Who’s Next After UFC 315? Potential Bouts for Winners Della Maddalena, Shevchenko & More

In the aftermath of UFC 315, where Jack Della Maddalena emerged victorious in the main event against Belal Muhammad, all eyes are now on what’s next for the night’s top winners. Della Maddalena is being urged to square off against Shavkat Rakhmonov, while Valentina Shevchenko should gear up for a title defence against rising contender Natalia Silva. Additionally, Aiemann Zahabi may face the winner of the upcoming bout between Marlon Vera and Mario Bautista, and Benoit Saint Denis is poised to finally clash with Joel Alvarez. These potential matchups promise to significantly shape the future of their respective divisions.

Jack Della Maddalena: Next Steps for the Welterweight Champion

Jack Della Maddalena’s performance at UFC 315 in Montreal showcased not only his striking prowess but also his ability to handle pressure against formidable opponents like Belal Muhammad. With his victory, Della Maddalena solidified his position at the top of the welterweight division, sparking immediate discussions about potential matchups that could further elevate his career. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see whether the new champion can maintain his momentum, and a fight against undefeated contender Shavkat Rakhmonov would be a compelling next step that aligns with the current rankings and fan interest.

Rakhmonov’s diverse skill set, encompassing elite striking and grappling, has earned him a reputation as one of the most dangerous contenders in the division. Matching him against Della Maddalena would create a fascinating clash of styles, as both fighters are known for their dynamism and finishing ability inside the Octagon. An official announcement regarding this highly anticipated matchup would undoubtedly draw significant attention, especially since both fighters are currently riding impressive winning streaks.

Valentina Shevchenko: Potential Showdown with Top Contender Natalia Silva

Valentina Shevchenko’s victory at UFC 315 reinforced her status as one of the most dominant champions in UFC history. Following her win calls for a potential super fight with strawweight champion Zhang Weili were echoed across social media, fueled by Zhang’s post-fight requests. While such a cross-divisional matchup might entice some fans, the compelling case for Natalia Silva as the next challenger cannot be overlooked. Silva’s impressive victory against former champion Alexa Grasso at the same event not only showcased her high-level skills but also solidified her position as a top contender, arguably the number one contender, in the flyweight division.

Silva, currently on a remarkable 13-fight win streak, has demonstrated significant growth and proven her elite status within the UFC. A matchup against her would provide Shevchenko with a fresh and dangerous challenge. Giving Silva a chance at the title would not only honour her impressive achievements and sustained success but also set up a compelling narrative as she strives to dethrone the long-reigning queen of the flyweights.

Aiemann Zahabi: Eyes on the Bantamweight Division’s Future

Aiemann Zahabi’s victory over former champion Jose Aldo at UFC 315 was a pivotal moment, signalling his arrival in the upper echelons of the bantamweight division. After his impressive performance, Zahabi expressed interest in facing Marlon Vera, a widely respected and popular name in the sport. However, the timing presents a challenge, as Vera is currently slated to face Mario Bautista in an upcoming bout at UFC 316.

Zahabi now finds himself in a prime position to potentially face the winner of that crucial matchup, making it essential for him to stay ready and remain actively engaged in training. With six consecutive wins, the momentum is clearly on Zahabi’s side, and a showdown against either the veteran Vera or the surging Bautista could significantly propel him further toward title contention in the stacked bantamweight division.

Benoit Saint-Denis: Request to Rebook with Joel Alvarez

Benoit Saint Denis delivered a strong performance at UFC 315 by submitting Kyle Prepolec, marking a significant milestone in his career following a tough loss. Following the fight, many in attendance and online were vocal about their interest in seeing him finally face Joel Alvarez, who had previously withdrawn from their scheduled matchup due to injury. Given that Saint Denis came out of his recent fight relatively unscathed, now appears to be the perfect moment for the UFC to rebook this highly anticipated clash.

The stakes would be considerable for both fighters, as they are eager to establish themselves as major threats in the competitive lightweight division. An immediate fight with Alvarez would not only provide closure for their earlier cancellation but would also showcase two exciting, aggressive fighters in what promises to be a thrilling bout. Fans are hopeful that the UFC will recognize the strong demand for this matchup and arrange it as soon as Alvarez is medically cleared and ready to compete.

UFC 315 delivered thrilling matchups and set the stage for pivotal next steps in the careers of its main card winners. Jack Della Maddalena’s anticipated clash with Shavkat Rakhmonov in the welterweight division and Valentina Shevchenko’s potential face Natalia Silva for the flyweight title stand out as crucial bouts that could significantly shape the future landscape of their respective divisions. Additionally, key matchups for Aiemann Zahabi and Benoit Saint Denis will further impact the bantamweight and lightweight rankings. Who are you most excited to see step into the Octagon next?

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