UFC battle evening in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil resulted in gorgeous vogue with Charles Oliveira submitting Mateusz Gamrot with a rear bare choke within the second spherical of their bout. The UFC matchmakers have work to do getting these guys their subsequent fights, right here’s who they might resolve.
Charles Oliveira challenges for the BMF belt
After the battle, Oliveira spoke by way of his translator within the post-fight interview, saying that he wish to problem the present no. 3 light-weight contender and BMF belt holder, Max Holloway.
“Max is a man I’ve whole respect for,” Oliveira mentioned, through ESPN MMA. “It might be one thing superb. Why not?”
This may be an excellent battle to make. After Oliveira was knocked out shortly within the first spherical by Ilia Topuria for the vacant Light-weight championship in June at UFC 317, he received’t be the fighter getting the subsequent shot in opposition to Topuria.
Oliveira appeared to know that, and is keen to battle once more even when it isn’t for an undisputed championship. The BMF belt he desires is a symbolic belt somewhat than an actual undisputed championship.
With just about each different prime contender within the division already matched up for fights, Holloway is smart for Oliveira each stylistically and timeline sensible.
This may be a rematch for Oliveira and Holloway. Holloway was in a position to get the TKO win on account of an harm to Oliveira in 2015 once they first met at featherweight.
If Oliveira can end or decisively beat a sophisticated striker like Holloway, it’ll show he’s deserving of a rematch with Topuria for the light-weight title.
If for some purpose that matchup doesn’t work out, Oliveira may battle the present No. 7 ranked contender Paddy Pimblett. This may be the hardest check of Pimblett’s profession and will ascend him to the title. For Oliveira, it might show he nonetheless is ready to beat true contenders and may nonetheless win the belt.
Mateusz Gamrot has to battle decrease within the rankings
Gamrot is in type of no-man’s-land following the loss to Oliveira. As acknowledged earlier than, virtually all the contenders which can be ranked larger than him are booked for his or her subsequent fights.
The battle that most likely makes essentially the most sense is a rematch with No. 10 ranked Rafael Fiziev. Gamrot changed Fiziev in opposition to Oliveira on brief discover on account of a Fiziev harm throughout his camp.
This battle is smart as a result of their first battle was very shut till Fiziev injured his leg, leading to a TKO victory for Gamrot. This may give Gamrot a possibility to solidify his prior win and quiet those that imagine he solely received due to the harm.
It is smart for Fiziev as nicely. He was anticipated to problem excessive up the rankings in opposition to Oliveira, however having to drag out will harm his possibilities at difficult somebody larger ranked than Gamrot.
An alternative choice may very well be Pimblett, though it wouldn’t be optimum from Pimblett’s perspective. He confronted off with Topuria after UFC 317, so he’s anticipating to battle for the title. With everybody else booked, nevertheless, Gamrot could also be Pimblett’s solely choice to remain lively and show he’s prepared for the title.
It might be an incredible alternative for Gamrot to battle Pimblett. He may transfer up the rankings once more and show he’s nonetheless a severe contender if he can beat Pimblett decisively.
