UFC Nashville Winners: Who Should They Fight Next?

UFC Nashville marked an exciting return for the promotion, showcasing a battle of experience versus youth as veterans like Derrick Lewis, Stephen Thompson, and Calvin Kattar faced rising stars in the MMA world. While the event featured thrilling matchups, only “The Black Beast,” Derrick Lewis, emerged victorious. As we assess the outcomes, we examine who these fighters—Lewis, Gabriel Bonfim, Steve Garcia, Morgan Charrière, Vitor Petrino, and Tuco Tokkos—should challenge next, highlighting the significant implications for their careers in the ever-evolving UFC landscape.

Derrick Lewis: The Black Beast’s Future in the Heavyweight Division

Derrick Lewis showcased once again why he remains a fan favourite in the heavyweight division. Known for his explosive power and entertaining fights, Lewis continues to defy age, delivering a knockout against his opponent with a signature punch. Despite being 40 years old, Lewis demonstrates that he is far from done in the Octagon. His impressive finish at UFC Nashville opens up exciting opportunities against other fighters still within the heavyweight ranks.

The UFC may look to rebook the matchup between Lewis and Jhonata Diniz, a fight that was initially scheduled last November. This bout would provide both fighters ample stakes, with Lewis looking to extend his legacy and Diniz aiming to prove himself against an experienced veteran. However, the winner of the upcoming fight between Martin Buday and Marcus ‘Buchecha’ Almeida might also be an enticing choice for Lewis, potentially setting the stage for a clash that could showcase the evolution of the heavyweight division.

Gabriel Bonfim: Riding Controversial Victory in the Welterweight Ranks

Gabriel Bonfim emerged from UFC Nashville with a controversial win that sparked debates among fans and analysts alike. While two of the three judges scored the fight in his favour, many believed that Stephen Thompson deserved the nod. This split decision could accelerate Bonfim’s rise in the ranking, but raises questions about his readiness for tougher competition. The young fighter will need to prove that he can handle the pressure of higher-ranked opponents, especially after such a contentious bout.

The challenges ahead for Bonfim are significant, and it is crucial for him to shake off the scrutiny from this fight. He is likely to face the winner of the matchup between Muslim Salikhov and Carlos Leal, who are both known for their striking capabilities. A fight against either of these opponents will provide Bonfim with a chance to solidify his rankings credibility while pushing him to deliver a more convincing performance to quell the doubters.

Steve Garcia: Aiming for Top Featherweight Contenders

Steve Garcia’s performance at UFC Nashville not only ended his opponent Calvin Kattar’s knockout streak but also solidified his standing among featherweight contenders. With a dominant win where all judges scored the fight in Garcia’s favour, it’s clear he has established himself as a dangerous threat in the division. Now comes the question of who he should face next, as Garcia’s trajectory seems aimed skywards following this victory.

A showdown with Josh Emmett appears to be an intriguing next step for Garcia. Both fighters share a history of facing common opponents, and this matchup would not just serve as a test of Garcia’s capabilities against a former title challenger but also potentially set him up for a future title shot if victorious. The stakes would be high, and the fight has all the makings of an entertaining card with strong implications in the featherweight landscape.

Morgan Charrière: A Comeback Story in the Featherweight Division

Morgan Charrière’s knockout victory over Nate Landwehr was a pivotal moment for him at UFC Nashville, particularly following a disappointing performance earlier in the year. The explosive finish not only reinvigorated his career but also ensured his potential participation in the upcoming Paris card, allowing him to capitalise on the momentum of his recent success. Charrière’s ability to maintain composure and find his moment to strike speaks volumes about his skill set.

Looking ahead, a matchup with Julian Erosa could serve as an excellent gauge of Charrière’s abilities against seasoned competition. Erosa, known for his toughness and striking, would present a challenging yet exciting opportunity for Charrière to solidify his standing in the UFC’s featherweight division. This fight would not only carry immediate significance for both fighters but would also capture the attention of fans anticipating a display of skill and determination.

Vitor Petrino’s Heavyweight Journey: A Test of Adaptation

Vitor Petrino’s move to heavyweight was met with scepticism, particularly following two tough losses in 2024. However, his victory over Austen Lane at UFC Nashville, albeit against a less renowned opponent, showcased his potential to adapt in this new weight class. Petrino’s moving forward was marked by a strong finish, which may reinvigorate his career ambitions within the UFC. Still, many are left questioning whether he can compete against tougher heavyweights.

To better assess Petrino’s transitioning abilities, a matchup against Mohammed Usman seems fitting. Both fighters are at pivotal points in their careers, not having faced the elite of the division yet. This bout could provide necessary insights into Petrino’s future as a heavyweight contender while simultaneously offering Usman the chance to elevate his status within the sport.

Tuco Tokkos: Fighting for Survival in the Light Heavyweight Division

After losing his first two UFC bouts, Tuco Tokkos entered UFC Nashville with a sense of urgency, aware that his career was on the line. Securing a finish against Junior Tafa not only saved his spot in the organisation but also highlighted his grappling skills, particularly his decisive rear-naked choke in the second round. This fight served as a turning point for Tokkos, proving that he could compete under pressure.

Next, lining up a fight against Ivan Erslan appears to be a prudent choice. Both fighters share similar records and could be equally motivated to secure their place in the UFC. This bout could foster a competitive atmosphere where the stakes are high, ensuring that both athletes bring their best for the chance to stay relevant in the light heavyweight division.

In conclusion, UFC Nashville showcased a mix of veteran grit and emerging talent, setting the stage for exciting matchups ahead. As fighters like Derrick Lewis and Steve Garcia seek new challenges, fans are left wondering which rising stars will prove their worth in the Octagon. Who are you most eager to see back in action?

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