Potential matchups after UFC Fight Night; Sterling vs Zalal

Aljamain Sterling battles Jean Silva for the No. 1 contender spot

Sterling put on a grappling clinic vs Youssef Zalal. The former champion showed that he is still a contender and deserves a shot at the belt. 

Sterling lost to No. 1 contender Movsar Evloev in their bout. It was a back and forth match, which displayed elite MMA grappling. Evloev is predicted to be the next matchup for current champ Alexander Volkanovski. 

Silva is the other contender in serious contention to face Volkanovski. Until the fight is announced, nothing is guaranteed. It seems Evloev will finally get his shot, so Silva needs an opponent. 

Sterling’s elite grappling and Silva’s unpredictable, but vicious striking would be a great fight for the fans. It would be a great matchup for both to prove their claim for a shot at the title and it would avoid both waiting for a shot instead of fighting. This would make an excellent fight night main event or co-main event of a numbered event.

Youssef Zalal faces the loser of Arnold Allen and Melquizael Costa

Zalal was on a five-fight win streak since returning to the UFC after being cut in 2022. He was able to win a round against Sterling, but was dominated throughout the fight, even giving up a 10-8 round. He will have to work his way back up to be seen as a real contender. 

Allen and Costa would both be great matchups for Zalal. Both Allen and Costa are dangerous strikers. The winner of their bout scheduled for May 16, will certainly be looking to get a matchup in the top 5 of the featherweight division. The loser will be in the same boat as Zalal, working their way back to contention. It makes a ton of sense for all fighters.

Joselyne Edwards takes on Raquel Pennington

No. 11 Edwards was able to edge a decision over No. 3 bantamweight Norma Dumont. She got a hard-fought win and should be rewarded with tough competition. Both Edwards and Pennington are slick strikers that are fun to watch. Facing a former champion in Pennington, Edwards could show she is ready for an opportunity at the title.

With current champion Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes expected to still fight after their bout was scrapped in Jan because of a Harrison injury, Edwards and Pennington will need to fight someone. It might as well be each other.

Raoni Barcelos takes on Raul Rosas Jr.

Barcelos was able to keep his hot-streak alive by getting the decision over No. 14 ranked bantamweight Montel Jackson. 

Barcelos has been somewhat of a gatekeeper in the bantamweight division. He was able to beat some great fighters like No. 10 ranked Payton Talbott. At 38 years old it’s hard to imagine him making a legitimate run at the title, but he can keep taking on fighters who need to prove their rankings.

Rosas Jr. is a great grappler and has all the tools to beat Barcelos. Rosas Jr. entered the rankings after his most recent win over Rob Font. Barcelos is also a very good grappler with sharp striking. If Rosas Jr. can beat him, he can prove he’s worthy of a top 10 opponent. 

Ryan Spann takes on Marcin Tybura

Spann had a vicious knockout against Marcus Buchecha in the second round of their bout.

He’s shown he can fight with the heavyweights after moving up after spending the beginning of his career at light heavyweight.

Spann is a hard-hitting puncher with the ability to submit opponents when he lands on top as well. The heavyweight division is starving for prospects. At 34, Spann isn’t the youngest, but if he takes on No. 12 ranked Tybura and wins convincingly, he could be right in the conversation as a contender in the division.