Fights to make after UFC 281 – What’s next for the winners?

Alex Pereira defeated Israel Adesanya at UFC 281. Photo via Twitter (UFC)

The massive UFC 281 is in the books, and what an exciting show it turned out to be!

Let’s take a look at fights to make when the dust has settled.

Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya 2

Alex Pereira defeated Israel Adesanya at UFC 281. Photo via Twitter (UFC)

Since Israel Adesanya was such a dominant champion, and minutes away from winning the fight, it’s not a wild guess that the UFC will book the two rivals for a second clash in the octagon.

At least UFC president Dana White seemed up for an immediate rematch.

“I wouldn’t rule it out,” UFC President Dana White said at the UFC 281 post-fight presser.

”Israel was absolutely confident going into this fight, too. Never once did he look like he was scared of this guy or worried about it. He was picking him apart.”

Zhang Weili vs. Namajunas or Lemos

Zhang Weilie (left) and Rose Namajunas (right). Photo via UFC

Two-time champion Zhang Weili has two options. The first is a trilogy fight to avenge her losses against Rose Namajunas.

The bout makes sense from a financial point of view as they are both the biggest names in the division. However, Namajunas comes from a title fight loss and might need a win to deserve a new chance to fight for the belt.

Option number two is a fight against No. 3 ranked Amanda Lemos who’s got back-to-back wins over Michelle Waterson and Marina Rodriguez.

Dustin Poirier vs. Beneil Dariush

Dustin Poirier. Photo: Jeff Bottari/Handout Photo via USA TODAY Sports

No. 2 ranked Dustin Poirier is in a good position after defeating Michael Chandler.

The fight that makes most sense for ”The Diamond”, is a title eliminator against overlooked Beneil Dariush, who rides a eight-fight winning streak.

Chris Gutiérrez vs. Ricky Simon

Chris Gutierrez. Photo via Instagram (@el_guapo_mma)

Chris Gutiérrez has not lost a fight since November 2018, and currently rides a four-fight winning streak. After the recent win against Frankie Edgar, he should break the bantamweight rankings.

A fight against No. 11 ranked Ricky Simon would be a good next opponent for the Boston fighter.

Dan Hooker vs. Grant Dawson

Dan ”The Hangman” Hooker. Foto: Jasmin Frank – USA TODAY Sports

12. ranked lightweight Dan Hooker is back on track after his dominant second-round TKO win over  Claudio Puelles at UFC 281.

With the victory, ”Hangman” is back in the win column again after back-to-back losses against Islam Makhachev and Arnold Allen.

A fight with No. 15 ranked Grant Dawson, who recently defeated Mark Madsen, would be an interesting one for the fans.

Erin Blanchfield

Erin Blanchfield. Foto via Instagram: (@blanchfield_mma)

After defeating the hyped Molly ”Meatball” McCann at UFC 281, No 12. ranked flyweight Erin Blanchfield should get a higher ranked opponent.

No. 9 ranked Andrea Lee would be a good opponent for 23-year-old Blanchfield, who’s undefeated in the promotion with four straight wins.

UFC 281 – Official results

Main Card

• Middleweight title fight: Alex Pereira def. Israel Adesanya via TKO (punches), round 5
• Strawweight title fight: Zhang Weili def. Carla Esparza via submission (RNC), round 2
• Lightweight: Dustin Poirier def. Michael Chandler via submission (RNC), round 3
• Bantamweight: Chris Gutierrez def. Frankie Edgar via KO (knee), round 1
• Lightweight: Dan Hooker def. Claudio Puelles via TKO (bodykick), round 2

Prelims

• Lightweight: Renato Moicano def. Brad Riddell via submission (rear naked choke), round 1
• Light heavyweight: Ryan Spann def. Dominick Reyes via KO, round 1
• Women’s flyweight: Erin Blanchfield def. Molly McCann via sub (kimura), round 1
• Middleweight: Andre Petroski def. Wellington Turman via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Early prelims

• Lightweight: Matt Frevola def. Ottman Azaitar by KO (punches), round 1
• Women’s strawweight: Karolina Kowalkiewicz def. Silvana Gomez Juarez via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Featherweight: Michael Trizano def. Seung Woo Choi via KO, round 1
• Bantamweight: Montel Jackson def. Julio Arce via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
• Light heavyweight: Carlos Ulberg def. Nicolae Negumereanu via KO, round 1

Read more: Samuel Bark feuding with UFC star Paddy Pimblett, social media beef HEATING UP following KO win

Subscribe to Frontkick.online on YouTube for the best MMA videos in Scandinavia, and make sure to follow us on Instagram for the latest news and updates!