Next Matchups For UFC Fight Night: Dolidze vs. Hernandez

Barriault put on a show in a loss to Shara Magomedov, but it is hard to see him as any sort of danger to the younger, bigger, faster Duncan. Additionally, the UFC has shown willingness to feed Barriault to the wolves in the past, matching him up with Joe Pyfer and Magomedov, two fights in which the Canadian was a heavy underdog. Perhaps a next matchup in Vancouver could entice Barriault into accepting another difficult fight.

Next Matchups: Jean Matsumoto vs. Cody Garbrandt

Matsumoto’s upcoming trip to the Octagon should be carefully thought over by UFC CEO Dana White. The 25-year-old has all of the makings of a future champion: fantastic, dynamic striking, a black belt in jiu-jitsu, and serviceable, steadily improving takedown defense. Every one of those skills was on display in Matsumoto’s razor-close win against Miles Johns, and should further the perception of the Brazilian as a future contender at 135.

Even for a future contender, a slow build is the correct move here as far as the next matchups are concerned. Matsumoto is young, and Johns and a close decision loss to Rob Font have proven that he is not ready for the top yet. Enter Cody Garbrandt. A big name with a championship resume, a Garbrandt matchup could fulfill two purposes: drawing big names to Matsumoto, and testing him with a former champion. Book it on the prelims of an end-of-year pay-per-view.

Next Matchups: Andre Fili vs. Nate Landwehr

Somehow, these two have not fought yet. Fili continued his win-one, lose-one pattern with a fun fight against Christian Rodriguez, once again proving his ability to please a crowd. Using him as a gatekeeper is an option, but fans prefer next matchups that do more than promote a name. A fight with Landwehr, another guy who is no stranger to a knock-down, drag-out affair, is sure to draw the eyes the UFC wants. This is another one that should land on November’s or December’s PPV.

Next Matchups: Iasmin Lucindo vs. Mackenzie Dern

Lucindo is now 5-2 in the UFC and primed for a push to the top in a fairly thin strawweight division. One of the women who defeated her, Amanda Lemos, also beat Dern, and with the rest of the top dogs at 115 booked up, this is the best option. Lucindo would enter the fight as a substantial favorite, continuing the trajectory to the top that the UFC undoubtedly has in mind for her in a division that is quickly growing stale.

Next Matchups: Steve Erceg vs. Andre Lima

What an enigma Erceg has turned out to be. The Aussie has given the best flyweights in the world all they can handle, but the three-fight losing streak Erceg finally shattered last weekend speaks for itself. There is a path to the top for him, but it is an arduous, painstaking one that should feature Erceg defending his ranking at flyweight next time out.

Conveniently, Andre Lima is overdue for a shot at the top 15 after racking up four wins in the UFC, and Erceg’s recent history leaves a lot to be desired. Lima also presents a very winnable fight for Erceg, and a chance to build up some confidence before an earnest push up the ladder begins for a second time.

Next Matchups: Anthony Hernandez vs. Reinier de Ridder

There are a variety of potential next matchups for Hernandez after his main event mauling of Dolidze. A meeting with Israel Adesanya is certainly on the table, but that feels like a complete disservice to the former champ, one that would likely end in a one-sided strangling for Hernandez. Instead, a grappling extravaganza against de Ridder offers a high pace, ridiculous scrambles, and a way to bring legitimate title implications to the new generation of middleweights.

While some might feel that RDR deserves a title shot following his win over Robert Whittaker, another victory will be in order after the UFC’s trip to Paris is complete. Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho will show down for the right to challenge for the title in Paris, pushing de Ridder and Hernandez down the chain of command. A headline spot at the end of the year, or in early 2026, would suit both men perfectly as they try to clinch a date with the champion.