UFC 296 concluded another busy year for the world leading MMA promotion. Let’s see what lies ahead for the main card winners in 2024 including a long-awaited rematch between Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammed.
Leon Edwards vs Belal Muhammed
Leon Edwards has cemented his championship yet again with a win over one of the premier names at welterweight. His methodical destruction of Colby Covington in a unanimous decision showcased his accurate striking, fight IQ, and underrated abilities in grappling range.
Even though Leon Edwards was not enthused at the idea in the post-fight press conference, Belal Muhammed should be next in line. The premature ending to their first fight would give more than enough fuel for a marketable build up while not touching the forced feeling of Covington’s title challenge.
Muhammed defeated Gilbert Burns at UFC 288 in his last bout.
Alexandre Pantoja vs Amir Albazi
Much like the first time they met, Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Royval scrapped in every sense of the word. Between the striking exchanges that were equal parts brutal and technical, the fast-paced grappling battles, and the test of determination, the flyweight title fight couldn’t have been much more entertaining to watch.
And much like the first time they met, Alexandre Pantoja proved to be just a bit better than Royval in every area.
Ideally, Amir Albazi would be next up. His six-fight winning streak more than qualifies for a championship opportunity. However, he is fighting Brandon Moreno in February, potentially setting up a fourth fight between Pantoja and Moreno.
If Moreno gets past Albazi, the winner of Manel Kape and Matheus Nicolau would serve as a suitable alternative.
Also Read: Michael Page Officially Signs, Set For UFC 299 Event
Shavkat Rakhmanov vs Sean Brady
Persistence was the main avenue to victory for Shavkat Rakhmanov. Despite having his previous efforts to takedown Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson turned into stalemates against the fence, Rakhmanov stuck to his guns and finally got the karateka to the floor to find a rear naked choke in the second round.
Shavkat Rakhmanov’s overall record and recent performances scream welterweight title shot. In a world without Belal Muhammed’s unbeaten streak and history with Leon Edwards, he’d be the clear next contender. However, that and the upcoming schedule for other high ranked 170 pounders isn’t doing him any favors.
He either has to fight down in the rankings or wait until someone higher up is available. With Edwards fresh off of a 25-minute fight and other pivotal contests in the division happening in March, if Rakhmanov wants to remain active Sean Brady is his best option. Earlier this month, Brady submitted Kelvin Gastelum in the third round.
But don’t be surprised to see him picked as the backup for a future Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammed bout.
Paddy Pimblett vs Drakkar Klose
After underwhelming against Jared Gordon last December, Paddy Pimblett was seeking a signature win. As far as name value was concerned, he earned that win against former interim champion Tony Ferguson. But beyond the decision, the 24-fight veteran showed that there is still tremendous room for improvement.
Even though he was a little more defensively sound and patient, Pimblett found himself in some bad spots against the well-past-his-prime Ferguson. With that mind, the UFC might want to rethink its determination to push him into the spotlight in such a stacked weight class.
Drakkar Klose would be the perfect next opponent. Tough and unranked, it would provide the perfect “sink or swim” scenario for Pimblett. Klose defeated Joe Solecki by first round KO on Dec. 2.
Also Read: Paddy Pimblett next fight: 3 opponent options for ‘The Baddy’ including Bobby Green
Josh Emmet vs Edson Barboza
If you’ve already made your list of 2023’s best knockouts, then you need to revise it. Josh Emmett’s one punch KO of Bryce Mitchell will stand the test of time as one of the most visceral finishes in the sport’s history.
As memorable as Emmett’s overhead right and Mitchell convulsing on the canvas was, it still was a rebound win following a pair of lopsided losses to Ilia Topuria and Yair Rodriguez which means he has still has a lot to prove before contendership makes sense.
Let’s look toward another veteran looking for a final run at the top for Emmet’s next outing: Edson Barboza. Barboza earned a decision win over Sodiq Yusuff in October.
