’t exactly deliver fireworks, it’s safe to say that there’s still unfinished business between Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev. Their headliner at UFC 282 went the distance and ended in a controversial split draw.
Although many fans thought Ankalaev deserved the nod, whether the Dagestani did enough on the ground in the final three rounds to offset Blachowicz’s early striking advantage is still questionable.
Blachowicz vs. Ankalaev is just the 5th draw in UFC championship history.
It joins Uno-Penn, Edgar-Maynard, Woodley-Thompson, and Figueiredo-Moreno.
Sure, the vacant light heavyweight title will now go to either Glover Teixeira or Jamahal Hill, but a rematch between Blachowicz and Ankalaev still makes sense.
More to the point, this time around, the promotion should make it a three-rounder, meaning they could avoid booking it as a headliner. After all, the initial booking was set to be that way and with two fewer rounds, it might make the two 205lbers push the action a little harder.
Should the winner of this rematch be granted a shot at the new champion, whoever that might be? In all honesty, whether Dana White liked the first fight or not, the answer is yes. Many fans probably see Ankalaev as the true champion right now anyway.
Either way, the Dagestani really needs to beat Blachowicz before moving forward, and so this rematch should be signed as soon as possible.